Identifying further information about a detected person in an indoor environment

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus, a system, a computer-implemented method, and computer software for monitoring one or more people in an indoor environment. The method includes receiving first sensor data indicative of a location of a first sensed person in an indoor environment. The first sensor data is obtained using a first sensing means. The method further includes, based on the received first sensor data, receiving second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the first sensed person. The second sensor data is obtained using a second sensing means. The method also includes determining, using the received second sensor data, the attribute of the first sensed person. The first sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means. The second sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means.

Description

IDENTIFYING FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT A DETECTED PERSON IN ANINDOOR ENVIRONMENT

[0001] This invention relates to methods and devices for monitoring a person in an indoor environment. In particular, the invention relates to identifying further information about a person detected in a setting for vulnerable people.BACKGROUND

[0002] Monitoring the safety of a vulnerable person poses many practical and ethical challenges. For example, settings such as mental health institutes, prisons, or care facilities may contain individuals (also known as service users) who are at risk of causing serious physical harm to themselves or others. Service users may require constant monitoring to reduce this risk and ensure that instances of harm can be detected and dealt with quickly. The service user may be monitored using optical cameras or physical observations by staff. However, physical observations place a high burden on staff time. Moreover, both optical cameras and physical observations can feel intrusive to the service user, especially when the service user is undertaking intimate personal care activities.

[0003] Non-visual sensors, such as radar sensors, allow the service user to be monitored whilst still respecting their privacy. However, it can be difficult to obtain further information about a person detected by the non-visual sensor, such as the identity of the detected person or a wellness condition of the person.

[0004] It is in this context that this invention is devised.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, a system, a computer-implemented method, and computer software for monitoring one or more people in an indoor environment.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for monitoring one or more people in an indoor environment. The method includes receiving first sensor data indicative of a presence of a first sensed person in an indoor environment. The first sensor data is obtained using a first sensing means. The method further includes, based on the received first sensor data, receiving second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the first sensed person. The second sensor data is obtained using a second sensing means. The methodalso includes determining, using the received second sensor data, the attribute of the first sensed person. The first sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means. The second sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means. The first sensor data may be indicative of a location of the first sensed person, such as three dimensional coordinate information associated with the first sensed person. The first sensing means may be configured to detect the location of the first sensed person without any associated hardware, such as a wearable, being required to be carried or worn by the first sensed person.

[0007] Advantageously, this method allows an attribute of the sensed person to be monitored remotely and non-intrusively. The data from the first sensing means may provide a coarse indication of a person being present in an indoor environment, whilst the data from the second sensing means provides more detail about an attribute of person sensed in the indoor environment.

[0008] Optionally, the attribute of the first sensed person comprises one or more of a heart parameter or a breathing parameter, that is, one or more features of the breathing or heartbeat of the first sensed person. For example, the feature(s) may be one or more of a heart rate and a breathing rate. For example, the feature(s) may be one or more of a heart rate variability or a breathing rate variability.

[0009] Advantageously, this allows a health or wellness condition of the service user to be monitored in a non-intrusive manner. Heart and breathing features, such as rates or variability, can be indicators of a current physical and mental state of a person. Deviations of one or both of the heart rate and the breathing rate outside a normal range may indicate that a service user requires assistance. For example, an overly high breathing rate and / or heart rate may indicate that the service user is in a state of panic or distress. As another example, an overly low breathing rate and / or heart rate may indicate that the service user is unconscious or has lost a lot of blood. Monitoring one or more of a heart rate and a breathing rate of a service user therefore enables a condition of the service user to be checked remotely and non-intrusively.

[0010] Optionally, the method further comprises outputting a first alert if a value of the attribute is less than a first predetermined threshold value or greater than a second predetermined threshold value.

[0011] Advantageously, this may inform a staff person of a need for assistance so that assistance can be provided as quickly as possible.

[0012] Optionally, the attribute of the first sensed person is a status of the first sensed person, wherein the status indicates whether the first sensed person is a service user, a visitor or a staff member.

[0013] Advantageously, this provides an indication of the identity of the first sensed person.

[0014] Optionally, determining the status of the first sensed person comprises sensing, using the second sensing means, an identifier tag associated with the first sensed person. If the identifier tag is sensed, the method includes determining that the status of the sensed person is a staff member or a visitor. If the identifier tag is not sensed, the method includes determining that the status of the sensed person is a service user.

[0015] Advantageously, the service user does not have to wear an identity tag. Requiring service users to wear identity tags can be problematic for many reasons. First, it requires an element of cooperation from the service user to ensure that the identity tag remains worn. Second, the wearing of identity tags can feel uncomfortable, stigmatising, or infantalising for the service user. This can hinder the treatment or care of the service user. Providing identity tags which staff and visitors wear, instead of service users, still enables the status of the person to be identified without causing discomfort or requiring cooperation by the service user. The status of the sensed person as a service user can still be determined by the absence of the identity tag, i.e., by negative inference.

[0016] Optionally, the identifier tag is a Bluetooth tag or an ultra-wideband, UWB, tag.

[0017] Optionally, the method further comprises detecting, using the first sensing means, a presence of a second sensed person in the indoor environment at a same time that the first sensed person is in the indoor environment. The method also includes determining, using the second sensing means, a status of the second sensed person. The method further includes outputting a second alert in response to determining that the first sensed person is a first service user and the second sensed person is a second service user.

[0018] Advantageously, this provides an alert in the case of two service users being in the same room at the same time. In some settings it is undesirable for two or more service users to be present in the same room at the same time for safety and wellbeing reasons. However, it is not uncommon for two people to be in the same room, such as when the service user is receiving a visitor or a staff member is attending to the service user. It would be highly undesirable for an alert to be output every time two or more people are sensed in an indoor environment together because there are many legitimate reasons for the two or more people to be present at the sametime. However, it may also be necessary to prevent two or more service users being present in the same indoor environment for any length of time. Outputting the alert only when it is determined that there are two service users in the same room enables the staff to be aware of potential security breaches or safety concerns without causing unnecessary alarms.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes detecting an output of a third alert in the indoor environment, where the third alert is indicative of the first sensed person requiring assistance from a staff member. The method also includes, in response to detecting the output of the third alert, starting a timer at a start time. The method further includes detecting a presence of a third sensed person within a predetermined area of the indoor environment. The method also includes determining, using the second sensing means, a status of the third sensed person. The method further includes stopping, at a stop time, the timer in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is a staff member. The method additionally includes storing a time duration recorded by the timer between the start time and the stop time.

[0020] Advantageously, this enables a time taken to respond to incidents to be recorded. It also enables a time taken to respond to incidents by a staff member to be recorded, because a visitor or another service user may not be an appropriate person to provide the necessary assistance.

[0021] Optionally, detecting the presence of the third sensed person within the predetermined area comprises one or more of: obtaining, using the first sensing means, location information of the third sensed person, the location information of the third sensed person comprising coordinate information indicating that the second sensed person is in the indoor environment; or obtaining, using a third sensing means, third sensing data indicative of an interaction of the third sensed person with an entry way of the indoor environment.

[0022] Optionally, the method further comprises stopping the output of the third alert in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is the staff member.

[0023] Advantageously, this makes other staff members aware that the incident which caused the alert is being dealt with, so the other staff members may continue to provide a service to the other service users.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for monitoring a person in an indoor environment. The apparatus comprises a communication module. The communication module is configured to receive first sensor data indicative of a presence of a first sensed person in an indoor environment, where the first sensor data is obtained using a first sensing means. The communication module is further configured to receive, basedon the received first sensor data, second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the first sensed person, where the second sensor data is obtained using a second sensing means. The apparatus also includes a memory. The memory is configured to stored the received first sensor data and second sensor data. The apparatus also includes a processor. The processor is configured to determine, using the received second sensor data, the attribute of the first sensed person. The first sensing means is a non-visual, non-contact sensing means. The second sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for monitoring a person in an indoor environment. The system comprises an apparatus, a first sensing means, and a second sensing means.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method for monitoring a human target in an indoor environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for monitoring one or more people in an indoor environment according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 100 may be referred toas, for example, a controller or controlling means. The apparatus 100 comprises a communication module 102, a memory 104, and a processor 106.

[0035] The communication module 102 is configured to receive sensor data from a first sensing means and a second sensing means. The communication module 102 may comprise one or more antennas, receivers, or transceivers configured to receive the sensor data. The data received from the first sensing means is data which is indicative of a sensed person being present in the indoor environment. The data received from the second sensing means is data which is indicative of an attribute of the sensed person.

[0036] The indoor environment may be a room, such as a bedroom or a bathroom. The room may be provided within a building which houses or provides a service to vulnerable individuals. The room may be located in a setting such as a hospital, mental health care institution, care home, prison or other institution.

[0037] A sensed person is a person detected by the sensing means. The person may be a staff member, a visitor or a service user. The staff member may be a clinical staff member or a non- clinical staff member. The clinical staff member may be a member of staff who has a service user facing role which provides direct service user care. The clinical staff member may be responsible for the health and wellbeing of the service user. For example, a clinical staff member may be a medical professional, warden, teacher, carer or other member of staff who has a direct responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the service user. A non-clinical staff member may be a member of staff whose primary role is not service user facing, and who does not provide direct service user care. For example, a non-clinical staff member may be a cleaner, maintenance person, gardener, receptionist, or other member of staff who does not have a direct responsibility towards the health and wellbeing of the service user.

[0038] An attribute is a characteristic of a person which may be sensed using a sensing means. The characteristic may provide an indication of the health of the person, such as a heart rate, a breathing rate or a temperature. The characteristic may provide an indication of the identity of the person, and may be a status of the person. The status may be staff member, visitor, or service user. Where the status is a staff member, the status may be further categorised as a clinical or a non-clinical staff member. The indication of the identity of the person may identify a name of the person. The attribute determined by the processor may be dependent on the type of the second sensing means.

[0039] The memory 104 is configured to store the sensor data received by the communication module 102. The memory 104 is further configured to store computer-readable instructions which when executed, cause the processor 106 to perform methods according to the present invention. The memory 104 may also be configured to store one or more outputs generated by the processor 106 as a result of the methods performed by the processor 106.

[0040] The processor 106 is configured to process the received sensor data and determine an attribute of the sensed person based on a result of the processing.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a system 200 for monitoring one or more people in an indoor environment according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The system 200 comprises an apparatus 100, a first sensing means 202 and a second sensing means 204. The first sensing means 202 may be referred to as a first sensor 202. The second sensing means 204 may be referred to as a second sensor 204.

[0043] The first sensor 202 and the second sensor 204 transmit data to the communication module 102 of the apparatus 100. The sensor data from the first sensor 202 provides information indicative of a presence of a sensed person in an indoor environment. For example, the sensor data from the first sensor 202 may relate to a location of a sensed person, such as coordinate information of the sensed person. The coordinate information may be a set of coordinates of the sensed person in three dimensional space. The sensor data from the first sensor 202 is obtained at a plurality of timepoints and data indicative of a presence of the sensed person may be obtained at each timepoint of the plurality of timepoints.

[0044] The first sensor 202 obtains real-time data which is indicative of a presence of one or more people sensed within a range of the first sensor 202. Where the range of the first sensor 202 extends beyond the boundaries of the indoor environment, the first sensor 202 may selectively obtain real-time data of one or more people located within the boundaries of the indoor environment. For example, the first sensor 202 may obtain real-time location data of one or more people located within a range of the first sensor 202.

[0045] The first sensor 202 is configured to transmit the obtained data of the one or more sensed people to the apparatus 100. The obtained data may comprise location information of each of the one or more sensed people. The location information may comprise x, y, z coordinates of a sensed person at each timepoint of a plurality of timepoints. The first sensor 202 is configured to continuously or periodically transmit the obtained data to the apparatus 100 such that the apparatus 100 is provided with a time series of data indicative of the presence of the sensedperson. For example, the first sensor 202 may continuously or periodically transmit coordinate information of a sensed person to the apparatus 100 so that the apparatus 100 is provided with a time series of coordinates of the sensed person.

[0046] The first sensor 202 is a non- visual and non-contact sensor. By ‘non-contact’, it is intended to mean that, in normal use, the first sensor 202 is not in physical contact with a person who is being sensed by the first sensor 202. For example, the first sensor 202 may be mounted on a ceiling of the indoor environment.

[0047] By ‘non-visual’, it is intended to mean that, in normal use, the first sensor 202 does not detect light having a wavelength within the visual spectrum. For example, the first sensor 202 may be a millimeter wave (mmWave) radio frequency radar.

[0048] The second sensor 204 is a non-visual and non-contact sensor. The second sensor 204 may be a same type of sensor as the first sensor 202, or may be a different type of sensor. The second sensor 204 may be chosen based on a type of attribute to be determined. For example, if the attribute is a heart rate or a breathing rate of a sensed person, the second sensor 204 may be a radar sensor. As another example, if the attribute is an identity of the person, the second sensor 204 may be a Bluetooth sensor or ultrawideband sensor for sensing an identifier tag on the sensed person.

[0049] The data from the second sensor 204 may further include a stability score. The stability score indicates a certainty of the second sensor 204 and may be a value between 0 and 100%, where 0 is indicative of no certainty in the data of the second sensor 204 and 100% is indicative of complete certainty in the data of the second sensor 204. In practice, the value of the stability score is likely to be somewhere between these extremes. The stability score provides an indication of a likely accuracy of the sensor data obtained by the second sensor. Where the second sensor 204 obtains data relating to two or more attributes, a separate stability score may be provided for each attribute.

[0050] The system 200 may further comprise a third sensing means, such as the third sensor 206. The third sensor 206 may be a sensor for sensing an interaction with a door. The third sensor 206 is discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 6.

[0051] The system 200 may further comprise one or more output means 208. The output means may be referred to an an output 208. The output 208 may output one or more of an audio, a visual, or a vibration alert. The output 208 may output an alert under one or more conditions or triggers. For example, the output 208 may output an alert based on the determined attribute of the sensedperson. As another example, the output 208 may output an alert in response to an activation of an alarm or a call for assistance by one or more people in the indoor environment. There may be a plurality of outputs 208, each of the plurality of outputs 208 configured to output an alert in response to a different trigger.

[0052] The first sensor 202, the second sensor 204, the third sensor 206 and the output 208 are communicatively coupled to the apparatus 100 through the communication module 102. The sensors 202, 204, 206 and the output 208 may be connected to the apparatus 100 via a wired connection, or may be coupled wirelessly. In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors 202, 204, 206 and the output 208 may be connected to the apparatus 100 indirectly via one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an example of a method 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 300 may be performed at least in part by an apparatus such as the apparatus 100. In particular, the method 300 may be performed by a processor 106 of the apparatus 100.

[0054] In step 302, first sensor data indicative of a presence of one or more people sensed in an indoor environment is received. The first sensor data is obtained by a first sensing means, such as the first sensor 202. The first sensor 202 is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means. The first sensor data may be location information of each of the one or more people, such as a set of coordinates of each person in three dimensional space.

[0055] In step 304, second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the one or more sensed people is received. The second sensor data may be received or obtained in response to receiving the first sensor data. The second sensor data is obtained by a second sensing means, such as the second sensor 204. The second sensor 204 is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means.

[0056] The first sensor data may be used to enable the second sensing means to sense or target a particular sensed person. The first sensor data may be used to match the second sensor data with a sensed person. For example, where the first sensor data comprises location information of one or more sensed people in the indoor environment, the first sensor data may be used to direct the second sensing means towards the one or more sensed people.

[0057] In step 306, the apparatus 100 determines the attribute of the first sensed person. The attribute is determined using the second sensor data. The determination is performed based on an analysis of the second sensor data. For example, if the second sensor data is data indicative of a heart rate of the sensed person, the apparatus 100 may process the second sensor data to determine the heart rate of the sensed person. As another example, if the second sensor data is dataindicative of a breathing rate of the sensed person, the apparatus 100 may process the second sensor data to determine the breathing rate of the sensed person. As another example, if the second sensor data is data indicative of an identity or status of the sensed person, the apparatus 100 may process the second sensor data to determine the identity or status of the sensed person.

[0058] In step 306, the apparatus 100 may store the determined attribute in a memory. One or both of the first sensor data and the second sensor data may also be stored in the memory. The memory may be a local memory, such as the memory 104, or a memory of another device. The memory may be a cloud storage means. The first sensor data, second sensor data and determined attribute may be saved to a log file in the memory. The log file may comprise a series of timepoints and corresponding attribute information of one or more sensed targets.

[0059] Optionally, in step 308, the apparatus 100 may output an alert based on the determined attribute. The alert may be output by the output means 208.

[0060] For example, where the attribute is a heart rate of the sensed person, an alert may be output if the determined heart rate falls within a range which is indicative of the sensed person potentially requiring assistance. The alert may be output if the determined heart rate is above a first predetermined threshold heart rate or below a second predetermined threshold heart rate. For example, the first predetermined threshold heart rate may be above 120 beats per minute, above 130 beats per minute, above 150 beats per minute. The second predetermined threshold heart rate may be below 50 beats per minute or below 40 beats per minute.

[0061] As another example, where the attribute is a breathing rate of the sensed person, an alert may be output if the determined breathing rate falls within a range which is indicative of the sensed person potentially requiring assistance. The alert may be output if the determined breathing rate is above a first predetermined threshold breathing rate or below a second predetermined threshold breathing rate. For example, the first predetermined threshold breathing rate may be above 18 breaths per minute, above 25 breaths per minute, above 30 breaths per minute. The second predetermined threshold heart rate may be below 12 breaths per minute, below 10 breaths per minute, or below 8 breaths per minute.

[0062] Where the identity of the sensed person is known, one or more of the first predetermined threshold heart rate, the second predetermined threshold heart rate, the first predetermined threshold breathing rate and the second predetermined threshold breathing rate may be tailored to that sensed person. At least one of the predetermined threshold rates may be tailored according to an age, gender, BMI, or other characteristics of the sensed person. At least one of thepredetermined threshold heart rates may be set based on a known typical resting heart rate of the sensed person. At least one of the predetermined threshold breathing rates may be set based on a known typical resting breathing rate of the sensed person.

[0063] Where the attribute is an attribute indicative of a health or wellness condition of the sensed person, the attribute is not limited to the heart rate or breathing rate. Any suitable attribute which may be sensed by the second sensor 204 may be used. For example, the attribute may comprise a movement index of the sensed person, where the movement index is indicative of an amount of movement performed by the sensed person. The movement index may be a scale between a minimum value and a maximum value, such as 0 and 100, where the minimum value indicates no movement of the sensed person and the maximum value indicates a very high level of movement of the sensed person. For example, a person who is sleeping may have a movement index close to the minimum value whereas a person who is running may have a movement index close to the maximum value.

[0064] FIG. 4 is an example of a method 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 400 may be performed at least in part by an apparatus such as the apparatus 100. In particular, the method 400 may be performed by a processor 106 of the apparatus 100. Some of the features of method 400 are the same as those of method 300. For brevity, a detailed description of those features will not be repeated.

[0065] In step 302, first sensor data indicative of a presence of one or more people sensed in an indoor environment is received.

[0066] In step 304, second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the sensed one or more people is identified. In method 400, the attribute is a status of the sensed person such as whether the person is a staff member, a visitor, or a service user. The second sensor data may be obtained using a second sensor 204 such as a Bluetooth sensing means or an ultrawideband sensing means. The second sensor data may indicate a presence or absence of an identifier tag on the sensed person.

[0067] An identifier tag may be a card, fob, key or other device which is worn, held or otherwise located on a staff member or a visitor. The identifier tag may be a Bluetooth enabled device which emits Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data. The BLE data may be detected by the second sensor 204 and transmitted to the apparatus 100 for processing.

[0068] In step 402, the second sensor data is processed and it is determined whether an identifier tag has been sensed. If the second sensor data indicates that an identifier tag is sensed, then instep 404 it is determined that the status of the sensed person is a staff member or a visitor. In particular, in step 404, if an identifier tag is sensed, it is determined that the status of the sensed person is not a service user, such as a patient. In some embodiments, an identifier tag is provided to every person and / or moving object in the vicinity with the exception of service users. That is, an identifier tag may also be provided to non-human moving objects such as service robots or the like, if such objects are provided in the facility.

[0069] In step 404, the processed second sensor data may further distinguish between a staff member and a visitor and / or other person or moving object. Moreover, the processed second sensor data may distinguish between different types of staff member, such as clinical staff member and non-clinical staff member. The processed second sensor data may identify a name or other unique identifier of the staff member. The processed second sensor data may identify a name or other unique identifier of the visitor. The name or identifier of one or both of the staff member and the visitor may be stored in a log in the memory 104.

[0070] If the second sensor data indicates that an identifier tag is not sensed, then in step 406 it is determined that the status of the sensed person is a service user, such as a patient. As an identifier tag may be provided to every moving person or object in the facility with the exception of service users, service users such as patients may be identified by negative inference. This can be advantageous for high risk service users, as it removes the stigma associated with wearing a tag, and additionally removes the risk of tampering or tag removal amongst service users.

[0071] For example, if the second sensor 204 does not detect an identifier tag on a person sensed by the first sensor 202, the second sensor 204 may transmit second sensor data indicating that an identifier tag is not present to the apparatus 100. Advantageously, transmitting second sensor data, even in the absence of a sensed identifier tag, can show that the second sensor 204 is still functional.

[0072] As another example, when first sensor data indicates that a person is present in the indoor environment but the second sensor 204 does not detect an identifier tag, the second sensor may not transmit second sensor data to the apparatus. The absence of second sensor data received at the apparatus 100 may then indicate that the person sensed by the first sensor is a service user. The status of the sensed person is then determined to be service user. Advantageously, not transmitting second sensor data when an identifier tag is not sensed on a sensed person may conserve the power of one or both of the second sensor 204 and the apparatus 100.

[0073] FIG. 5 is an example of a method 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 500 may be performed at least in part by an apparatus such as the apparatus 100. In particular, the method 500 may be performed by a processor 106 of the apparatus 100.

[0074] In step 502, a first person and a second person are detected in the indoor environment. The first and second persons are sensed in the indoor environment at the same time, such that both persons are present in the indoor environment. Step 502 may be performed in the same manner as step 302. A single first sensor 202 may detect the presence of both the first person and the second person. Alternatively, the first person and the second person may be detected by separate first sensors 202, if there are two or more first sensors 202 sensing the indoor environment.

[0075] In step 504, the status of the first person and the status of the second person is determined. Determining the status of the first person and the second person may be performed in the same manner as steps 304, 402, 404, and 406. That is, second sensor data may be obtained for both the first person and the second person. The second sensor data for each sensed person may be analysed to determine the status of the sensed person.

[0076] In step 506, it is determined whether both the first sensed person and the second sensed person are service users. This is performed based on the determination of step 504.

[0077] If both the first sensed person and the second sensed person are service users, then an alert may be output according to step 508. The alert may inform a staff member that two service users are in the same indoor environment at the same time.

[0078] If the first sensed person and the second sensed person are any other combination of staff member, visitor, and service user, then an alert may not be output. The method 500 may continue from step 502.

[0079] The method 500 may be performed when there are three or more sensed persons in the indoor environment. In this case, steps 502 and 504 remain as described, but with the three or more sensed persons. In step 506, the threshold for determining whether to output an alert in step 508 may be set according to one or more of a number of service users present in the indoor environment or a ratio of service users to staff and visitors in the indoor environment. For example, if it is determined that there are two or more service users in the indoor environment, regardless of a number of staff members and / or visitors also present in the indoor environment, then an alert may be output in step 508. As another example, if a ratio of service users to staff and / or visitors exceeds 1 : 1, 2: 1, or any other predetermined ratio, then an alert may be output.

[0080] FIG. 6 is an example of a method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 600 may be performed at least in part by an apparatus such as the apparatus 100. In particular, the method 600 may be performed by a processor 106 of the apparatus 100.

[0081] In step 602, an output of an alert is detected. The alert may be the alert of FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, or may be a different alert. In response to detecting the alert, a timer is started in step 604.

[0082] In step 606, a sensing means senses an additional person within a predetermined location of the indoor environment. The additional person is a person in addition to the one or more people who are already sensed in the indoor environment at a time that the alert is output. The sensing of the one or more people who are already in the indoor environment at a time that the alert is output may be sensed by the first sensing means.

[0083] The predetermined location may depend on a type of sensing means used to sense the additional person. The predetermined location may be a region or area which is within the indoor environment. The additional person may be sensed by the third sensing means upon entering the indoor environment. A type of the third sensor 206 may be the same as a type of the first sensing means. The third sensing means may be the same sensing means as the first sensing means 202.

[0084] The predetermined location may be at a door or entry way to the indoor environment. The third sensor 206 may be a touch sensor or other sensor provided on or at the door or entry way to the indoor environment.

[0085] When the presence of the additional person has been detected, the status of the additional person is identified. The status may be determined using a sensing means such as the second sensor 204. The status of the additional person may be identified based on the steps described in relation to FIG. 4.

[0086] In step 610, it is determined whether the status of the additional person is a staff member. If the additional person is not a staff member, the method 600 recommences from step 606. This is because the originally identified additional person may not be a person who is able to provide adequate assistance. For example, the originally identified additional person may be a visitor or another service user. These people may not be appropriate people for dealing with instances where an alert has been output.

[0087] In steps 608 and 610, when the identified additional person is a staff member, the staff member may be further identified as a clinical or a non-clinical staff member. Optionally, in step 610, if it is identified that the additional person is a non-clinical staff member, the method 600 may again recommence from step 606. A non-clinical staff member may not be trained to providethe assistance required by the output alert, especially if the assistance needed is of a medical or safety-related nature, so may not be an appropriate person to provide assistance.

[0088] In step 612, where the additional person is determined to be a staff member (and, if necessary, a clinical staff member), the timer may be stopped. In step 614, the time duration recorded by the timer between the start of the timer and the stopping of the timer may be recorded. This time duration provides an indication of how long it took for a staff member, or a clinical staff member, to respond to the output alert. The time duration may be recorded in a log in a memory, such as the memory 104 or an external memory. The log may contain a list of instances where an alert has been output alongside the time taken to respond to the alert. The log may contain additional information, such as a type of alert output and a location of the incident necessitating the alert.

[0089] In step 616, the identity of the additional person may be determined. The identity may be determined using the second sensor. The identity may be determined as part of step 608. The identity of the additional person may be determined at any point between step 606 and step 616. That is, the identity of the additional person may be determined before step 614, or before step 612.

[0090] Where the identity of the additional person is determined, the identity of the additional person may be stored, in step 618. The identity of the additional person may be recorded in the aforementioned log alongside the corresponding time duration. The identity of the additional person may be stored at any time after the identity has been determined such that it is not necessary to wait until after the time duration has been stored.

[0091] In step 620, the alert is cancelled. That is, the output means which is outputting the alert is controlled to stop outputting the alert. This step may occur at any stage after the additional person has been identified as a staff member (or as a clinicial staff member, as appropriate). That is, step 620 may occur at any place after a positive outcome from step 610, and it is not necessary to wait for a timer to be stopped and / or information to be recorded before the alert is stopped.

[0092] The skilled person would readily understand that the steps of method 600, particularly steps 612 to 620, may occur in any appropriate order, so method 600 is not strictly limited to the order shown.

[0093] The term 'processor' is to be interpreted broadly to include a CPU, processing unit, ASIC, logic unit, or programmable gate array etc, and may refer to a single processor or a combination of several processors. Certain aspects of the disclosure may be implemented using machine- readable instructions which may, for example, be executed by a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, an embedded processor or processors of other programmable data processing devices to realize the functions described in the description and diagrams. In particular, a processor or processing apparatus may execute the machine-readable instructions. Thus, functional modules of the apparatus and devices may be implemented by a processor executing machine readable instructions stored in a memory, or a processor operating in accordance with instructions embedded in logic circuitry. The functional modules may be implemented in a single processor or divided amongst several processors.

[0094] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

[0095] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0096] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0097] Unless stated otherwise, the numbers and values provided in the examples discussed throughout the description are included to assist with the understanding of the specification. The numbers used, and any relationships between the numbers, are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0098] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A computer-implemented method for monitoring a person in an indoor environment, the method comprising: receiving first sensor data indicative of a location of a first sensed person in an indoor environment, wherein the first sensor data is obtained using a first sensing means; based on the received first sensor data, receiving second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the first sensed person, wherein the second sensor data is obtained using a second sensing means; and determining, using the received second sensor data, the attribute of the first sensed person; wherein a type of the first sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means; and wherein a type of the second sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the attribute of the first sensed person comprises one or more of a heart rate and a breathing rate.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: outputting a first alert if a value of the attribute is less than a first predetermined threshold value or greater than a second predetermined threshold value.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the attribute of the first sensed person is a status of the first sensed person, wherein the status indicates whether the first sensed person is a service user, a visitor or a staff member.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein determining the status of the first sensed person comprises: sensing, using the second sensing means, an identifier tag associated with the first sensed person; and if the identifier tag is sensed, determining that the status of the sensed person is a staff member or a visitor; and if the identifier tag is not sensed, determining that the status of the sensed person is a service user.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the identifier tag is a Bluetooth tag or an ultra wideband, UWB, tag.

7. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: detecting, using the first sensing means, a location of a second sensed person in the indoor environment at a same time that the first sensed person is in the indoor environment, determining, using the second sensing means, a status of the second sensed person, and outputting a second alert in response to determining that the first sensed person is a first service user and the second sensed person is a second service user.

8. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: in response to detecting an output of a third alert in the indoor environment, the third alert indicative of the first sensed person requiring assistance from a staff member: starting, at a start time, a timer; detecting a location of a third sensed person within a predetermined area of the indoor environment; determining, using the second sensing means, a status of the third sensed person; stopping, at a stop time, the timer in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is a staff member; and storing a time duration recorded by the timer between the start time and the stop time.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein detecting the location of the third sensed person within the predetermined area comprises one or more of: obtaining, using the first sensing means, location information of the third sensed person, the location information of the third sensed person comprising coordinate information indicating that the second sensed person is in the indoor environment; or obtaining, using a third sensing means, third sensing data indicative of an interaction of the third sensed person with an entry way of the indoor environment.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising: obtaining, using the second sensing means, an identifier of the third sensed person; and storing the obtained identifier of the third sensed person to associate the obtained identifier with the obtained time duration.

11. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is the staff member, stopping the output of the third alert.

12. An apparatus for monitoring a person in an indoor environment, the apparatus comprising: a communication module configured to: receive first sensor data indicative of a location of a first sensed person in an indoor environment, wherein the first sensor data is obtained using a first sensing means; and based on the received first sensor data, receive second sensor data indicative of an attribute of the first sensed person, wherein the second sensor data is obtained using a second sensing means; a memory configured to store the received first sensor data and second sensor data; and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to: determine, using the received second sensor data, the attribute of the first sensed person; wherein a type of the first sensing means is a non-visual, non-contact sensing means; and wherein a type of the second sensing means is a non-contact, non-visual sensing means.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attribute of the first sensed person comprises one or more of a heart rate and a breathing rate.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: output, using an output means, a first alert if a value of the attribute is less than a first predetermined threshold value or greater than a second predetermined threshold value.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attribute of the first sensed person is a status of the first sensed person, wherein the status indicates whether the first sensed person is a service user, a visitor or a staff member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the status of the first sensed person by: sensing, using the second sensing means, an identifier tag associated with the first sensed person; and if the identifier tag is sensed, determining that the status of the sensed person is a staff member or a visitor; andif the identifier tag is not sensed, determining that the status of the sensed person is a service user.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the identifier tag is a Bluetooth tag or an ultra wideband, UWB, tag.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: detect, using the first sensing means, a location of a second sensed person in the indoor environment at a same time that the first sensed person is in the indoor environment, determine, using the second sensing means, a status of the second sensed person, and output, using an output means, a second alert in response to determining that the first sensed person is a first service user and the second sensed person is a second service user.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the processor is further configured to detect an output of a third alert in the indoor environment, the third alert indicative of the first sensed person requiring assistance from a staff member and, in response to detecting the third alert, the processor is further configured to: start, at a start time, a timer; detect a location of a third sensed person within a predetermined area of the indoor environment; determine, using the second sensing means, a status of the third sensed person; stop, at a stop time, the timer in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is a staff member; and store a time duration recorded by the timer between the start time and the stop time.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to detect the location of the second sensed person within the predetermined area by one or more of: obtaining, using the first sensing means, location information of the third sensed person, the location information of the third sensed person comprising coordinate information indicating that the second sensed person is in the indoor environment; or obtaining, using a third sensing means, third sensing data indicative of an interaction of the third sensed person with an entry way of the indoor environment.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the processor is further configured to:obtain, using the second sensing means, an identifier of the third sensed person; and store the obtained identifier of the third sensed person to associate the obtained identifier with the obtained time duration.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the status of the third sensed person is the staff member, stop the output of the third alert.

23. A system for monitoring a person in an indoor environment, the system comprising: the apparatus according to any one of claim 12 to claim 22; the first sensing means; and the second sensing means.

24. Computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to any of claim 1 to claim 11. 1

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