Emergency call system

Abstract

To provide an emergency call system that can be easily constructed without high precision in the installation location and direction of an apparatus and that can identify the location of an emergency call.SOLUTION: An emergency call system includes an emergency call apparatus, in-floor location discriminators, and an emergency call signal receiver. One or more in-floor location discriminators are installed on the ceiling. During an emergency call, the emergency call apparatus sends an emergency call signal B to the in-floor location discriminators, and the in-floor location discriminators display a receiving direction and send an emergency call signal C to the emergency call signal receiver. The emergency call signal receiver displays individual identification information of the emergency call apparatus and individual identification information of the in-floor location discriminators.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency call system, and in particular to an emergency call system using wireless communication that can identify the location where an emergency call is made indoors. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, emergency call systems have used a portable wireless transmitter as a transmitting terminal, and in response to the operation of a push button switch on the transmitter or the detection of a fall detection sensor, a specific signal is transmitted via radio waves, which is then received by a receiver installed in another location to make an emergency call (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] In addition, as a positioning method used for position detection, a highly accurate method using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as a wireless Global Positioning System (GPS) is generally used outdoors. However, since GNSS radio waves are difficult to reach indoors, there are methods for wireless positioning, such as a method of receiving radio waves transmitted from a wireless communication device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) and estimating distance from the received signal strength (RSSI, Received Signal Strength Indicator), and a method of calculating distance from the time (ToA, Time of Arrival) from the transmission of radio waves to the reception of radio waves using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and estimating position. In order to estimate position more accurately as a two-dimensional plane or three-dimensional space, a method of installing multiple receiving terminals and calculating position like triangulation, a method of receiving radio waves transmitted from a wireless communication device such as BLE or UWB with multiple antennas and estimating position from the angle of arrival (AoA), and an Indoor Messaging System (IMES) are generally used. The calculated location information is displayed on map data such as a previously created floor plan, allowing visual confirmation.

[0004] Emergency call systems are widely used to connect shopping mall staff and offices, hospital patients and nurses' stations, elderly care facility users and staff stations, senior housing residents and management offices, factory workers and management offices, and so on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-205374 [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-98928 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to display location information on map data in an emergency call system, it is necessary to prepare the map and set the location of a device that determines the location on the map. It is also necessary to accurately set the location and direction of the device that determines the location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) In order to solve the above problems, there is provided an emergency call system for use within a building, the emergency call system comprising an emergency call device having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, an in-floor position discriminator having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, and an emergency call signal receiver having a wireless receiving unit, one or more in-floor position discriminators are installed on a ceiling, the emergency call device transmits an in-floor position discriminator signal including its own individual identification information to the in-floor position discriminator at a constant period, and upon receiving the in-floor position discriminator from the emergency call device, the in-floor position discriminator stores for a constant period the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received in-floor position discriminator signal and the direction in which the in-floor position discriminator is received, and The call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information to the within-floor position discriminator, and when the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time, the within-floor position discriminator displays the receiving direction of the within-floor position discriminator signal transmitted from the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time corresponding to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device, and transmits an emergency call signal C including the individual identification information of the emergency call device that transmitted the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the within-floor position discriminator itself to the emergency call signal receiver, and the emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the within-floor position discriminator contained in the received emergency call signal C.

[0008] (2) Also, there is provided an emergency call system for use within a building, the emergency call system comprising an emergency call device having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, a floor discriminator having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, an in-floor position discriminator having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, and an emergency call signal receiver having a wireless receiver, one or more of the floor discriminators being installed on the ceiling of each floor and having floor information stored therein, and one or more of the in-floor position discriminators being installed on the ceiling of each floor and having floor information stored therein. The floor information stored in the floor discriminator is stored in the floor discriminator, and the emergency call device transmits a floor position discrimination signal including its own individual identification information to the floor discriminator at a constant cycle, and transmits an in-floor position discrimination signal including its own individual identification information and existing floor information to the in-floor position discriminator at a constant cycle, and the floor discriminator has a receiving area α at a predetermined angle in the vertical downward direction and a receiving area β adjacent to the receiving area α and located on the outside, and on the floor surface of the floor on which the floor discriminator is installed, the receiving area of ​​the floor discriminator installed one level above is detected within a range including the combined range of the receiving area α and the receiving area β. and when the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is received from the receiving area α or the receiving area β, the emergency call device transmits to the emergency call device a signal A including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received floor position discrimination signal, the received area information, and the floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed, and when the emergency call device receives one or more of the signals A transmitted by the floor discriminator containing its own individual identification information during a predetermined time period from the completion of transmission of the floor position discrimination signal, when the area information included in the signal AL in which the floor discriminator itself is installed in the received signal A is the lowest floor, the emergency call device updates the existing floor information to the floor in which the floor discriminator itself is installed contained in the signal AL to be the floor in which the emergency call device itself is located, and when the area information included in the signal AL in which the floor discriminator itself is installed in the received signal A is the lowest floor, the emergency call device retains the existing floor information without updating it, and when the area information included in the signal AL in which the floor discriminator itself is installed is the lowest floor, the emergency call device receives the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device,When the location floor information included in the in-floor position discrimination signal matches with the floor information on which the in-floor position discrimination device itself is installed, the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received in-floor position discrimination signal and the receiving direction of the in-floor position discrimination signal are stored for a certain period of time, and when an emergency call is made, the emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the in-floor position discrimination device, and the in-floor position discrimination device receives the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B and stores the individual identification information of the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time. When the individual identification information matches the individual identification information of the matched emergency call device, the receiving direction of the intra-floor position discrimination signal transmitted from the emergency call device that has been stored for a certain period of time corresponding to the individual identification information of the matched emergency call device is displayed, and an emergency call signal C including the individual identification information of the emergency call device that transmitted the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the intra-floor position discrimination device itself is transmitted to the emergency call signal receiver, and the emergency call signal receiver preferably displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the intra-floor position discrimination device that are included in the received emergency call signal C.

[0009] (3) In the emergency call system described in (2), at the time of an emergency call, the emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the located floor information to the hierarchical identifier, and when the located floor information included in the received emergency call signal B matches the hierarchical identifier's own installed hierarchical identifier information, the hierarchical identifier transmits an emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the hierarchical identifier itself to the emergency call signal receiver, and it is preferable that the emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the hierarchical identifier included in the received emergency call signal D.

[0010] (4) In the emergency call system described in any one of (1) to (3), it is preferable that the signal used during the emergency call is a radio wave having a frequency of less than 1 GHz, and that the signals other than the signal used during the emergency call are radio waves having a frequency of 1 GHz or more.

[0011] (5) In the emergency call system described in (4), it is preferable that the floor position discriminator has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in a direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio waves.

[0012] (6) In the emergency call system described in (1), when the in-floor position discriminator receives the in-floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, it preferably stores the distance to the received emergency call device for a certain period of time, and when an emergency call is made, when the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information stored for the certain period of time, the in-floor position discriminator displays the distance to the emergency call device that corresponds to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device and that has been stored for a certain period of time.

[0013] In the emergency call system described in (7)(6), it is preferable that the floor position discriminator has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in a direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio waves.

[0014] In the emergency call system described in (8) and (7), it is preferable that, when an emergency call is made, the floor position discriminator indicates the distance to the emergency call device by the difference in the blinking cycle or brightness or both of the light source.

[0015] In the emergency call system described in (9)(2), when the in-floor position discrimination device receives the in-floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, if the floor information contained in the in-floor position discrimination signal matches the floor information on which the in-floor position discrimination device itself is installed, it preferably stores the distance to the received emergency call device for a certain period of time, and when an emergency call is made, if the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information stored for the certain period of time, it preferably displays the distance to the emergency call device that corresponds to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device and that has been stored for a certain period of time.

[0016] (10) In the emergency call system described in (9), at the time of an emergency call, the emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the located floor information to the hierarchical identifier, and when the located floor information included in the received emergency call signal B matches the hierarchical identifier's own installed hierarchical identifier's own installed hierarchical identifier transmits an emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the hierarchical identifier itself to the emergency call signal receiver, and it is preferable that the emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the hierarchical identifier included in the received emergency call signal D.

[0017] (11) In the emergency call system described in (9) or (10), it is preferable that the signal used during the emergency call is a radio wave having a frequency of less than 1 GHz, and that the signals other than the signal used during the emergency call are radio waves having a frequency of 1 GHz or more.

[0018] (12) In the emergency call system described in (11), it is preferable that the floor position discriminator has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in a direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio waves.

[0019] (13) In the emergency call system described in (12), it is preferable that, when an emergency call is made, the floor position discriminator indicates the distance to the emergency call device by the difference in the blinking cycle or brightness or both of the light source.

[0020] (14) In the emergency call system described in (13), it is preferable that the in-floor position discriminator determines the distance to the emergency call device based on a value of an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the in-floor position discrimination signal received.

[0021] (15) In the emergency call system described in (13), it is preferable that the floor position discriminator measures the distance to the emergency call device by ToA (Time of Arrival). Effect of the Invention

[0022] In the present invention, map data is not required, and it is possible to determine the location of an emergency call by checking the display of the receiving direction of the floor position discriminator. In addition, the installation location and installation direction of the device do not need to be highly accurate, making it easy to install. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a floor level discriminator and a floor position discriminator on a certain floor in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a layer discriminator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of when the emergency call device according to the embodiment of the present invention updates the location floor information. FIG. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing an example when the emergency call device according to the embodiment of the present invention does not update the location floor information. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a normal state of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an emergency call according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an in-floor position discriminator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an in-floor position discriminator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a layer discriminator according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] The emergency call system of the present invention comprises an emergency call device having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, a floor identifier having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, an intra-floor position identifier having a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, and an emergency call signal receiver having a wireless receiver, and is used within a building.

[0026] The emergency call device is carried by people in the building, the floor identifier and floor position identifier are installed on the ceiling of each floor, and the emergency call signal receiver is installed in the management office or the like within the building.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a floor level discriminator and an in-floor position discriminator on a certain floor according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. 1, floor discriminator 10a is installed near the entrance to floor 1 from stairs 2, and floor discriminator 10b is installed near the entrance to floor 1 from elevator 3. In addition, floor position discriminators 21-26 are installed within floor 1.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a floor discriminator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a three-story building viewed from the horizontal direction. A floor discriminator 11 is installed on the ceiling of the first floor, a floor discriminator 12 is installed on the ceiling of the second floor, and a floor discriminator 13 is installed on the ceiling of the third floor. The floor discriminators 11, 12, and 13 each have receiving areas α1, α2, and α3 at a predetermined angle vertically downward, and receiving areas β1, β2, and β3 adjacent to and located on the outside of the receiving areas α1, α2, and α3, and are installed on the floor surface of the floor on which they are installed so that the combined range of their own receiving area α and their own receiving area β includes the entire receiving area α of the floor discriminator installed one level above. In Figure 2, the receiving areas β below the floor on which each floor discriminator is installed are omitted.

[0029] The update of the existing floor information stored in the emergency call device will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example when the emergency call device updates the existing floor information, and in Figure 2, the emergency call device 30 carried by a person in the building is present within the receiving area α2 of the floor discriminator 12 installed on the second floor. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example when the emergency call device does not update the existing floor information, and in Figure 2, the emergency call device 30 carried by a person in the building is present within the receiving area β2 of the floor discriminator 12 installed on the second floor and within the receiving area α3 of the floor discriminator 13 installed on the third floor.

[0030] The emergency call device stores its own individual identification information such as a serial number and the location floor information, and normally transmits a location determination signal including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the floor level determination device and the floor position determination device at regular intervals. In addition, the emergency call device goes into a receiving state for a predetermined time after completing transmission of the location determination signal, and when it receives a signal A including its own individual identification information during this receiving state, it performs processing related to the location floor information.

[0031] The hierarchical identifier stores its own individual identification information, such as a serial number, and the hierarchical level information in which it is installed. Under normal circumstances, when it receives a location determination signal transmitted by an emergency call device from receiving area α or receiving area β, it transmits to the emergency call device a signal A that includes the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location determination signal, the received area information, and the hierarchical level information in which the hierarchical identifier itself is installed.

[0032] The hierarchical discriminator is equipped with a wireless module equipped with multiple antennas, and measures the angle of arrival (AoA) to determine which reception area the position discrimination signal comes from.

[0033] The location determination signal and signal A are transmitted and received using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. By using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band and higher frequencies, the signal transmission time can be shortened and low current consumption can be achieved. Emergency call devices are generally battery-powered because they are carried by people, and long battery life can be achieved even if constant transmission and reception is performed at a fixed cycle.

[0034] In FIG. 3, the position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device 30 is received by the floor discriminators 11-13. The floor discriminator 11 determines that the position discrimination signal is from outside the receiving area α1 and the receiving area β1, and does not perform a transmission operation. The floor discriminator 12 determines that the position discrimination signal is from the receiving area α2, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the received position discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The floor discriminator 13 determines that the position discrimination signal is from the receiving area α3, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A3 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the received position discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α3, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed on the third floor.

[0035] In the receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device 30 receives signals A2 and A3 containing its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) which is the lowest level in terms of the level information in which the level discriminator 12 itself is installed, is the receiving area α2, the emergency call device 30 adopts the level information contained in the received signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) which indicates that the level discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor, and updates the existing floor information to the second floor.

[0036] In FIG. 4, the position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device 30 is received by the floor discriminators 11-13. The floor discriminator 11 determines that the position discrimination signal is from outside the receiving area α1 and the receiving area β1, and does not perform a transmission operation. The floor discriminator 12 determines that the position discrimination signal is from the receiving area β2, and transmits a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the received position discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is β2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The floor discriminator 13 determines that the position discrimination signal is from the receiving area α3, and transmits a signal A3 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the received position discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α3, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed on the third floor.

[0037] In the receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device 30 receives signals A2 and A3 containing its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims), which is the lowest level in terms of the level information in which the floor determination device itself is installed in the received signal A, is the receiving area β2, the emergency call device 30 retains the existing floor information without updating it.

[0038] If only receiving area α is used, when emergency call device 30 is located at the position shown in Figure 4, even though emergency call device 30 is on the second floor, the floor information indicating the third floor contained in signal A3 from floor discriminator 13 installed on the third floor would update the floor information to the third floor. However, by using two receiving areas with different ranges as receiving area α and receiving area β as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the floor information of the emergency call device can be accurately updated.

[0039] 5 and 6, the operation of the emergency call system of the present invention after the presence floor information of the floor concerned is updated when the emergency call device enters the floor will be described assuming that floor 1 is the second floor. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a normal state of the embodiment of the present invention, and in Fig. 1, the emergency call device 30 carried by a person in the building is present on floor 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an emergency call of the embodiment of the present invention, and in Fig. 5, the state is when the emergency call signal B is transmitted from the emergency call device 30.

[0040] First, the normal state will be described. The in-floor position discriminator stores its own individual identification information such as a serial number and the floor information on which it is installed, and under normal circumstances, when it receives a position discrimination signal transmitted from an emergency call device, if the location floor information contained in the position discrimination signal matches the floor information on which the in-floor position discriminator itself is installed, it transmits its own individual identification information and the distance between itself and the emergency call device to the emergency call device, and stores the received individual identification information of the emergency call device, the reception direction from the emergency call device, and the distance from the emergency call device for a fixed period of time, and after the fixed period of time has elapsed, it assumes that the emergency call device is not nearby and deletes the storage. If the location floor information contained in the position discrimination signal differs from the floor information on which the in-floor position discriminator itself is installed, the above-mentioned storage process is not performed.

[0041] The floor location detector is equipped with a wireless module equipped with multiple antennas, which measures the angle of arrival (AoA) and determines the direction from which the location detection signal is received. Also, depending on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the location detection signal, it determines the distance to the emergency call device as close if the value is large and far if the value is small.

[0042] The 2.4GHz frequency band of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) radio waves is used to transmit and receive the location determination signal. By using radio waves in the 2.4GHz band and higher frequencies, the signal transmission time can be shortened and low current consumption can be achieved. Emergency call devices are generally battery-powered because they are carried by people, and long battery life can be achieved even if constant transmission and reception is performed at a fixed cycle.

[0043] In FIG. 5, when the person carrying the emergency call device 30 enters floor 1, the floor information of the emergency call device 30 is set to the second floor as a result of signal exchange with floor identifier 10a installed near the entrance to the staircase 2 or floor identifier 10b installed near the entrance to the elevator.

[0044] The position determination signal transmitted by the emergency call device 30 is received by the in-floor position discriminators 21 to 24, but is not received by the in-floor position discriminators 25 and 26 because they are far away from the emergency call device 30.

[0045] When the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 receive the position discrimination signal, the floor information contained in the position discrimination signal is the second floor, which matches the floor information of the floor in which the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 are installed, so they transmit their own individual identification information and the distances between themselves and the emergency call device 30 to the emergency call device 30, and store for a fixed period of time the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the received position discrimination signal, the receiving direction of the position discrimination signal transmitted from the emergency call device 30, and the distance from the emergency call device 30.

[0046] The position determination signal may also be received by an in-floor position discriminator installed on another floor (not shown). In this case, the in-floor position discriminator installed on the other floor that receives the position determination signal does not process the position determination signal because the floor information included in the position determination signal is the second floor, which is different from the floor information of the in-floor position discriminator installed on the other floor itself.

[0047] Next, an emergency call will be described. When the emergency push button provided on the emergency call device is pressed or when a fall detection sensor such as a tilt sensor is detected, the emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the floor information of the location to the floor level discriminator and the floor position discriminator.

[0048] When the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time, the within-floor position discriminator displays the receiving direction of the position discrimination signal transmitted from the emergency call device that has been stored for a certain period of time corresponding to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device and displays the distance from the emergency call device, and transmits to the emergency call signal receiver an emergency call signal C that includes the individual identification information of the emergency call device that transmitted the received emergency call signal B, the individual identification information of the within-floor position discriminator itself, and floor information on where the within-floor position discriminator itself is installed.

[0049] By having the in-floor position discrimination device store the individual identification information of the emergency call device, the receiving direction from the emergency call device, and the distance from the emergency call device for a certain period of time, even if the position discrimination signal of the emergency call device or emergency call signal B cannot be received because a human body or the like becomes an obstruction, it is possible to proceed to the transmission process of emergency call signal C based on the position discrimination signal transmitted before the time when reception was not possible or the emergency call signal B transmitted after the time when reception was not possible.

[0050] When the floor information contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed, the floor discriminator transmits an emergency call signal D to the emergency call signal receiver, the emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the emergency call signal B, the individual identification information of the floor discriminator itself, and the floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed.

[0051] The emergency call signal receiver is installed in the management office or the like within the building, and upon receiving the emergency call signal C, it sounds an alarm and displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device, the individual identification information of the floor position discriminator, and the floor information on which the floor position discriminator itself is installed, which are contained in the emergency call signal C, on a display such as an LCD display or a 7-segment LED.

[0052] In addition, when the emergency call signal receiver receives the emergency call signal D, it sounds an alarm and displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device, the individual identification information of the hierarchical discriminator, and the hierarchical information in which the hierarchical discriminator itself is installed, which are contained in the emergency call signal D, on a display unit such as an LCD display or a 7-segment LED.

[0053] Emergency call signals B, C, and D use low-frequency radio waves such as those in the 300 MHz and 400 MHz bands. Unlike the higher frequencies in the gigahertz band, these reduce the effects of obstructions by people and other objects through diffraction, preventing the radio waves from reaching each device, ensuring stable signal transmission and reception.

[0054] In FIG. 6, an emergency call signal B transmitted by an emergency call device 30 is received by floor discriminators 10a and 10b and floor position discriminators 21-26. Since the in-floor position discriminators 25 and 26 do not store the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the emergency call signal B, they do not process the emergency call signal B.

[0055] The emergency call signal B may also be received by a floor discriminator or an in-floor position discriminator installed on another floor (not shown). In this case, the floor discriminator installed on another floor that receives the emergency call signal B does not process the emergency call signal B because the floor information included in the emergency call signal B is different from the floor information on which the floor discriminator is installed. The in-floor discriminator installed on another floor that receives the emergency call signal B does not store the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 included in the emergency call signal B, so does not process the emergency call signal B.

[0056] Since the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 stored in each of the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30 contained in the emergency call signal B, the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 display the stored reception direction of the position discrimination signal transmitted from the emergency call device 30 and the stored distance from the emergency call device 30, and transmit to the emergency call signal receiver an emergency call signal C including the individual identification information 30 of the received emergency call device, the individual identification information of the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 themselves, and floor information on where the in-floor position discriminators 21-24 themselves are installed. H in Fig. 6 shows that the reception direction and distance are displayed as described above.

[0057] Upon receiving the emergency call signal C, the emergency call signal receiver sounds an alarm and displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30, the individual identification information of the floor position discriminators 21-24, and the floor information on which the floor position discriminators 21-24 are installed, which are contained in the emergency call signal C, on a display unit such as an LCD display or a 7-segment LED.

[0058] Based on the display, a staff member in the management office will rush to the second floor where the floor location determination devices 21-24 are installed, and by checking the display of the receiving direction and distance, the location of the emergency call device can be estimated.

[0059] Since the location floor information included in the emergency call signal B of each of the floor discriminators 10a and 10b matches the floor information in which the floor discriminators 10a and 10b are installed, the floor discriminators 10a and 10b transmit an emergency call signal D to the emergency call signal receiver, the emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30, the individual identification information of the floor discriminators 10a and 10b themselves, and the floor information in which the floor discriminators 10a and 10b are installed.

[0060] When the emergency call signal receiver receives the emergency call signal D, it sounds an alarm and displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device 30, the individual identification information of the hierarchical discriminators 10a, 10b, and the hierarchical level information in which the hierarchical discriminators 10a, 10b are installed on a display unit such as an LCD display or a 7-segment LED.

[0061] By transmitting an emergency signal D from the hierarchical discrimination device, if a user of an emergency call device on a floor makes an emergency call before communication of a location discrimination signal is exchanged between the emergency call device and the floor location discrimination device, a staff member in the management office can be notified of the emergency.

[0062] In addition, at the time of an emergency call, the emergency call device may limit the devices that transmit the emergency call signal C or the emergency call signal D by adding the individual identification information of the nearest floor position discriminator or floor discriminator to the emergency call signal B.

[0063] The receiving direction display and distance display of the in-floor position discriminator will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams each showing an example of an in-floor position discriminator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(1) is a perspective view of the in-floor position discriminator 20a, and Fig. 7(2) is a bottom view of the in-floor position discriminator 20a. 201-208 are light sources that are connected horizontally at 360 degrees. When the in-floor position discriminator 20a receives an emergency call signal B and the stored individual identification information of the emergency call device matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the emergency call signal B, one or two light sources among the light sources 201-208 in the corresponding direction are turned on or blinked as an indication of the receiving direction of the position discrimination signal transmitted from the stored emergency call device.

[0064] In addition, the brightness, blinking cycle, color, etc. of the light source are changed according to the stored distance from the emergency call device to display the distance. For example, the distance is displayed as close as possible when the brightness is bright, far as possible when the brightness is dark, close as possible when the blinking cycle is fast, far as possible when the blinking cycle is slow, close as possible when the color is red, far as possible when the color is blue, etc. In addition, the distance may be displayed by combining the brightness and blinking cycle of the light source, or by combining the blinking cycle and color, the brightness and darkness of the light source and color, or the brightness and darkness of the light source, the blinking cycle and color.

[0065] Moreover, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged vertically to form a single light source, as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8(1) is a perspective view of the in-floor position discriminator 20b, and Fig. 8(2) is a bottom view of the in-floor position discriminator 20b. Reference numerals 211 to 218 denote light sources, which are connected horizontally in a 360-degree pattern. When the in-floor position discriminator 20b receives an emergency call signal B and finds that the stored individual identification information of the emergency call device matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the emergency call signal B, one or two of the light sources 211 to 218 in the corresponding direction are turned on or blinked to indicate the direction of reception of the position discrimination signal transmitted from the stored emergency call device.

[0066] By using a light source to indicate the direction of reception, the direction from which the emergency call came can be visually recognized, and a person rushing to the scene can ascertain the location from which the emergency call came by checking multiple in-floor position discriminators and connecting the directions indicated by the reception directions.

[0067] In addition, the brightness, blinking cycle, color, number of lit LEDs in the light source, etc. of the light source are changed according to the stored distance from the emergency call device to display distance. For example, the distance is displayed as follows: bright means close, dark means far, fast means close, slow means far, red means close, blue means far, few LEDs are lit, many means close, etc. In addition, the distance may be displayed by combining any two or more of the brightness, blinking cycle, color, and number of lit LEDs in the light source.

[0068] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the floor position discriminator determines the distance to the emergency call device based on the RSSI value, but the distance to the emergency call device may also be measured based on ToA (Time of Arrival) or ToF (Time of Flight) using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like.

[0069] Moreover, the floor discriminator may be installed as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a floor discriminator according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a three-story building viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0070] In Figure 9, receiving areas α1, α2, α3 and receiving areas β1, β2, β3 are not shown, but as in Figure 2, a floor discriminator 11 is installed on the ceiling of the first floor, a floor discriminator 12 is installed on the ceiling of the second floor, and a floor discriminator 13 is installed on the ceiling of the third floor, and the floor discriminators 11, 12, 13 each have receiving areas α1, α2, α3 at a predetermined angle vertically downward and receiving areas β1, β2, β3 adjacent to and located on the outside of the receiving areas α1, α2, α3, and are installed on the floor surface of the floor on which they are installed so that part or all of their own receiving area α and part of their own receiving area β include all of the receiving area α of the floor discriminator installed one level above.

[0071] When an emergency call device is present in area X in FIG. 9, the location discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is normally received by the hierarchical discriminators 11-13. The hierarchical discriminator 11 determines that the location discrimination signal is from outside the receiving area α1 and the receiving area β1, and does not perform a transmission operation. The hierarchical discriminator 12 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α2, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The hierarchical discriminator 13 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area β3, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A3 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is β3, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed on the third floor.

[0072] In the receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device receives signals A2 and A3 containing its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims), which is the lowest level in terms of the level information in which the level discriminator 12 itself is installed, is the receiving area α2, the emergency call device adopts the level information contained in the received signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) that the level discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor, and updates the existing floor information to the second floor.

[0073] When an emergency call device is present in area Y in FIG. 9, the location discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is normally received by the hierarchical discriminators 11-13. The hierarchical discriminator 11 determines that the location discrimination signal is from outside the receiving area α1 and the receiving area β1, and does not perform a transmission operation. The hierarchical discriminator 12 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α2, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The hierarchical discriminator 13 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α3, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A3 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α3, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed on the third floor.

[0074] In the receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device receives signals A2 and A3 containing its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims), which is the lowest level in terms of the level information in which the level discriminator 12 itself is installed, is the receiving area α2, the emergency call device adopts the level information contained in the received signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) that the level discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor, and updates the existing floor information to the second floor.

[0075] When an emergency call device is present in area Z in FIG. 9, the location discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is normally received by the hierarchical discriminators 11-13. The hierarchical discriminator 11 determines that the location discrimination signal is from outside the receiving area α1 and the receiving area β1, and does not perform a transmission operation. The hierarchical discriminator 12 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area β2, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is β2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The hierarchical discriminator 13 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α3, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A3 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α3, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed on the third floor.

[0076] In the receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device receives signals A2 and A3 containing its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A2 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims), which is the lowest hierarchy in which the hierarchy determination device itself is installed in the received signal A, is the receiving area β2, the emergency call device retains the existing floor information without updating it.

[0077] When an emergency call device is present in area W in Fig. 9, the location discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is normally received by the floor discriminators 11-13. The floor discriminator 11 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α1, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A1 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α1, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 11 itself is installed on the first floor. The floor discriminator 12 determines that the location discrimination signal is from the receiving area α2, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A2 including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, the receiving area information that the receiving area is α2, and the floor information that the floor discriminator 12 itself is installed on the second floor. The floor discriminator 13 determines that the signal is a location discrimination signal from the receiving area α3, and transmits to the emergency call device a signal A3 that includes the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received location discrimination signal, receiving area information indicating that the receiving area is α3, and floor information indicating that the floor on which the floor discriminator 13 itself is installed is the third floor.

[0078] In a receiving state after completing the transmission of the location determination signal, the emergency call device receives signals A1, A2, and A3 which contain its own individual identification information, and since the area information contained in signal A1 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) which is the lowest level in terms of the level information in which the level discriminator 11 itself is installed, is the receiving area α1, the emergency call device adopts the level information contained in received signal A1 (corresponding to signal AL in the claims) which indicates that the level discriminator 11 itself is installed on the first floor, and updates the existing floor information to the first floor.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the emergency call device transmits a position determination signal to the floor discriminator and the floor position discriminator, but the position determination signal may be divided into two types, a floor position determination signal including its own individual identification information and a floor position determination signal including its own individual identification information and the location floor information, and the floor position determination signal may be transmitted to the floor discriminator and the floor position determination signal may be transmitted to the floor position discriminator separately, to perform transmission and reception of the above signals. Also, the emergency call device may transmit the floor position determination signal, floor position determination signal, and position determination signal at a constant cycle not only during normal times but also during an emergency call.

[0080] Also, in the above embodiment, the emergency call device is in a receiving state for a predetermined time after the completion of transmission of the location determination signal, but it may be in a constant receiving state and process the located floor information for the signal A received from the completion of transmission of the location determination signal until a predetermined time, and not process the located floor information for the signal A received at any other time. The same is true for the transmission of the above-mentioned floor position determination signal, and the emergency call device may be in a receiving state for a predetermined time after the completion of transmission of the floor position determination signal, or it may be in a constant receiving state and process the located floor information for the signal A received from the completion of transmission of the floor position determination signal until a predetermined time, and not process the located floor information for the signal A received at any other time.

[0081] The receiving area α of the floor discriminator may be set to the same angle or different angles on each floor as appropriate. The receiving area β of the floor discriminator may be set to the same angle or different angles on each floor as appropriate.

[0082] In the above embodiment, BLE radio waves with a frequency band of 2.4 GHz are used, but UWB may also be used, and the type of wireless communication technology is not limited. Also, the frequency band may be a frequency band other than the 2.4 GHz band.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, if the second floor in Figure 2 is a floor not covered by the emergency call system, the floor discriminator one level above the floor discriminator 11 on the first floor is floor discriminator 13, and therefore if the floor discriminator 13 is installed on the first floor so that its entire receiving area α3 is included within the combined range of receiving area α1 and receiving area β1 of floor discriminator 11, it can be used without any problems as an emergency call system of the present invention.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the building is three stories tall, but the system of the present invention can be used in buildings with one story or any number of stories, even if the building has a basement. In a single-story building, it is possible to build an emergency call system using an emergency call device, a floor position discriminator, and an emergency call signal receiver without using a floor discriminator.

[0085] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the above-mentioned embodiments are presented as examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these. It is possible to implement the present invention in various other forms, and this is within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1···Floor 2...stairs 3. Elevator 10a,10b,11,12,13...Layer discriminator 20a, 20b, 21 to 26: Floor position detector 30...Emergency call machine 201~208,211~218...Light source α1, α2, α3, β1, β2, β3... Reception area H...display W, X, Y, Z... Area

Claims

1. 1. An emergency call system for use in a building, comprising: the emergency call system includes an emergency call device having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, an in-floor position discriminator having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, and an emergency call signal receiver having a wireless receiving unit, The floor position discriminator is installed on the ceiling in one or more units, The emergency call device transmits an in-floor position determination signal including its own individual identification information to the in-floor position determination device at a constant period, When the floor position discriminator receives the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, storing, for a certain period of time, individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received in-floor position determination signal and the receiving direction of the in-floor position determination signal; During an emergency call, The emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information to the floor position discriminator, When the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time, the intra-floor position discriminator displays the receiving direction of the intra-floor position discriminator signal transmitted from the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time corresponding to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device, and transmits to the emergency call signal receiver an emergency call signal C including the individual identification information of the emergency call device that transmitted the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the intra-floor position discriminator itself; The emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the floor location discriminator contained in the received emergency call signal C. Emergency call system.

2. 1. An emergency call system for use in a building, comprising: The emergency call system includes an emergency call device having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, a floor discriminator having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, a floor position discriminator having a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit, and an emergency call signal receiver having a wireless receiving unit, The floor discriminator is installed on the ceiling of each floor, and floor information of the floor discriminator is stored. The floor position discriminator is installed on the ceiling of each floor, and floor information of the floor on which the floor position discriminator is installed is stored. The emergency call device transmits a floor position discrimination signal including its own individual identification information to the floor discriminator at a constant period, and transmits an in-floor position discrimination signal including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the in-floor position discriminator at a constant period, The hierarchical level discriminator includes a receiving area α at a predetermined angle in a vertically downward direction and a receiving area β adjacent to and located outside the receiving area α, The floor discriminator is installed on the floor surface of the floor on which the floor discriminator is installed so that the combined range of the receiving area α and the receiving area β includes the entire receiving area α of the floor discriminator installed one level above, When the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device is received from the receiving area α or the receiving area β, a signal A is transmitted to the emergency call device, the signal A including the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received floor position discrimination signal, the received area information, and floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed; When the emergency call device receives one or more of the signals A including its own individual identification information transmitted by the hierarchical discrimination device during a predetermined time period from the completion of transmission of the hierarchical position discrimination signal, When the area information included in the signal AL in which the floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed in the received signal A is the lowest floor, the floor information in which the floor discriminator itself is installed included in the signal AL is updated to the floor in which the floor discriminator itself is located, When the area information included in the signal AL in which the floor discriminator itself is installed in the received signal A is the lowest floor, the location floor information is maintained without being updated, When the floor position discriminator receives the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, When the floor information included in the in-floor position determination signal matches with floor information on the floor on which the in-floor position determination device itself is installed, the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received in-floor position determination signal and the receiving direction of the in-floor position determination signal are stored for a certain period of time; During an emergency call, The emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the floor position discriminator, When the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information of the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time, the intra-floor position discriminator displays the receiving direction of the intra-floor position discriminator signal transmitted from the emergency call device stored for a certain period of time corresponding to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device, and transmits to the emergency call signal receiver an emergency call signal C including the individual identification information of the emergency call device that transmitted the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the intra-floor position discriminator itself; The emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the floor location discriminator contained in the received emergency call signal C. Emergency call system.

3. 3. The emergency call system according to claim 2, During an emergency call, The emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the floor discriminator, When the location floor information included in the received emergency call signal B matches the floor information of the floor identifier itself, the floor identifier transmits an emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the floor identifier itself to the emergency call signal receiver; The emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the hierarchical discriminator contained in the received emergency call signal D. Emergency call system.

4. In the emergency call system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The signal used for emergency calls is a radio wave with a frequency of less than 1 GHz. Signals other than those used during emergency calls are characterized by being radio waves with a frequency of 1 GHz or higher. Emergency call system.

5. 5. The emergency call system according to claim 4, The floor position discriminator is characterized in that it has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in the direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio wave. Emergency call system.

6. 2. The emergency call system according to claim 1, When the floor position discriminator receives the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, The distance to the received emergency call device is stored for a certain period of time. During an emergency call, The floor position discriminator is characterized in that, when the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information stored for a certain period of time, the floor position discriminator displays the distance to the emergency call device that corresponds to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device and that has been stored for a certain period of time. Emergency call system.

7. 7. The emergency call system according to claim 6, The floor position discriminator is characterized in that it has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in the direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio wave. Emergency call system.

8. 8. The emergency call system according to claim 7, During an emergency call, The floor position discriminator indicates the distance from the emergency call device by the difference in the blinking cycle of the light source, or the brightness or darkness of the light source, or both. Emergency call system.

9. 3. The emergency call system according to claim 2, When the floor position discriminator receives the floor position discrimination signal transmitted by the emergency call device, When the floor information included in the floor location determination signal matches the floor information of the floor location determination device itself, the distance from the received emergency call device is stored for a certain period of time; During an emergency call, The floor position discriminator is characterized in that, when the individual identification information of the emergency call device contained in the received emergency call signal B matches the individual identification information stored for a certain period of time, the floor position discriminator displays the distance to the emergency call device that corresponds to the individual identification information of the matching emergency call device and that has been stored for a certain period of time. Emergency call system.

10. 10. The emergency call system according to claim 9, During an emergency call, The emergency call device transmits an emergency call signal B including its own individual identification information and the location floor information to the floor discriminator, When the location floor information included in the received emergency call signal B matches the floor information of the floor where the floor discriminator itself is installed, the floor discriminator transmits an emergency call signal D including the individual identification information of the emergency call device included in the received emergency call signal B and the individual identification information of the floor discriminator itself to the emergency call signal receiver; The emergency call signal receiver displays the individual identification information of the emergency call device and the individual identification information of the hierarchical discriminator contained in the received emergency call signal D. Emergency call system.

11. In the emergency call system according to claim 9 or 10, The signal used for emergency calls is a radio wave with a frequency of less than 1 GHz. Signals other than those used during emergency calls are characterized by being radio waves with a frequency of 1 GHz or higher. Emergency call system.

12. 12. The emergency call system according to claim 11, The floor position discriminator is characterized in that it has a plurality of light sources arranged in a 360-degree horizontal line, and indicates the direction of reception by turning on or blinking the light sources in the direction corresponding to the direction of reception of the radio wave. Emergency call system.

13. 13. The emergency call system according to claim 12, During an emergency call, The floor position discriminator indicates the distance from the emergency call device by the difference in the blinking cycle of the light source, or the brightness or darkness of the light source, or both. Emergency call system.

14. 14. The emergency call system according to claim 13, The floor position discriminator determines the distance to the emergency call device based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the floor position discriminator signal received. Emergency call system.

15. 14. The emergency call system according to claim 13, The floor position discriminator measures the distance to the emergency call device by ToA (Time of Arrival). Emergency call system.

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