The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to alert systems and methods and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to alert systems and methods employing home appliances for audio and visual alert effects.

Alert system is a system for alerting a remote or local person and achieving their full attention in the event of an emergency, for critical medical condition, break-in, fire or other events requiring alert.

Alert systems are available in plurality of implementations of systems and methods. A common application of an alert system is to generate alert indications over telephone. Example of an alert system may be an alert triggering device generating a call to a pre-defined telephone number(s).

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert requesting device sending an alert request to a plurality of alert handling devices at one or more sites in the event of an emergency situation, more specifically, but not exclusively, to alerting alert handling device(s) capable of activating a plurality of home appliances for audio and visual effects to achieve alert handler attention.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert requesting device generating and sending an alert request to an alert management software application.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert handling device receiving an alert request and activating a plurality of audio and visual home through their native control interfaces.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert management software application processing and directing an alert request to a plurality of alert handling devices. The alert management application is executed on the alert requesting device and/or the alert handling device. Optionally the alert management application may be a central unit connecting to the internet. Procession and distribution of an alert request is based on a plurality of parameters available through a plurality of methods, for example database or information received from source side.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system of alerting a remote site. The system comprises an alert requesting device that detects an alert trigger event and transmits an alert request over a communication network to at least one alert handling device at remote site and at least one alert handling device that receives the alert request from an alert requesting device and transmits an control message to at least one home appliance via an existing operating channel that is used for by a user control device for operating the at least one home appliance. The control message encodes instructions used by the user control device to activate a presentation unit of the home appliance.

Optionally, the existing operating channel is an integrated native control interface used for activating the at least one home appliance through the user control device.

More optionally, the system further comprises a central unit that receives a plurality of alert requests from the alert requesting device, processes the alert request and transmits the alert request to at least one alert handling device.

Optionally, the alert trigger event is an event in which an alert is initiated through a plurality of triggering devices.

More optionally, the system further comprises a plurality of designated appliances control units that control home appliances via an existing operating channel.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of alerting one or more remote sites. The method comprises receiving an alert request and transmitting, in response to the alert request, an control message to at least one home appliance via an existing operating channel that is used by a user control device for operating the at least one home appliance. The control message encodes instructions used by the user control device to activate a presentation unit of the home appliance.

Optionally, the existing operating channel is an integrated native control interface used for activating and manipulating the home appliance through a user control device. More optionally, the method further comprises receiving a plurality of alert request attributes encoded within the alert request message transmitted from the alert requesting device.

More optionally, the method further comprises monitoring at least one alert triggering devices and transmitting an alert request at the detection of a trigger event.

More optionally, the method further comprises managing alert requests received from an alert requesting device, processing it and transmitting an alert request over a network to at least one alert handling device.

More optionally, the method further comprises activating a plurality of home appliances.

Optionally, the plurality of home appliances comprises a television set.

Optionally, the plurality of home appliances comprises an illumination system.

Optionally, the plurality of home appliances comprises a video generation unit transmitting audio and/or video streams into a television set.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an alert system that manages alert requests generated by an alert requesting device, processed by an optional central unit server executing alert management application and distributed to alert handling device(s) at a plurality of destinations, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing propagation of an alert request through the alert system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example of a passive triggering device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing an example of execution flow of an alert management application executed on a server, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a is a schematic illustration of an example of an alert requesting device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart describing an example of alert request process flow where alert requesting device is implemented through a mobile triggering device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing an example of alert request process where alert requesting device is implemented through a passive triggering device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example of an alert handling device available with smart home system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an example of an alert requesting/handling unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing an example of execution flow of an application executed by alert requesting device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing an example of execution flow of an application executed by alert handling device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an example of a television control unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart describing an example of execution flow of an application executed by television control unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an example of a video generation unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of an example of an illumination control unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an example of the alert handling unit operating designated appliance control units, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert system that includes an alert requesting device that receives, from a user, for example in an emergency situation, an alert indication and sends an alert request to one or more alert handling devices which operate one or more home appliances to acquire the attention of one or more addressees whose attention is needed. For example, the system distributes alert request(s) to a plurality of alert handling devices which activate accordingly one or more home appliances to generate audio and/or visual effects to achieve addressee's attention. Communication between the alert requesting device and alert handling device may be facilitated using one or more of networks, for example cellular and/or the internet.

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an alert system 100 that manages alert requests from the alert requesting device 101, optionally processes them at a central unit 105 and distributes the event to one or more alert handling devices 102. Communication between the alert requesting device, central unit server and alert handling device is done over one or more network(s) 103, for example wireless networks, for example cellular and/or wireless local area network (WLAN) connected to the internet. Alert requests are processed and handled by an alert management application 106 that is executed on the alert requesting device 101, the alert handling device 102 and/or distributed between the alert requesting device 101 and alert handling device 102. Optionally, the alert management application may be executed by a central unit server 105 where the alert management application 106 manages one or more alert requesting devices 101 and one or more alert handling devices and distributes the incoming alert requests according to configuration information available through a plurality of sources, for example, information available from the alert requesting device 101 and/or database 107. In case database 107 is used, it holds subscribers information and the actions to be taken in the event of an alert request reception. The alert handling device 102 at the alert handler site accepts the alert request and sends control commands to appliance control units 104 associated with the alert handling device 102 according to configuration information available through a plurality of sources, for example, pre-programming and/or information available from the alert requesting device 101 and/or the central unit 105.

Optionally, the alert requesting device 101 is a client terminal which executes an alert requesting application, for example a Smartphone, a tablet, and/or any computing unit designated for executing applications.

Optionally, the alert requesting device 101 generates an alerting message that includes additional alert requesting device information, for example, location information, alert level and/or triggering event description. Location information may be retrieved from any of a plurality of location and positioning methods, for example GPS.

Optionally, the alert requesting device 101 is a designated device, for example a bracelet and/or a switch unit having a push-button and/or a touchpad to trigger an alert. Such a designated alert requesting device may communicate with the network 103 through a plurality of wired or wireless communication for example, cellular or through local router. The designated alert requesting device may receive alert requests from a plurality of passive alert triggering devices for example, local push-button and/or remote push button-unit. At the detection of an alert trigger from a passive triggering device, the designated alert requesting device forwards an alert request to the alert management application 106.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 describing alert request propagation through the alert system units and the actions taken by each unit. The alert requesting device 101 may continuously monitor an object and/or an activity of an entity to detect a trigger event. The trigger event may be a manual event, such as a user pressing a button, an event triggered in response to an action identified by the alert requesting device user interface and /or automatically detected event as pre programmed in the software. At the detection of a trigger event the alert requesting device transmits an alert request to the central unit 105. The central unit running an alert management application 106 receives the alert request from the alert requesting device 101 and processes the alert request. The alert management application decides which alert handling devices 102 need to be alerted and transmits an alert request to the selected alert handling devices 102. The alert handling device 102 receives the alert request from the central unit 105 and transmits activation commands to one or more home appliance control units 104.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example of a passive triggering device 108, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The triggering device 108 has an integrated radio frequency (RF) interface through which the passive triggering device 108 sends trigger indication to the alert requesting device 101. At the other end the passive triggering device 108 includes a user interface, for example push-button allowing the user to trigger an alert event. Trigger events are monitored by a processor of the passive triggering device 108, executing a control application 106. At the detection of a trigger event the passive triggering device 108 sends an alert request to the alert requesting device over the RF interface.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for an alert management application 106 executed by the alert requesting device 101 and/or the alert handling device 102. The alert management application 106 handles and distributes the alert request to one or more request handling units 102 located at one or more sites.

Optionally, the alert management application 106 may be executed in a central unit 105 composing of plurality of computing nodes, for example, server and/or any apparatus capable of processing data and communicating over the network. The central unit 105 runs the alert management application 106 that processes and distributes alert requests to a plurality of alert handling devices 102 according to configuration information available through a plurality of methods, for example database 107 or information received from the alert requesting device 101.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 is a flowchart presenting an example of execution sequence of an alert management application 106 executed by the central unit 105. The application remains in an idle state until a trigger event is detected from the user interface. At the detection of an alert request from the alert requesting device 101 an alert request is transmitted to the alert handling device 102.

The alert request is received at the alert handling device 102 over the network 103. The alert handling device 102 communicates with one or more home appliance control units 104 for example, smart home control unit, home appliances for example, Smart TV and/or designated home appliances control units for example, home theatre system control unit, television control unit, video generation unit, audio music system control unit and/or illumination system control unit. Communication between the alert handling device 102 and the appliances control units 104 is facilitated through a plurality of wired or wireless communication, for example Ethernet, Infrared (IR), Ultrasonic, RF, and/or the like. The commands which are sent to appliance control units 104 are issued according to configuration information available through a plurality of methods, for example pre-programming or information received from the alert management application 106.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary alert requesting device 101, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this example, the alert requesting device 101 may be implemented on a mobile device, such as Smartphone, or a passive triggering device 108 that includes a user interface, for example push-button or voice controlled circuit allowing the user to trigger an alert event. Alert request may be triggered through a plurality of methods using the Smartphone' s user interface for example, a virtual key and/or a voice command. The Smartphone executes an alert request application that stands by to detect an alert trigger. At the detection of an alert trigger the Smartphone sends an alert request to the central unit 105 over the internet where the alert request is processed and handled by the alert management application 106 executing on the central unit 105. In this example, the alert requesting device 101 also supports passive alert triggering device. The passive triggering device 108 communicates with the alert requesting device 101 through RF while the alert requesting device 101 connects to the internet through Wi-Fi local network. At the detection of a trigger event at the passive triggering device 108 the alert requesting device 101 sends an alert request to the central unit 105 over the internet where the alert request is processed and handled by the alert management application 106 executing on the central unit 105.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 is a flowchart presenting an example of alert request propagation through the alert system implementing the alert requesting device 101 through the use of a mobile triggering device Smartphone. An alert request application is executed on the alert requesting device 101 and monitors the alert requesting device 101 user interface. At the detection of a trigger, an alert request is sent to the alert management application 106. In this example, the alert management application 106 is executed on a central unit 105 receiving the alert request over the network 103. Once an alert request is received at the central unit 105, it issues an alert request to the appropriate alert handling devices 102. Optionally, a plurality of additional information may be received from alert requesting device 101, for example, location information and/or alert nature. When such additional information is available it is forwarded to the alert handling device 102. The alert handling device 102 receives the alert request from the central unit 105 and takes the appropriate action by manipulating its associated home appliance control units 104.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 is a flowchart presenting an example of alert request propagation through the alert system implementing the alert requesting device 101 through the use of a passive triggering device 108 and a designated alert handling device 101. An alert request may be triggered by the user at the passive triggering device 108. The passive triggering device 108 detects the trigger event and sends an alert request to a designated alert requesting device 101. Once the designated alert requesting device 101 receives the alert request it issues an alert request to the alert management application 106. In this example, the alert management application 106 is executed on a central unit 105 that receives the alert request over the network 103. Once an alert request is received at the central unit 105 it issues an alert request to the appropriate alert handling devices 102. The alert handling device 102 receives the alert request from the central unit 105 and takes the appropriate action by manipulating its associated home appliance control units 104, for example, turning ON a Television set(s), turning ON a music audio system(s), turning ON illumination system(s), flashing illumination system(s) lights. Reference is now made to FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example of the alert handling device 101 using a smart home control system for manipulation of home appliances. In this example the alert management application 106 is processed by the central unit 105 and alert requests are forwarded over the internet from the central unit 105 to the alert handling device 102. The alert management application 106 uses a local database 107 for determining which alert handling devices 102 should be notified of the alert request. The alert handling device connects to the internet through a local Wi-Fi router. At the reception of an alert request command from the alert management application 106, the alert handling device 102 sends alert command to a smart home control unit over the local Wi-Fi network. The smart home control unit manipulates its available appliances according to the alert command it received. Appliances available to the smart home processing unit include, for example, home theatre system(s), television(s), audio music system(s) and/or illumination system(s).

Optionally, the alert handling device 102 may directly control one or more smart home appliances which integrate a wired or wireless communication interface in them, for example, Smart TV.

Optionally, the alert handling device 102 may control one or more designated home appliance control units 104 for example, home theatre system control unit, television control unit, video generation unit, audio music system control unit and/or illumination system control unit. In case there are multiple appliance control units 104 and communications between them and the alert handling device 102 is facilitated through wireless communication, each appliance control unit 104 holds a unique network address and during installation each appliance control unit is associated with its respective alert handling device 102.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an example of a designated unit performing as either alert requesting device 101 and/or alert handling device 102. The designated alert requesting/handling unit has an integrated Wi-Fi wireless interface through which the alert requesting/handling unit communicates with the network 103. Alert requests received over the network 103 are processed by a local processor. The alert requesting/handling unit also has an integrated RF interface through which the alert requesting/handling unit communicates with remote appliance control unit(s) 104. The alert requesting/handling unit takes is powered from an external power outlet, an external and/or an internal battery and includes a power circuit to drive the active components.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10 is a flowchart presenting an example of execution sequence of an application executed by an alert requesting device 101 local processor. The application remains in idle state until a trigger event is detected from the user interface. At the detection of a trigger event an alert request is transmitted to the alert management application 106.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11 is a flowchart presenting an example of execution sequence of an application executed by a processor of an alert handling device 102. The application remains in idle state until an alert request message is received from the alert management application 106. At the reception of an alert request message an alert command is sent from the alert handling device 102 to the appliance control units 104.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an example of an Infra Red based television control unit 109. The television control unit 109 has an integrated RF interface through which the television control unit 109 communicates with the alert handling device 102. The commands received from the alert handling device 102 are processed by a processor in the television control unit 109. Local memory is available in the television control unit 109 for storing the television specific Infra Red control sequences. The television control unit 109 includes an Infra Red receiver for accepting television remote control commands. The television control unit 109 also includes an Infra Red transmitter for sending commands to the television set. The television control unit 109 receives remote control commands during its setup phase to "learn" the exact Infra Red sequences required to manipulate the television set. The television control unit 109 may also determine current television set status - ON, OFF, volume level and more according to the television remote control commands sent from the television remote control and intercepted by the television control unit. The television control unit 109 may include a battery and a power circuit to drive the active components.

For example, the alert handling device 102 communicates with a television set control unit 109 according to received alert request messages. The television control unit 109 may communicate with the alert handling device through a plurality of wired or wireless communication, for example Ethernet over Power, RF, Ultrasonic, Wi-Fi (Worldwide Interoperability for Wireless Local Area Network) or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). The television control unit 109 may control the television set through the television remote control interface, for example Infra Red (IR) interface. The television control unit 109 may perform a plurality of operations, for example turn the television ON or OFF, switch television current channel, switch the television video and/or audio inputs or reduce/increase television sound level. The television control unit 109 performs operations on the television set according to configuration information available through a plurality of methods, for example pre-programmed information stored in local memory or information received from the alert central unit. The television control unit 109 may include a battery and a power circuit to drive the active components.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13 is a flowchart presenting an example of execution sequence of an application executed by a television control unit 109 local processor. The application remains in idle state until it detects either a transmission from the television remote control (to the television set) or it detects a command received from the alert handling device 102. In case a command is received from the alert handling device 102, it is processed and appropriate action is taken to manipulate the television set. In case a command from the television remote control is intercepted, the new operating state of the television is transferred to the alert handling device 102. This is done in order to allow the alert management application 106 to keep track of the appliances operation state and operate them accordingly in the event of an alert request.

For example, the alert handling device 102 communicates with a video generation unit according to received alert request messages.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary video generation unit 110. The video generation unit 110 has an integrated RF interface through which the video generation unit 110 communicates with the alert handling device 102. The commands received from the alert handling device 102 are processed by a local processor in the video generation unit 110. Audio and video signals are generated by a video generator device and driven out of the video generation unit 110 video/audio interface through cables to the television set. The video generation unit 110 is powered from an external power outlet and includes a power circuit to drive the active components.

The video generation unit 110 may receive commands from the alert handling device 102 through a plurality of wired or wireless communication, for example Ethernet over Power, RF, Ultrasonic, Wi-Fi or WiMAX . The video generation unit 110 is capable of driving static and/or dynamic video and/or audio stream into the television audio and/or video inputs to alert the alert handling addressee of the alert request. The video generation unit 110 may operate in conjunction with the television control unit 109 which may switch the television to the appropriate video and/or audio input channels. The video generation unit 110 performs operations according to configuration information available through a plurality of methods, for example pre-programming or information received from the alert handling device 102. The video and/or audio generated by the video generation unit 110 may contain a plurality of additional information regarding the alert request, for example, location from which the alert was generated and/or information regarding identity of the specific user that generated the alert.

For example, the alert handling device 102 communicates with an illumination control unit according to received alert request messages.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary illumination control unit 111. The illumination control unit 111 has an integrated RF interface through which the illumination control unit 111 communicates with the alert handling device 102. The commands received from the alert handling device 102 are processed by a local processor in the illumination control unit 111. The local processor controls a relay in the illumination control unit 111 that connects to the illumination circuit and turns it ON/OFF. The illumination control unit 111 is powered from an external power outlet and includes a power circuit to drive the active components.

The illumination control 111 unit may communicate with the alert handling device 102 through a plurality of wired or wireless communication, for example Ethernet over Power, RF, Ultrasonic, Wi-Fi or WiMAX. The illumination control unit 111 is capable of switching illumination and/or dedicated light source to direct the attention of the alert request addressee of the alert request. Lights may be switched ON, OFF or flashed. Flashing frequency may by programmable through a plurality of methods, for example, one time programming during setup and/or according to information received from alert handling device 102.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an example of the alert handling device operating designated appliance control units. In this example the alert management application 106 is processed by the central unit 105 and alert requests are forwarded over the internet from the central unit 105 to the alert handling device 102. The alert management application 106 uses a local database 107 for determining which alert handling devices 102 should be notified of the alert request. The alert handling device 102 connects to the internet through a local Wi-Fi router. At the reception of an alert request command from the alert management application 106, the alert handling device 102 sends alert command to its associated appliance control units 104 - a television control unit 109, a video generation unit 110 and multiple illumination control units 111. Communication between the alert handling device 102 and the device specific control units is done through RF. The television control unit 109 controls the television set through Infra Red (IR) interface. Optionally the illumination control units 111, the video generation unit 110 and/or television control unit 109 can be activates simultaneously.

Optionally, there are provided methods and systems for sending an alert request to the alert handler's mobile device which may be one of a plurality of mobile devices connecting to the network 103, for example Smartphone or tablet.

Optionally, the alert requesting device 101, the alert handling device 102 and the appliances control units 104 may be configured through a configuration application executed on a plurality of remote processing nodes, for example Smartphone, tablet, Personal Computer (PC), server or any other apparatus capable of processing data and communicating over the network. The configuration application may access the alert requesting device 101, the alert handling device 102 and/or the appliance control units 104 connected to the network 103 and configure their operation in the event of alert request. Optionally both an alert requesting device 101 and an alert handler unit 102 can reside at the same location i.e. at the same site to support self alert, for example, generating an alert request and receiving/handling the alert request in the event of a break-in into the site.