ALERT METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to alert systems and, in particular, to a method, apparatus and system for alerting people, such as ambulance personnel within an ambulance, of the location of a person requiring assistance. The present invention also relates to a computer program product including a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer program for alerting people, such as ambulance personnel within an ambulance, of the location of a person requiring assistance.

Background Older people, disabled people, people with medical conditions and other people in the general population are often concerned that in the event of an emergency (e.g., upon suffering a heart attack) they would be incapacitated and would be unable to notify anyone or call for assistance.

Accordingly, several systems are known for alerting people that assistance is required. One such system is known as the "Medi-Alert™ system". The Medi- Alert™ system comprises a pendant which is worn by a user. The system also comprises a console device which is configured to communicate with the pendant. The pendant is pressed by the user in the event of an emergency and sends a signal to the console device. The console device relays the personal information of the user to a monitoring centre. Once the necessary information is transmitted to the monitoring centre, a medi-alert voice to voice talk feature is activated so that the person can talk to an attendant at the monitoring centre. The attendant then follows a preset protocol to determine if there is a problem. If there is a problem, then the attendant determines the extent and seriousness of the problem, hi some cases, the attendant then notifies local emergency services.

A person's chances of survival are often dependent on the time it takes emergency services to reach the person. One problem with systems such as the Medi-Alert™ system is that even if the emergency services are notified and dispatched, the emergency services are still required to locate the victim, which can take a considerable amount of time. Typically the emergency services are merely given an address at which to locate the victim. The emergency services must then drive to the locale described by the address and find the person requiring assistance. Emergency services personnel often spend a lot of time driving up and down streets trying to find an address and/or a building where a person is located. Once the emergency services arrive at the building where the person is located, they may also have problems accessing the building if an access door to the building is locked and/or secured.

The Medi-Alert™ system also generates many false alarms, particularly following a power failure.

Thus, a need clearly exists for an improved system for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance.

Summary

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance, said system comprising: control means configured for being activated by the person requiring assistance; signal generation means for generating a signal for transmission to one or more emergency services personnel, upon said control means being activated, said signal being configured to differentiate between different types of emergency services; and

alert means positioned on or around an exterior of a building in which the person requiring assistance is located, wherein upon said control means being activated, said alert means is configured to provide a visual alert to the emergency services personnel approaching the building. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance, said system comprising: a remote control means for sending a first signal upon being activated by the person requiring assistance; and a control means for causing generation of a second signal for transmission to one or more emergency services personnel, upon said control means receiving said first signal, said second signal being configured to differentiate between different types of emergency services, said control means being further configured for activating an alert means positioned on or around an exterior of the building in which the person requiring assistance is located, upon receiving the first signal, wherein said alert means is configured to provide a visual alert to emergency services personnel approaching the building upon being activated.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided s method of alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance, said method comprising the steps of: sending a first signal from a control means to a signal generation means and an alert means, upon the control means being activated by the person requiring assistance; activating the signal generation means to generate a second signal for transmission to one or more emergency services personnel, upon said signal generation means receiving

said first signal, said second signal being configured to differentiate between different types of emergency services; and activating the alert means positioned on or around an exterior of said building, upon the alert means receiving said first signal, said alert means being configured to provide a visual alert to the emergency services personnel approaching the building.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance, said apparatus comprising: control means configured for being activated by the person requiring assistance; signal generation means for generating a signal for transmission to one or more emergency services personnel, upon said control means being activated, said signal being configured to differentiate between different types of emergency services; and alert means positioned on or around an exterior of a building in which the person requiring assistance is located, wherein upon said control means being activated, said alert means is configured to provide a visual alert to the emergency services personnel approaching the building.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure to alert people of the location of a person requiring assistance, said program comprising: code for sending a first signal from a control means to a signal generation means and an alert means, upon the control means being activated by the person requiring assistance; code for activating the message generation means to generate a second signal for transmission to one or more emergency services personnel, upon said second generation

means receiving said first signal, said second signal being configured to differentiate between different types of emergency services; and code for activating the alert means positioned on or around an exterior of said building, upon the alert means receiving said first signal, said alert means being configured to provide a visual alert to the emergency services personnel approaching the building.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for alerting one or more ambulance personnel of the location of a person requiring assistance, said system comprising: control means configured for being activated by the person requiring assistance; and alert means positioned on or around an exterior of a building in which the person requiring assistance is located, wherein upon said control means being activated, said alert means is configured to provide a visual alert to the ambulance personnel within an ambulance when the ambulance is in the vicinity of the building.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of alerting one or more ambulance personnel of the location of a person requiring assistance, said method comprising the steps of: sending a signal from a control means to an alert means, upon the control means being activated by the person requiring assistance; and activating the alert means positioned on or around an exterior of said building, upon the alert means receiving the signal, said alert means being configured to provide a visual alert to the ambulance personnel within an ambulance when the ambulance is in the vicinity of the building.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for alerting one or more ambulance personnel of the location of a person requiring assistance, said apparatus comprising: control means configured for being activated by the person requiring assistance; and alert means positioned on or around an exterior of a building in which the person requiring assistance is located, wherein upon said control means being activated, said alert means is configured to provide a visual alert to the ambulance personnel within an ambulance when the ambulance is in the vicinity of the building.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings and appendices, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a system for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a general purpose computer forming a control module of the system of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method of alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance

Detailed Description including Best Mode Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention appears.

It is to be noted that the discussions contained in the "Background" section and that above relating to prior art arrangements relate to discussions of documents or devices which form public knowledge through their respective publication and/or use. Such should not be interpreted as a representation by the present inventor(s) or patent applicant that such documents or devices in any way form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Fig. 1 shows a system 100 for alerting people of the location of a person requiring assistance (e.g., medical, police, fire). The person requiring assistance may be any person in the general population who requires medical or other assistance. In particular, the system 100 provides advantages to older people, disabled people, people with medical conditions, carers (e.g., people caring for the children or the disabled) and the like, who may require assistance. The person requiring assistance will hereinafter be referred to as "the subject."

The system 100 may be used for alerting neighbours in vicinity of a house or other type of building where the subject is resident (e.g., apartment building, duplex, town house, office building) that the subject requires assistance (e.g., in the event of an emergency, an accident or the like). The system 100 may also be used for alerting emergency services personnel that have been dispatched to the house, as to exactly where the house is located. The system 100 may also be configured to differentiate between the different emergency services.

The system 100 comprises a remote control means in the form of a pendent 101. The pendent 101 is configured to be worn by the subject and to be activated by the subject when the subject requires assistance. In other embodiments, the remote control means may be a watch, a bracelet, a remote control console or any other device suitable to be carried,

worn or accessed by the subject. For example, in one embodiment the remote control means may be a control panel or the like mounted on a wall of a building.

The pendent 101 may be encased in a cover and may comprise a light, buzzer or vibrator in order to indicate when the pendent 101 has been activated. The buzzer may have an adjustable volume. For example, the decibel level of the buzzer may be adjusted according to a subject's hearing. The pendent 101 will be described in further detail below.

Once activated the pendent 101 is configured to send a wireless signal 140 to a control means. Alternatively, the signal may be sent via a local communications network 222, as seen in Fig, 2. In another alternative, the pendent 101 may be connected directly to the control means via a cable or the like.

In one embodiment, the control means is in the form of a computer system 102 which will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 2. The computer system 102 is connected, via the communications network 222, to an alert means 103. Alternatively, the computer system 102 may be connected directly to the alert means 103. hi still another alternative, the computer system 102 may be connected to the alert means 103 via the communications network 220.

In one embodiment, the alert means 103 is in the form of a flashing beacon 103. The flashing beacon 103 is configured for alerting another person, such as a neighbour or emergency services personnel, of the location of the subject (e.g., in a house in a particular street) requiring assistance. In particular, the flashing beacon 103 is configured for alerting ambulance personnel within an ambulance approaching and in the vicinity of such a house.

Upon receiving the signal 140 from the pendent 101, the computer system 101 activates the flashing beacon 103 which then flashes until the flashing beacon 103 is deactivated.

The flashing beacon 103 is preferably positioned on an outside wall of a house or building where the subject lives. Alternatively, the flashing beacon 103 may be positioned in any other suitable position on or around the house or other type of building so as to be seen by neighbours in the vicinity of the house and/or to be seen by emergency services personnel driving vehicles (e.g., an ambulance) approaching the house on being dispatched to the house to assist the subject resident at the house. For example, the flashing beacon 103 may be mounted on an aerial of the house. Alternatively, the flashing beacon 103 may be positioned remotely from the house, such as on a post at the front gate leading to the house (e.g., in a rural setting). The flashing beacon 103 is a revolving light containing one or more lamps around which a curved mirror is spun, creating a rotating beam of light. The rotating beam of light produced by the flashing beacon 103 is preferably red and blue in order to distinguish the beacon 103 from similar types of beacons. However, the rotating beam of light produced by the flashing beacon 103 may be of any other suitable colour. The flashing beacon 103 preferably includes a plastic dome (not shown) covering the assembly. The front and back halves of the dome are preferably of different colors. In particular, one half of the dome is red and the other half of the dome is blue in order to produce the rotating beam of red and blue light.

In one embodiment, the beacon 103 may include a clear dome with colored lamps or reflectors inside. In still other alternative embodiments, the flashing beacon 103 may be a light emitting diode (LED) type flashing beacon.

In still other embodiments, the alert means 103 may be in the form of a display device, a strobe light, a non-flashing light or any other device suitable for alerting another person of the location of the subject. For example, the alert means may be an electronic

display device flashing the sign "Assistance Required" or "Emergency". In another alternative, the alert means may be an electronic display device flashing the sign "Requiring Emergency Services Assistance Alarm" (RESA™).

A method 300 of alerting people of the location of a person (e.g., ambulance personnel within an ambulance approaching a building) requiring assistance will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 3.

The method 300 may be implemented as software, such as one or more application programs executable within the system 100. In particular, the steps of the method 300 are effected by instructions in the software that are carried out within the pendent 101 and the computer system 102. The instructions may be formed as one or more code modules, each for performing one or more particular tasks. The software may be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage devices described below, for example. The software is loaded into the pendent 101 and/or computer system 102 from the computer readable medium, and is then executed by the pendent 101 and/or the computer system 102. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product.

As seen in Fig. 1, the pendent 101 comprises at least one processor unit 105 and a memory unit 106 for example formed from semiconductor read only memory (ROM) such as flash memory or the like. The pendent 101 also comprises an input device such as a button 110 configured to be pressed by the subject when the subject requires assistance. The pendent 101 also comprises a transceiver device 116 (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) transceiver device or an infrared transceiver device) for communicating wirelessly to and from the computer system 102. The processor unit 105, memory 106, button 110 and transceiver device 116 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 144.

As seen in Fig. 2, the computer system 102 is formed by a computer module 201, input devices such as a keyboard 202 and a mouse pointer device 203, and output devices including a display device 214 and loudspeakers 217. An external Modulator- Demodulator (Modem) transceiver device 216 may be used by the computer module 201 for communicating to and from the communications network 220 via a connection 221. In one embodiment, the transceiver device 216 may be a global system mobile (GSM) transmitter or the like. Alternatively, the computer module 201 may comprise the modem 216 and a separate GSM transmitter or the like. The communications network 220 may be a wide-area network (WAN), such as the Internet or a private WAN. Where the connection 221 is a telephone line, the modem 216 may be a traditional "dial-up" modem. Alternatively, where the connection 221 is a high capacity (eg: cable) connection, the modem 216 may be a broadband modem. A wireless modem may also be used for wireless connection to the network 220.

The computer module 201 typically includes at least one processor unit 205, and a memory unit 206 for example formed from semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The module 201 also includes a number of input/output (I/O) interfaces including an audio-video interface 207 that couples to the video display 214 and loudspeakers 217, an I/O interface 213 for the keyboard 202 and mouse 203 and optionally a joystick (not illustrated), and an interface 208 for the external modem 216 and printer 215. The module 201 also includes a transceiver device 230 (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) transceiver device or an infrared transceiver device) for communicating wirelessly to and from the pendent 101. In some implementations, the modem 216 may be incorporated within the computer module 201, for example within the interface 208.

The computer module 201 also has a local network interface 211 which, via a connection 223, permits coupling of the computer system 200 to the local communications network 222, known as a Local Area Network (LAN). The LAN 222 may be configured using existing power and lighting cabling within a building. Signals sent over the LAN 222 may be multiplexed with the power. As also illustrated, the local communications network 222 may also couple to the wide network 220 via a connection 224, which would typically include a so-called "firewall" device or similar functionality. The interface 211 may be formed by an Ethernet circuit card, a wireless Bluetooth or an IEEE 802.11 wireless arrangement. The interfaces 208 and 213 may afford both serial and parallel connectivity, the former typically being implemented according to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards and having corresponding USB connectors (not illustrated). Storage devices 209 are provided and typically include a hard disk drive (HDD) 210. Other devices such as a floppy disk drive and a magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. An optical disk drive 212 is typically provided to act as a non- volatile source of data. Portable memory devices, such optical disks (eg: CD-ROM, DVD), USB-RAM, and floppy disks for example may then be used as appropriate sources of data to the system 200.

The components 205 to 213 of the computer module 201 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 204 and in a manner which results in a conventional mode of operation of the computer system 200 known to those in the relevant art. Examples of computers on which the described arrangements can be practised include IBM-PC's and compatibles, Sun Sparcstations, Apple Mac™ or alike computer systems evolved therefrom.

Typically, one or more of the application programs discussed above are resident on the hard disk drive 210 and are read and controlled in their execution by the processor 205. One or more of the application programs are also resident in the flash memory 106 of the pendent 101 and are read and controlled in their execution by the processor 105. Intermediate storage of such programs and any data fetched from the networks 220 and 222 may be accomplished using the semiconductor memory 206, possibly in concert with the hard disk drive 210. In some instances, the application programs may be supplied to the user encoded on one or more CD-ROM and read via the corresponding drive 212, or alternatively may be read by the user from the networks 220 or 222. Still further, the software can also be loaded into the computer system 102 from other computer readable media. Computer readable media refers to any storage medium that participates in providing instructions and/or data to the computer system 102 for execution and/or processing. Examples of such media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, a hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, a magneto-optical disk, or a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are internal or external of the computer module 201. Examples of computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of instructions and/or data include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the Internet or Intranets including e-mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the like.

The second part of the application programs and the corresponding code modules mentioned above may be executed to implement one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to be rendered or otherwise represented upon the display 214. Through manipulation of the keyboard 202 and the mouse 203, a user of the computer system 200

and the applications may manipulate the interface to provide controlling commands and/or input to the applications associated with the GUI(s).

The method 300 may alternatively be implemented in dedicated hardware such as one or more integrated circuits performing the functions or sub functions of the described method. Such dedicated hardware may include graphic processors, digital signal processors, or one or more microprocessors and associated memories.

In one embodiment, the control means 102 and the alert means 103 may be one integral unit. For example, the flashing beacon 103, configured as a display device, strobe light, non-flashing light or any other suitable device, may comprise a processor unit, memory and a transceiver for receiving the signal 140 from the pendent 101. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous for the rural setting mentioned above where the flashing beacon 103 is positioned remotely from the house (e.g., on a post at the front gate of a property). In this instant, the pendent 101 may send the signal 140 directly to the remotely mounted flashing beacon 103 to activate the beacon 103, via a cable or wirelessly.

As described above, the method 300 may be implemented as software, such as one or more application programs executable within the system 100. In particular, step 301 of the method 300 is implemented as software resident in the flash memory 106 of the pendent 101 and being controlled in its execution by the processor unit 105. Step 302 of the method 300 is implemented as software resident on the hard disk drive 210 of the computer system 102 and being controlled in its execution by the processor 205.

The method 300 begins at the step 301, where the processor 105 causes the transceiver device 116 to send the signal 140 to the computer system 102, upon the button 110 being pressed or activated. For example, the button 110 may be pressed by the subject

upon the subject requiring assistance in the event of an emergency. Accordingly, once the button 110 of the pendent 101 is pressed by the subject, the processor 105 causes the transceiver device 116 to transmit the signal to the computer system 102. The subject may also contact an emergency services operator using a communications device such as a land line telephone within the house or a mobile telephone. For example, the subject may dial '000' or '911'.

At the next step 302, upon receiving the signal 140 via the transceiver 230, the processor 205 of the computer system 102 sends a signal to the flashing beacon 103 (or alarm means). The flashing beacon 103 may be connected to the computer system 102 via the local communications network 222 and the interface 211. Accordingly, the signal may be sent at step 302 via the network 222. The signal may be in the form of a continuous twelve volt (12 V) signal generated by the interface 211. Alternatively, the flashing beacon 103 may be connected to the computer system 102 via the communications network 220 and the interface 208. In this instance, the signal may be sent at step 302 via the communications network 220.

In response to receiving the signal, at the next step 303, the flashing beacon 103 is activated so as to flash intermittently generating a rotating beam of red and blue light. The flashing beacon 103 may be configured to flash in a specified pattern in order to distinguish the flashing beacon 103 from other similar types of flashing beacons or the like. For example, the flashing beacon 103 may be configured to continuously perform three short flashes followed by three long flashes. Accordingly, when activated, the flashing beacon 103 alerts another person, such as a neighbour or someone from the emergency services (e.g., ambulance personnel), of the location of the subject requiring assistance.

At step 302, upon the control means 102 receiving the signal from the pendent 101, the control means 102 may also send a signal, via the local communications network 222, to a door release means 130 (or mechanism), as seen in Fig. 1. The door release means 130 may be used to control an access door to a house or building on or around which the flashing beacon 103 is positioned. Upon receiving the signal from the control means 102, the door release means 130 may release a lock on the access door that is normally locked in order to allow the door to be opened without a conventional key, access card, password or the like. Accordingly, if the subject would have otherwise been unable to open a normally closed access door then the emergency services personnel will be able to enter the house or building easily.

The method 300 concludes at the next step 304, where if the flashing beacon 103 is deactivated, then the flashing beacon 103 stops flashing. Otherwise, the method 300 returns to step 303 where the flashing beacon 103 continues to flash intermittently. The flashing beacon 103 may be deactivated, for example, by pressing a key on the keyboard 202. The keyboard key may be pressed upon the emergency services arriving at the house to attend to the subject for example.

As well as sending a signal to the flashing beacon 103 upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, the computer system 102 may connect to the emergency services, directly or via an emergency services operator, and cause the emergency services to be dispatched to the house. For example, the processor 205 of the computer system 102 may send an address of the house, together with a request to attend the house, to the emergency services, via the communications network 220, upon receiving the signal 140 from the pendent 101 at step 301. The address of the house may be stored in digital form on the hard disk drive 210. Upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101, the processor

205 may access the address and transmit the address to a remote emergency services server connected to the communications network 220. Alternatively, the address may be communicated to the emergency services operator as described below.

Prior to connecting to the emergency services upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, the computer system 102 may dial one or more predetermined numbers (e.g., telephone numbers) to connect to one or more predetermined communication devices. For example, the processor 205 of the computer system 102 may dial a predetermined telephone number. Once the telephone corresponding to the telephone number is answered, the processor 205 may send a signal to a signal generation means 135, via the local communications network 222. Alternatively, the processor 205 may send the signal to the signal generation means 135 directly. The signal generation means 135 is configured to deliver a signal to the person answering the telephone. The signal may be in the form of a pre-recorded message (e.g., "Help.... Help... Help"), requesting the person answering the telephone to attend the house or to at least contact the house. The person answering the telephone may then determine whether or not to dispatch the emergency services by attending the house or calling the subject. The pre-recorded message may be an audio message stored in digital form in the signal generation means 135 or the control means 102. In the case that the computer system 102 comprises a GSM transmitter, the GSM transmitter may be used to dial the predetermined telephone numbers and transmit the pre-recorded message. Upon connecting to the computer system 102, the telephone receiving the signal may be configured to dial the emergency services telephone number and deliver a pre-recorded message.

In one embodiment, the remote control means in the form of the pendent 101 or otherwise (e.g., control panel) may comprise a plurality of buttons 131, 132 with each of

the buttons representing a different type of emergency service (e.g., ambulance, police, fire brigade). For example, the button 131 may be a red button representing "ambulance" and the button 132 may be a blue button representing "police". In this instance, upon receiving a signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, following the red button 131 being pressed, the computer system 102 may connect to the emergency services operator, via the network 220, by dialling a predetermined emergency services telephone number (e.g., "000" or "911"). Again, a GSM transmitter may be used by the computer system 102 to dial the predetermined telephone numbers and connect to the emergency services operator.

The computer system 102 may then send a signal, via the communications network 221, 220 or directly, to the signal generation means 135. The signal generation means 135 may then send a signal via the network 220 to the emergency services operator. The signal sent by the signal generation means 135 may be in the form of a pre-recorded message such as "Ambulance...Ambulance...Ambulance". Again, the pre-recorded message may be an audio message stored in digital form in the signal generation means 135 or in the control means 102. The pre-recorded message is then transmitted via the network 220 to the emergency services operator. The emergency services operator will then dispatch an ambulance to an address corresponding to the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the computer system 102. Alternatively, the address of the location of the subject may be included in the pre-recorded message (e.g., "Ambulance...21 Smith Road, Alstonville...Ambulance...21 Smith Road, Alstonville...").

In another example, upon receiving a signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, following the blue button 132 being pressed, the computer system 102 may again connect to the emergency services operator by dialling the predetermined emergency services telephone number (e.g., "000" or "911"). However, for the blue button 132, the signal sent

by the message generation means 135 may in the form of a pre-recorded message, "Police...Police...Police". Such an embodiment provides particular advantages where the subject has collapsed and/or passed out after activating the pendent 101. Accordingly, the pre-recorded messages differentiate between the different emergency services, hi another alternative, rather than generating a spoken pre-recorded message, the signal generated by the signal generation means 135 may be in the form of one of a plurality of tones or the like to differentiate between the different emergency services. For example, a single long tone may represent the ambulance and a periodic tone may represent police. Again, the pre-recorded tones may be stored in digital form in the signal generation means 135 or in the control means 102.

As well as sending a signal to the flashing beacon 103 upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, the computer system 102 may connect to the server of a central monitoring authority via the communications network 220. In such an embodiment, the pendent 101 also comprises a speaker (not shown) and a microphone (not shown). Accordingly, upon connecting to the server of the central monitoring authority, a voice communications channel is established, over the communications network 220, between the pendent 101 and the central monitoring authority. For example, the voice communications channel may be established using voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). The subject may then use the pendent 101 to talk to an operator at the central monitoring authority. The operator may then speak to the subject and decide whether to dispatch the emergency services to the house of the subject and which emergency services (e.g., ambulance, fire brigade, police) to dispatch. Upon reaching the locality of the house, the emergency services will easily be able to identify the house using the flashing beacon 103

mounted on or around the house. A voice communications channel may similarly be established between the emergency services operator described above and the subject.

The control means 102 may take the form of a switch, similar to a normal light switch. Such a switch may be part of the control panel as described above. The switch 102 may be hardwired to the alert means in the form of the flashing beacon 103. The flashing beacon 103 mounted on or around a house may be powered from mains power. The switch 102 may be pressed by the subject upon the subject requiring assistance in the event of an emergency. The subject may then contact the emergency services using a telephone (e.g., by dialling '000' or '911 '). Once the switch 102 is pressed by the subject, power is supplied to the flashing beacon 103. In such an embodiment the flashing beacon 103 may be activated without the pendent 101. Accordingly, the pendent 101 is not required for such an embodiment. However, the system 100 described above comprising the control means in the form of the computer 102 and pendent 101 may also comprise such a switch. The switch may be used in parallel to the pendent 101 in order to activate the flashing beacon 103. The hard wired switch may also be used as a backup in the instance that the remote control means is unavailable or lost.

The alert means may be a portable device. For example, the flashing beacon 103 comprising the processor unit 105, memory 106 and transceiver 116, described above, may be mounted on a stand of suitable height. In such an embodiment, in the event of an emergency, the portable flashing beacon 103 may be placed in front of the house (e.g., by a second party such as the spouse of the person requiring assistance) or around an accident scene. For example, the portable alert means may be carried in the boot of a car and may be placed in an area around or on the car in the event of an accident. Again, such a portable alert means may be activated by a remote control means such as the pendent 101.

The flashing beacon 103 in any form including the portable form will preferably be both shock proof and water proof.

The system 100 may comprise a surveillance means 120 connected to the control means 102, via the communications network 222 as represented in Fig. 1. The surveillance means 120 may be in the form of one or more video cameras mounted within the house in which the subject lives. In such an embodiment, once the pendent 101 is activated, the pendent 101 sends a signal to the control means 102. The control means 102 may activate the flashing beacon 103, as described above, and also the cameras 120. The cameras 120 may then capture video data representing the scene in one or more rooms of the house. The video data may then be uploaded to the central monitoring authority, as described above, via the communications network 220. The operator may then view the video data and decide whether to dispatch the emergency services to the house of the subject and which type of emergency services (e.g., ambulance, fire brigade, police) to dispatch. Again, upon reaching the vicinity of the house, the emergency services personnel, such as ambulance personnel within an ambulance, will easily be able to identify the house using the flashing beacon 103 mounted on or around the house.

As well as sending a signal to the flashing beacon 103 upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101, at step 302, the computer system 102 may be configured to cause the transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal of a particular frequency. This RF signal may be transmitted by a transmitter device (not shown) connected to the control means 102. The RF signal preferably has a predetermined range and may be configured to be received by a receiver device mounted within or on an emergency services vehicle such as an ambulance. For example, the RF signal may be configured to be received via such a receiver within the emergency services vehicle when the vehicle is located within a five

hundred meter radius around the house. Once received, the RF signal may be processed by a processor (not shown) mounted within the emergency services vehicle in order to generate an audible signal. The processor may be configured to increase the volume of the audible signal as the emergency services vehicle gets closer to the transmitter that is transmitting the RP signal. Alternatively, the processor mounted within the emergency services vehicle may be configured to generate an audible pulse signal when the vehicle is located within a five hundred meter radius around the house and to increase the frequency of the pulse signal as the emergency services vehicle gets closer to the transmitter that is transmitting the RF signal. Accordingly, the transmission of the RF signal provides another aid to the emergency services vehicle approaching the house, on being dispatched to the house. The driver of the emergency services vehicle may then pinpoint the exact location of the house using the flashing beacon 103.

The RF signal described above may be transmitted by the alert means 103. The RF signal may be in the form of a distress signal configured to be received by any suitable receiver.

The system 100 may also comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) transceiver 125 connected to the control means 102, via the network 220, as shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the GPS transceiver 125 maybe connected to the control means 102 directly or via the network 222. Accordingly, as well as sending a signal to the flashing beacon 103 upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101 at step 302, the computer system 102 may send GPS coordinates, together with a request to attend the house, to the emergency services either directly or via an operator, over the communications network 220. The GPS coordinates may be sent via a GSM transmitter configured within the control means

102. In one embodiment, the GPS coordinates may be included in a short message service (SMS) message or the like sent to the emergency services operator.

The GPS coordinates may be stored in digital form on the hard disk drive 210. Upon receiving the signal from the pendent 101, the processor 205 may access the GPS coordinates and transmit the GPS coordinates to a remote emergency services server connected to the communications network 220. In one embodiment, the GPS coordinates may be configured within the RF signal sent to a receiver within the emergency services vehicle as described above. Alternatively, the system 100 may comprise a GPS transmitter and/or receiver rather than the transceiver 125. In some embodiments, the GPS transceiver 125 may be configured on or within the alert means 103. In particular, when the alert means 103 is in a portable form, the GPS coordinates may be determined by the GPS transceiver 103 incorporated within the alert means 103. The GPS coordinates may then be sent to the control means 102, via the network 222, for transmission, via the network 220, to an emergency services operator or the like. Alternatively, the GPS coordinates may be transmitted to the emergency services operator or the like, via a GSM transmitter configured within the alert means 102. The GSM transmitter may be configured to dial a pre-determined telephone number to connect with the emergency services operator or the like. In either instance, the control means 102 also may or may not be configured within the alert means 103. Again, as above, the GPS coordinates may be included in a short message service (SMS) message or the like sent to the emergency services operator. Accordingly, the GPS transceiver 103 configured within the alert means 103 may be used to indicate an exact location of the alert means 103. In the embodiments described above, the alert means in the form of the flashing beacon 103

(display device, strobe light, non-flashing light or any other suitable device) may be powered from mains power connected the house.

One disadvantage of conventional systems such as the Medi-Alert™ system is that they often result in a false alarm being generated following power being restored after a power outage. In one alternative, a time delay relay may be used to connect the alert means (or flashing beacon 103) to the mains power. In the event of power being restored following an outage, the time delay relay may be configured to switch the mains power back to the flashing beacon 103 only after a predetermined period of time (e.g., thirty (30) minutes). During this predetermined period of time and during the power outage, the alert means may be powered from some other suitable power source such as a battery. The time delay relay therefore protects the alert means from power surges and spikes that often occur after a power outage. Such a relay may also be used in conjunction with a series and/or parallel harmonics filter in order to minimise the effect of a power surge.

Alternatively, the alert means may be powered from some other suitable power source such as a battery rather than mains power. In another alternative, the alert means may be powered using solar power, via a solar panel, which is particularly advantageous where the alert means is mounted or positioned remotely to the house or is in the form of the portable alert means described above.

The pendent 101 and/or the computer system 102 may comprise a stored medical history for the subject, which may be checked by the emergency services when they arrive at the house or building. The stored history may be checked by logging onto the computer system 102. Alternatively, the information stored on the pendent 101 and/or computer system 102 may be downloaded to a portable computer system carried by the emergency services in order to help the emergency services treat the subject. In another alternative,

the pendent 101 including the stored medical history may be presented to a doctor or the like once the subject has been transported to a hospital or medical centre.

The system 100 may comprise an indication means in the form of an indication panel which may be mounted adjacent to the entrance of a building upon which the alert means 103 is mounted on or around. The control panel may indicate where in the building the subject is located by indicating where the pendent 101 was activated. For example, the building may be an apartment building comprising a plurality of apartments. The control panel may indicate the number (e.g., Unit 3) of an apartment from which the pendent 101 has been activated. In this instance, upon the emergency services such as ambulance personnel locating the building using the alert means 103, they can then identify exactly which apartment the subject is in, using the control panel. The control panel may determine the number of the apartment based on a signal received from the control means

102 and/or from the pendent 101.

As described above, the remote control means 101 may be in the form of a watch or a bracelet. In this form, the remote control means 101 may comprise a pulse rate monitor.

The pulse rate monitor may be connected to the processor 105 of the remote control means

101. The processor 105 may be configured to monitor the pulse rate of a subject wearing the remote control means 101, in the form of a watch or bracelet. If the subject's pulse rate goes lower or higher than predetermined lower and upper threshold levels, respectively, then the processor 105 may be configured to send the wireless signal 140 to the computer system 102. Again, upon receiving the signal 140 from the pendent 101, the computer system 102 activates the flashing beacon 103 which then flashes until the flashing beacon

103 is deactivated. The computer system 102 may also connect to the emergency services,

directly or via an emergency services operator, as described above, upon receiving the signal 140 from the pendent 101.

The remote control means 101 may also comprise a smoke detector. For example, the processor 105 of the remote control means 101 may be connected to such a smoke detector and be configured to monitor for smoke. If smoke is detected, then the processor 105 may send the signal 140 to the control means 102 in order to activate the flashing beacon 103 which then flashes until the flashing beacon 103 is deactivated. The control means 102 may also connect to the emergency services, directly or via an emergency services operator, as described above, upon smoke being detected. Such a smoke detector may also be configured the control means 102. The smoke detector may also generate its own tone when activated. This tone may be adjustable. For example, the decibel level of the tone may be adjusted according to a subject's hearing.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the system 100 may also comprise an audible alert means such as a siren. Again, such a siren is preferably mounted on an outside wall of a house or building where the subject lives. The siren may be activated when the flashing beacon 103 is activated. Such a siren provides particular advantages at night where most people living in the vicinity of the house or building are asleep. Accordingly, a person requiring assistance in the early hours of the morning, for example, can notify their neighbours that they require assistance by activating the siren.

Further, instead of a siren, the audible alert means may comprise a speaker used to generate a predetermined voice signal. For example, upon receiving the signal from the

pendent 101, the computer system 101 may transmit a pre-recorded message such as "RESA... RESA... RESA", where RESA™ stands for "Requiring Emergency Services Assistance Alarm".

Many mobile telephones (or cell phones) now have a GPS transceiver (or a GPS transmitter and/or receiver) configured within the mobile telephone. In one implementation, such a mobile telephone may be configured such that upon a user placing a call to the emergency services by dialling "000", "911 or the like, the GPS coordinates of the mobile telephone are transmitted via a communications network (e.g., the network 220) to an emergency services operator or the like. Again, as above, the GPS coordinates may be included in a short message service (SMS) message or the like sent to the emergency services operator. Accordingly, the GPS transceiver configured within the mobile telephone may be used to indicate an exact location of the mobile telephone.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of. Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.