Outdoor emergency broadcasting device and system

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an outdoor emergency broadcasting device, an outdoor emergency broadcasting system, and a computer-implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device comprises: one or more speakers configured to provide an audible emergency message; a wireless receiver configured to receive an emergency alert from an external device; a controller; one or more batteries for providing power to the one or more speakers, wireless receiver and controller; and a device housing substantially enclosing the controller and the one or more batteries; wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the external device via the wireless receiver, the emergency alert; determine audio output data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert; and transmit the audio output data to the one or more speakers for providing the audible emergency message.

Description

OUTDOOR EMERGENCY BROADCASTING DEVICE AND SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a broadcasting device and a broadcasting system, in particular, a device and system for broadcasting emergency messages.BACKGROUND

[0002] At a large event such as a festival, music event, sporting event or the like, it may be necessary to disseminate messages to a large crowd. In particular, during an emergency event, it may be necessary to quickly disseminate evacuation information to the crowd. Typically such messages are deployed using a public address (PA) system through which emergency information may be announced.

[0003] In an emergency situation, the situation can change quickly and the emergency information may change or vary by area of the event space. Existing systems may be prohibitively slow or prone to inaccuracies in this context.

[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor emergency broadcasting device comprising: one or more speakers configured to provide an audible emergency message; a wireless receiver configured to receive an emergency alert from an external device; a controller; one or more batteries for providing power to the one or more speakers, wireless receiver and controller; and a device housing substantially enclosing the controller and the one or more batteries; wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the external device via the wireless receiver, the emergency alert; determine audio output data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert; and transmit the audio output data to the one or more speakers for providing the audible emergency message.

[0006] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor emergency broadcasting system, comprising: a first outdoor emergency broadcasting device located in a first location; a second outdoor emergency broadcasting device located in a second location; a server device located remotely to each of the first emergency broadcastingdevice and second emergency broadcasting device, wherein the server device comprises a memory, a processor, and a communication module, the server device being configured to: receive an indication of an emergency event from a user device; in response to receiving the indication, generate first emergency alert data in dependence on first location data associated with the first location and determine second emergency alert data in dependence on second location data associated with the second location; transmit the first emergency alert data to the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device for providing a first audible emergency message; and transmit the second emergency alert data to the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device for providing a second audible emergency message.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2A shows a schematic illustration of a server device 104 according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2B illustrates first and second location data according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 A illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from a first view.

[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from a second view.

[0013] FIG. 3C illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from an open view.

[0014] FIG. 3D illustrates a portion of an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from an exploded view.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 in accordance with one embodiment

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic illustration of a an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 A illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from a first view.

[0020] FIG. 8B illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from a second view.

[0021] FIG. 8C illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 from a third view.

[0022] FIG. 8D illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 with a speaker pole erected.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the invention facilitate the simultaneous and rapid deployment of emergency messages to different regions of an event space, and enable the messages to be centrally and easily updated as the situation changes.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates an outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] The system 100 comprises a first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, a second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b and at least one server device 104 in wireless communication with each of one or more user device(s) 106 and the broadcasting devices 102a, 102b.

[0026] It may be desirable to provide different messages to different zones or regions of an event space. For this purpose, at least one respective outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, 102b is provided for each zone or region. Each outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, 102b is arranged to broadcast an audible emergency message within its respective region as will be explained. Each outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, 102b may additionally be used to broadcast other information, such as venue information, parking information, travel information or advertisements. In this way, the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, 102b can serve a dual function when no emergency occurs.

[0027] In the illustrated example, two outdoor emergency broadcasting devices are provided. The first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a is located at a first location 112a, or first zone 112a of the event space, and the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b is located at a second location 112b, or second zone 112b, of the event space. Although only two zones each having a respective device therein are illustrated, in other embodiments the event space may have additional zones and therefore the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 may comprise additional outdoor emergency broadcasting devices.

[0028] In some embodiments, more than one outdoor emergency broadcasting device may be provided for a given zone, for example if a zone is large and requires multiple outdoor emergency broadcasting devices in order to provide audible coverage across the zone.

[0029] As discussed, it may be desired to provide a different emergency message at the first zone 112a to the second zone 112b.

[0030] Advantageously, the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 facilitates the central management and deployment of emergency messages to different zones of the event space. This is achieved via at least one central server device 104, illustrated in Figure 1 as a cloud device 104 provided as part of a cloud service. The at least one central server device 104 is in communication with one or more user devices 106 via one or more wireless networks.

[0031] A server system 104 according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically in Figure 2 A. In the illustrated embodiment, the server system comprises one server device 200, however in other embodiments the functions of the server system 104 described below may be distributed across a plurality of devices 200. The server device 200 is located remotely to each of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a and second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b.

[0032] The server device 200 comprises processing means 206 and memory means 208. The processing means 206 may be one or more electronic processing device 206 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 208 may be one or more memory device 208. The memory means 208 is electrically coupled to the processing means 206. The memory means 208 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 206 is configured to access the memory means 208 and execute the instructions stored thereon to perform the functions described below.

[0033] The server device 200 further comprises a communication module 212 for communicating with each of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b and user device 106. The communication module 212 comprises hardware for performing wireless communication, such as via one or more networks. In particular, the communication module 212 may support communication via a 4G network, 5G network or the like. For example, the communication module 212 may additionally or alternatively support communication via: satellite communication, Wi-Fi network.

[0034] The server device 200 is configured to receive, via the communication module 212, an indication of an emergency event from a user device.

[0035] The user device 106 may be any personal computing device with wireless communications capabilities such as a laptop, personal computer, tablet or mobile phone.Although one user device 106 is illustrated, it will be appreciated that any number of user devices 106 may be in communication with the server device 200. For example, an end user may access the cloud based service and communicate with the server device 200 through a mobile application, web application or similar.

[0036] The indication of the emergency event may be provided at the user device 106 in the form of a user input, such as a touch input, voice input or the like, and communicated to the server device 200 over the one or more wireless networks.

[0037] In response to receiving the indication, the server device 200 generates emergency alert data to be transmitted to each of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a and second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b.

[0038] With reference to Figure 2B, the server device 104 is configured to access first location data 210a associated with the first location and second location data 210b associated with the second location. In the illustration, the first location data 210a and second location data 210b are stored in the memory 208 of the server device 104, however the first location data 210a and second location data 210b may be stored in any location accessible to the server device 104, such as in the user device 106, first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a, or any other external storage with which the server device 104 is communicably coupled.

[0039] The first location data 210a comprises information for providing an emergency message at the first location. In particular, the first location data 210a may be audio data comprising a pre-recorded emergency message for playing at the first location. In other embodiments, the first location data 210a may comprise textual data indicating an emergency message for playing at the first location. For example, the message may comprise one or more of a location of an emergency exit associated with the first location; a location of a safe zone associated with the first location; or a warning or health and safety alert associated with the first location.

[0040] The first location data 210a further comprises an indication of which outdoor emergency broadcasting devices are associated with the first location. For example, the first location data 210a may comprise a list of device IDs associated with each outdoor emergency broadcasting device at the first location. In the illustrated example of Figure 1, this is only the one first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a.

[0041] Likewise, the second location data 210b comprises information for providing an emergency message at the second location. This facilitates providing a different message at thesecond location to the first location. As with the first location data 210a, the second location data 210b may be audio data comprising a pre-recorded emergency message for playing at the second location, or textual data indicating an emergency message for playing at the second location. For example, the message may comprise one or more of a location of an emergency exit associated with the second location; a location of a safe zone associated with the second location; or a warning or health and safety alert associated with the second location. This facilitates, for example, guiding different zones of the event space to different exits in an emergency, or providing different emergency instructions (for example, it may be desired to direct the first zone to an emergency exit, and instruct the second zone to stay in place).

[0042] The second location data 210b further comprises an indication of which outdoor emergency broadcasting devices are associated with the second location. For example, the second location data 210b may comprise a list of device IDs associated with each outdoor emergency broadcasting device at the second location. In the illustrated example of Figure 1, this is only the one second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b.

[0043] Each of the first location data 210a and second location data 210b may be configurable based on user input from the user device 106. In particular, an event host or other user of the user device 106 can update the first location data 210a and second location data 210b in real time during use of the system. This may include reconfiguring the zones of the event space, to change which outdoor emergency broadcasting devices are associated with each location, or updating the emergency message to be played at each location by uploading a new pre-recorded message or textual data.

[0044] In response to receiving the indication of an emergency event, the server device 104 is configured to determine first emergency alert data in dependence on the first location data 210a, and determine second emergency alert data in dependence on the second location data 210b. In the case that the first location data 210a and second location data 210b comprise prerecorded messages, determining the first emergency alert data and second emergency alert data may comprise retrieving the pre-recorded messages. In the case where the first location data 210a and second location data 210b comprise textual data, the server may be configured to generate the emergency alert data by using a text-to-speech algorithm. In this way, audio messages can be generated on-the-fly when the information is updated. In this case, the first emergency alert data is generated by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to the first locationdata 210a, and the second emergency alert data is generated by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to the second location data 210b.

[0045] The server device 104 then transmits the first emergency alert data to the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a for providing a first audible emergency message and transmits the second emergency alert data to the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b for providing a second audible emergency message.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the system 100 therefore facilitates the generation and deployment of emergency messages in a zoned event space, such that the messages can be centrally updated and deployed simultaneously to ensure a crowd is provided with accurate and up to date messaging.

[0047] With reference to Figures 3A to 3D, there is illustrated an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 according to one embodiment. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 may be implemented in the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 described above as each of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a and second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b.

[0048] Figure 3A illustrates the device 300 in a first angled view, and Figure 3B illustrates the device 300 in a second rear view.

[0049] The device comprises a device housing 306 forming a main body of the device. The device housing 306 defines a substantially enclosed space to house various electronic components of the device, as will be described. In Figures 3 A and 3B, the device housing 306 is illustrated in a closed configuration and the internal components are not visible.

[0050] The device 300 comprises one or more speakers 304 configured to provide an audible emergency message. In the illustrated embodiment, three speakers 304 are provided on the device, although it will be appreciated that different numbers of speakers may be used, such as two speakers or four speakers. The speakers 304 are mounted on the device housing 306 via a speaker pole 308. The speaker pole 308 may enclose a cable connecting the speakers 304 to components internal to the device housing 306 as will be explained. The speakers 304 are each connected to the speaker pole 308 using an IP, ingress protection, rated speaker twist connector to ensure the cable is protected from moisture and dust ingress from the outdoor environment. For example, the speaker twist connector may be rated IP66.

[0051] The device 300 comprises one or more wireless receivers 302 configured to receive an emergency alert from an external device, such as the emergency alert data transmitted from theserver device 104 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Each wireless receiver 302 may be an antenna for receiving wireless signals, such as a 4G antenna or the like. Each antenna 302 may be mounted on the device housing 306 as shown. The one or more wireless receivers 302 may comprise, either in addition to the 4G antenna or instead of the 4G antenna, any one or more of: a satellite communications antenna; a 5G antenna; a Wi-Fi antenna, or any other appropriate antenna for receiving an emergency alert from an external device.

[0052] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 comprises recesses 314 within the device housing 306 as visible in Figure 3A. The recesses 314 are shaped to receive a trolley or forklift in order to lift and transport the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 to a desired location within the event space. The easy portability of the device enables the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 to be easily set up and reconfigured for different events.

[0053] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 is dimensioned to broadcast the audible announcements emitted by the speakers 304 to a wide area. In an illustrated embodiment, the device housing 306 may have a height of between 1500mm and 2500mm, for example 2100mm. The speaker pole 308 and speakers 304 may extend from a top surface of the device housing 306 by a further 1500mm to 2000mm, giving the device 300 a total height of between 3000mm and 4500mm.

[0054] Additionally, one or more surfaces of the device housing 306 may be provided with express-fit panels to allow interchangeable panel design, such as to provide adaptable information or advertising directly on the device 300.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3B, the outdoor emergency broadcasting device comprises an integrated power generator 312 for charging a power source of the device or providing power directly to components of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated power generator comprises a solar panel 312 mounted on an external surface of the device housing 306.

[0056] With reference to Figures 3C and 3D, the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 is illustrated in an open configuration exposing the components housed inside the device housing 306. The device 300 comprises one or more batteries 316a, 316b for providing power to the components of the device. In the illustrated example, two leisure batteries 316a, 316b are provided, however it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, more or fewer batteries may be provided depending on the power requirements of the components. When batteries 316a, 316b are fully charged, the illustrated device 300 will function for ten days playing onemessage per minute with no additional charge using two 15W speakers 304. The batteries 316a, 316b may be fully charged through a commando charging socket 332. The solar panel 312 may also act to trickle charge the batteries 316a, 316b. A solar charge controller 324 is provided in the device 300 to direct the charge from the solar panel 312. Further, a battery monitor 326 may be provided to detect battery charge of the batteries 316a, 316b and optionally display a charge to a user of the device 300. The device 300 may also be provided with a fuse board 328 and power kill switch 330.

[0057] The device is provided with a controller comprising a communication module 318 and processing unit 320. The processing unit 320 may comprise a media player arranged to control the messages played through the speakers 304 via an amplifier 322. The communication module 318 may comprise a 4G router connected to the antenna mounted on the device housing 306. According to other embodiments, the communication module 318 may additionally or alternatively comprise a router or similar for any one or more of: connection to a satellite communications antenna; 5G antenna; Wi-Fi antenna; or other antenna of the device 300.

[0058] The controller is configured to receive, from the server device 104 via the wireless receiver 302, emergency alert data, determine audio output data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert data; and transmit the audio output data to the one or more speakers 104 for providing the audible emergency message.

[0059] As discussed with reference to Figure 1, the emergency alert data may comprise a prerecorded message, or an audio message generated on-the-fly on the server device by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to textual data.

[0060] In some embodiments, it can be envisaged that the pre-recorded message may be stored locally at the device 300. In these embodiments, the emergency alert data may comprise simply an indication of an emergency, and the controller may be configured to retrieve the prerecorded message from local storage in response to receiving said alert. In other embodiments, it could be envisaged that some or all of the processing described with reference to the server device 104 could take place locally on the controller of the device 300. For example, on the fly text-to-speech processing could occur locally at the device 300.

[0061] With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated a method 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 400 may be performed by outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100. In block 402, the method comprises receiving, at a server device such as server device 104, an emergency alert. In block 404, the method comprises in response toreceiving the emergency alert, determining, by the server device, first emergency alert data in dependence on first location data associated with a first location remote to the server device. In block 406, the method comprises determining, by the server device, second emergency alert data in dependence on second location data associated with a second location remote to the server device and to the first location. In block 408, the method comprises wirelessly transmitting, by the server device, the first emergency alert data to a first outdoor emergency broadcasting device located at the first location. In block 410, the method comprises wirelessly transmitting, by the server device, the second emergency alert data to a second outdoor emergency broadcasting device located at the second location. In block 412, the method comprises outputting, at the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device, a first audible emergency message in dependence on the first emergency alert data. In block 414, the method comprises outputting, at the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device, a second audible emergency message in dependence on the second emergency alert data.

[0062] With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated a method 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 500 may be performed by outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100. The method 500 may be performed as part of method 400. According to examples, the order of the blocks of methods 400, 500 may vary, and one or more blocks may be omitted. The computer-implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method of method 500 comprises, in block 502, providing, at the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device, first lighting in dependence on the first emergency alert data; and in block 504, providing, at the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device, second lighting in dependence on the second emergency alert data.

[0063] With reference to Figure 6, there is illustrated a method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 600 may be performed by outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100. The method 600 may be performed as part of method 400, and in addition to or instead of method 500. According to examples, the order of the blocks of methods 400, 500, 600 may vary, and one or more blocks may be omitted. The computer- implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method of method 600 comprises: in block 602, using an artificially intelligent model to classify objects and / or scenes in images and / or video captured by at least one camera of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device and / or the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device. The classifying is according to one or more predetermined object and / or scene classes that the artificially intelligent model is trained to use.

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 according to embodiments. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 may be implemented in the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 described above as each of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a and second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b.

[0065] With reference to Figure 7, there is illustrated schematic representation of an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0066] The device comprises a device housing 306 forming a main body of the device. The device housing 306 defines a substantially enclosed space to house various electronic components of the device as described herein with reference to other embodiments. Although not shown, device 300 shown in Figure 7 may comprise any wireless receiver(s), transceiver(s), transmitter(s) as described herein, as well as other electronic components described herein to enable the device 300 to function according to embodiments described herein as an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the device 300 comprises one or more lights 700. The one or more lights 700 in Figure 7 are mounted on top of the speaker pole 308. In other examples the one or more lights are mounted elsewhere. The controller of the device 300, which may be a controller as described herein with reference to other embodiments, may be configured to: determine lighting data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert; and transmit the lighting data to the one or more lights for providing lighting in response to the emergency alert. The lighting data controls the one or more lights 700 to provide lighting in response to the emergency alert received by the device 300.

[0068] According to embodiments, the one or more lights 700 are configured to have at least one adjustable lighting characteristic. The lighting data is configured to adjust one or more of the at least one adjustable lighting characteristic. Adjustable lighting characteristics are any property of the lights 700 that can be controlled / varied. For example, the at least one adjustable lighting characteristic may compriss any one or more of: the colour of the lighting; a temporal modulation characteristic of the lighting. The temporal modulation characteristic may change the brightness of the lighting with respect to time, which enables effects such as flashing, dimming, strobing or other lighting effect to be achieved. According to other examples, the one or more lights 700 may provide lighting signage including words, shapes, patterns etc. Thelighting data may provide the data for providing the required words and / or shapes and / or patterns in response to the emergency alert.

[0069] According to embodiments, the one or more lights 700 comprises strobe lighting.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the device 300 comprises at least one camera 710. The wireless receiver(s) as described herein may be configured as a transceiver. Alternatively, the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 comprises a wireless transmitter (not shown).

[0071] According to embodiments, the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 is configured to transmit images and / or video captured by the at least one camera 710 to the external device via the transceiver 302 and / or wireless transmitter.

[0072] According to embodiments, the one or more speakers 304 comprise a first subset 720 of one or more speakers and a second subset 722 of one or more speakers. Figure 7 shows two speakers in each of the first subset 720 and the second subset 722, but other numbers are envisaged. For example, each subset may comprise three speakers, placed approximately at equal angle intervals around the pole to provide three-sixty degree coverage.

[0073] According to embodiments, the first subset 720 of one or more speakers are arranged for transmitting sound further than the second subset 722 of one or more speakers. For example, the first subset 720 may comprise higher power speakers for deep-field audio, and the second subset 722 may comprise lower power speakers for near-field audio. Additionally as shown in Figure 7, the speakers of the first subset 720 and the second subset 722 may be angled differently to promote audio transmission appropriate for their purpose, by angling the first subset 720 at the horizon or more towards the horizon, with the second subset 722 angled more towards the ground.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the first subset 720 of one or more speakers are arranged higher on the speaker pole 308 than the second subset 722 of one or more speakers, when the speaker pole is erected. This may further promote transmitting the sound further from the first subset 720 compared to the second subset 722.

[0075] As shown in Figure 7, the device 300 additionally comprises a ratchet device 730, which is configured to enable selective erecting and lowering of the speaker pole 308.

[0076] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 shown in Figure 7 additionally comprises one or more skid plates 740 for receiving forks of a fork lift for lifting. For example,the one or more skid plates 740 are provided on a bottom surface of the device 300 as shown in Figure 7.

[0077] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 shown in Figure 7 further comprises one or more anchor points 750, 752 configured for anchoring of the outdoor emergency broadcasting device to the ground. For example, the anchor points 750, 752 may be selectively lowered or moved to be in contact with a surface, e.g. ground, and then fastened to that surface. The one or more anchor points may otherwise be referred to as one or more jack legs.

[0078] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 shown in Figure 7 further comprises one or more eyelets 760, 762 for lifting the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 using a lifting apparatus. For example, a telehandler may attach to the one or more eyelets 760, 762 to lift the device 300.

[0079] The outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 of Figure 7 further comprises one or more wheels 770 to enable movement of the outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300. For example the one or more wheels 770 may comprise a pair of wheels which allow translational movement of the device 300. The one or more wheels 770 may be all-terrain wheels.

[0080] With reference to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D there is illustrated an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 according to one embodiment, illustrated from different views. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C show a device housing 306, a speaker pole 308 according to embodiments described herein with the speaker pole 308 in a transportation position. Figure 8D shows the speaker pole 308 erected. As described herein, the device housing 306 may house electronic components as described herein for the device to function as an outdoor emergency broadcasting device 300 according to embodiments described herein. The speaker pole 308 does not have the one or more speakers 304 mounted to it, but it is to be understood these can be mounted to the speaker pole 308, for example using mounting brackets provided on the speaker pole 308.

[0081] Figures 8A, 8B, show wheels 770 of the device 300, and additionally show the device 300 additionally comprising a weather cover to protect wiring and hinging. The device 300 of Figures 8A, 8B, 8C additionally comprises a retracting clamp 820 configured to clamp to the speaker pole 308 and a towing stump / stirrup 810, which secure the pole 308 and enable towing of the device 300.

[0082] Outdoor emergency broadcasting devices 300 according to embodiments described herein can be provided at different sizes. For example, the device 300 shown in Figures 3A and3B may illustrate a smaller size device 300 compared to the device 300 shown in Figures 8 A, 8B and 8C. In some embodiments, smaller size devices than those shown in Figures 3A and 3B are also provided. As an example, the height of device 300 shown in Figure 8D with the speaker pole 308 erected may be around 6 metres, for example 5.8 metres. Figure 8D also shows pivot bolt 830 which may be configured to enable pivoting of the speaker pole 308 to selectively erect and lower the speaker pole 308.

[0083] Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D also show the one or more anchor points 750, 752 in a stowed position. According to examples one anchor point may be provided at each corner of the housing 306 as shown in Figure 8C. One or more retaining bolts may be provided on the speaker pole to support fastening between different parts of the speaker pole.

[0084] According to embodiments, the first location data 210a and second location data 210b comprise lighting settings data associated with each of the first location and the second location. The server device 104 referred to in embodiments herein may be configured to: generate the first emergency alert data with the lighting settings data associated with the first location, and generate the second emergency alert data with the lighting settings data associated with the second location. The server device 104 may be configured to transmit the first emergency alert data to the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a for providing first lighting associated with the emergency event referred to herein. The server device 104 may be configured to transmit the second emergency alert data to the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b for providing second lighting associated with the emergency event referred to herein. For example, the first lighting and second lighting may be provided by the one or more lights 700 according to embodiments which are provided lighting data provided by the controller of the respective device 300. The lighting data may be determined based on the lighting setting data. In an example, the first lighting provides a first colour of lighting and the second lighting provides a second colour of lighting. This may be coordinated with audible emergency messages described herein to guide people in an emergency using the coloured lighting in different locations.

[0085] According to embodiments, the first location data may comprise lighting settings data associated with the first zone, and the second location data may comprise lighting settings data associated with the second zone.

[0086] According to embodiments, the outdoor emergency broadcasting system 100 as described herein may further be configured to transmit images and / or video captured by at leastone camera 710 of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102a and / or the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device 102b to the user device 106.

[0087] The user device 106 and / or the server device 104 may be configured to use an artificially intelligent model to classify objects and / or scenes in the captured images and / or video according to one or more predetermined object and / or scene classes that the artificially intelligent model is trained to use. For example the user device 106 and / or the server device 104 may store an inference of the artificial intelligent model. The artificially intelligent model may be used to assist in recognising when an emergency event is occurring through the recognising of certain obj ects / events predetermined by the system 100. For example, a recognised object / event notification or alert may be output on the display of the user device 106, which identifies the recognised object / event, and optionally includes the captured images / video highlighting the recognised object / event.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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. An outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) comprising: one or more speakers (304) configured to provide an audible emergency message; a wireless receiver (302) configured to receive an emergency alert from an external device; a controller (320); one or more batteries (316a, 316b) for providing power to the one or more speakers (304), wireless receiver and controller; and a device housing (306) substantially enclosing the controller and the one or more batteries; wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the external device via the wireless receiver, the emergency alert; determine audio output data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert; and transmit the audio output data to the one or more speakers (304) for providing the audible emergency message.

2. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 1, wherein determining the audio output data comprises retrieving a pre-recorded audio message in dependence on the emergency alert.

3. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive, from the external device via the wireless receiver (302), an audio message generated on-the-fly by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to textual data, and determine the audio output data in dependence on said received audio message.

4. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an integrated power generator (312) for charging the one or more batteries.

5. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 4, wherein the integrated power generator comprises a solar panel (312), wherein the solar panel is mounted on an external surface of the device housing (306).

6. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless receiver comprises a 4G antenna (302).

7. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless receiver comprises: a satellite communications antenna; or a 5G antenna; or a Wi-Fi antenna.

8. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one further wireless receiver.

9. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 8, wherein the at least one further wireless receiver comprise any one or more of: a satellite communications antenna; a 4G antenna; a 5G antenna; a Wi-Fi antenna.

10. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 9, additionally comprising one or more lights, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine lighting data in dependence on receiving the emergency alert; and transmit the lighting data to the one or more lights for providing lighting in response to the emergency alert.

11. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 10, wherein the one or more lights are configured to have at least one adjustable lighting characteristic, wherein the lighting data is configured to adjust one or more of the at least one adjustable lighting characteristic.

12. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 11, wherein the at least one adjustable lighting characteristic comprises any one or more of: the colour of the lighting; a temporal modulation characteristic of the lighting.

13. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the one or more lights comprises strobe lighting.

14. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the wireless receiver is configured as a transceiver and / or the outdoor emergency broadcasting device comprises a wireless transmitter.

15. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any of claims 1 to 14, additionally comprising at least one camera; wherein the outdoor emergency broadcasting device is configured to transmit images and / or video captured by the at least one camera to the external device via the transceiver and / or wireless transmitter.

16. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the one or more speakers comprise a first subset of one or more speakers and a second subset of one or more speakers.

17. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 16, wherein the first subset of one or more speakers are arranged for transmitting sound further than the second subset of one or more speakers.

18. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a speaker pole (308) arranged on the device housing to mount the one or more speakers (304).

19. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 18 when dependent upon claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the first subset of one or more speakers are arranged higher on the speaker pole than the second subset of one or more speakers, when the speaker pole is erected.

20. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of claim 18 or claim 19, additionally comprising a ratchet device configured to selectively erect and lower the speaker pole.

21. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 18-20, comprising an IP, ingress protection, rated speaker twist connector securing the speaker pole to the one or more speakers (304).

22. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising one or more recesses (314) within the device housing for receiving a trolley to transport the outdoor emergency broadcasting device.

23. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising one or more skid plates for receiving forks of a fork lift for lifting.

24. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising one or more anchor points configured for anchoring of the outdoor emergency broadcasting device to the ground.

25. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising one or more eyelets for lifting the outdoor emergency broadcasting device using a lifting apparatus.

26. The outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300) of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising one or more wheels to enable movement of the outdoor emergency broadcasting device (300).

27. An outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100), comprising: a first outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102a) of any one of claims 1 to 26 located in a first location (112a); a second outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102b) of any one of claims 1 to 26 located in a second location (112b); a server device (104) located remotely to each of the first emergency broadcasting device (102a) and second emergency broadcasting device (102b), wherein the server device comprises a memory, a processor, and a communication module, the server device being configured to: receive an indication of an emergency event from a user device (106); in response to receiving the indication, generate first emergency alert data in dependence on first location data associated with the first location and determine second emergency alert data in dependence on second location data associated with the second location; transmit the first emergency alert data to the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102a) for providing a first audible emergency message; and transmit the second emergency alert data to the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102b) for providing a second audible emergency message.

28. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of claim 27, wherein the first location data and second location data comprise textual data associated with each of the first location and the second location, and wherein the server device is configured to: generate the first emergency alert data by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to the first location data; and generate the second emergency alert data by applying a text-to-speech algorithm to the second location data.

29. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of claim 28, wherein each of the first location data and second location data are configurable based on user input from the user device (106).

30. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of any of claims 27 to 29, wherein the first location data and second location data comprise lighting settings data associated with each of the first location and the second location, and wherein the server device is configured to: generate the first emergency alert data with the lighting settings data associated with the first location; generate the second emergency alert data with the lighting settings data associated with the second location; transmit the first emergency alert data to the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102a) for providing first lighting associated with the emergency event; and transmit the second emergency alert data to the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102b) for providing second lighting associated with the emergency event.

31. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the first location is a first zone of an event space and the second location is a second zone of the event space.

32. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of claim 31, wherein the first location data comprises at least one of: a location of an emergency exit associated with the first zone; a location of a safe zone associated with the first zone; or a warning or health and safety alert associated with the first zone; lighting settings data associated with the first zone andwherein the second location data comprises at least one of: a location of an emergency exit associated with the second zone; a location of a safe zone associated with the second zone; lighting settings data associated with the second zone or a warning or health and safety alert associated with the second zone.

33. The outdoor emergency broadcasting system (100) of any one of claims 27 to 32, further configured to transmit images and / or video captured by at least one camera of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device (102a) and / or the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device to the user device; wherein the user device and / or the server device are configured to use an artificially intelligent model to classify objects and / or scenes in the captured images and / or video according to one or more predetermined object and / or scene classes that the artificially intelligent model is trained to use.

34. A computer-implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method (400), the method comprising: receiving, at a server device, an emergency alert; in response to receiving the emergency alert, determining, by the server device, first emergency alert data in dependence on first location data associated with a first location remote to the server device; and determining, by the server device, second emergency alert data in dependence on second location data associated with a second location remote to the server device and to the first location; wirelessly transmitting, by the server device, the first emergency alert data to a first outdoor emergency broadcasting device located at the first location; wirelessly transmitting, by the server device, the second emergency alert data to a second outdoor emergency broadcasting device located at the second location; outputting, at the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device, a first audible emergency message in dependence on the first emergency alert data; and outputting, at the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device, a second audible emergency message in dependence on the second emergency alert data.

135. A computer-implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method according to claim 34, the method additionally comprising: providing, at the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device, first lighting in dependence on the first emergency alert data; and providing, at the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device, second lighting in dependence on the second emergency alert data.

36. A computer-implemented outdoor emergency broadcasting method according to claim 34 or claim 35, the method additionally comprising: using an artificially intelligent model to classify objects and / or scenes in images and / or video captured by at least one camera of the first outdoor emergency broadcasting device and / or the second outdoor emergency broadcasting device: wherein the classifying is according to one or more predetermined object and / or scene classes that the artificially intelligent model is trained to use.

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