COMMUNICATING USER EMERGENCIES

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention has application in the technical sector of satellite positioning and communications, more specifically in assistance to user in emergency situations, particularly in areas without cellular mobile coverage.

Background of the Invention

Today, the technological breakthroughs generally and for communications services in particular allow users to remain connected continuously. Primarily cellular mobile coverage is responsible for this state of permanent connection which, in the event of emergency situations, makes it easier, for example, to quickly request help and help locate victims.

Nevertheless, in remote locations cellular mobile coverage is weak or inexistent. Therefore, in zones with little population, such as jungles, mountainous regions or deserts, one can be without any means of communication which, in the event of an accident, can be life-threatening.

The state of the art solves the problems of communication and location of users in areas without cellular coverage by means of satellite connections. A user who is aware that they will be entering a zone without cellular mobile coverage can use a satellite service operator, allowing satellite voice and data communications. This involves an additional, high-cost communications device which, combined with contracting the service, ends up being unfeasible for most users.

Other more specific solutions use a specific tracking device with a GPS receiver and satellite transmitter for, in case of emergency, transmitting an alarm to the authorities with the user's GPS coordinates in case of emergency.

Without having to use additional devices, there are also software solutions which, when implemented in specific and unstable applications in a mobile telephone, perform beaconing and locating functions. So, basing the strategy on agreements with emergency services can contribute to locating and helping the user.

Therefore, in general the known solutions in the state of the art partially cover some of the communication and security needs required by a user entering regions without cellular coverage, but none of said solutions provides an integral service that maximizes the options of success in an eventual rescue, reducing intervention times, eliminating user's uncertainty and providing valuable information for the rescue based on a simple, intuitive, cost-effective communications device with global coverage.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by offering a global and two-way satellite coverage allowing a user to send and receive messages by means of an intuitive and easy to use device. Furthermore, the invention proposes a proprietary service layer that can contribute to coordinating emergencies, obtaining medical data or identifying user contacts. Therefore, in a first aspect of the present invention, said invention relates to a system for locating a user and communicating user emergencies in areas without cell phone coverage comprising:

- a portable electronic device comprising:

o satellite positioning signal receiving means configured for obtaining user location information;

o satellite transmission and receiving means configured for exchanging messages with a central module through a satellite channel of a satellite service provider;

o a processor configured for sending a help message with user location information to the central module by means of the transmission means after the user interacts with operating means of the device, and said processor configured for receiving confirmation messages from the central module by means of the receiving means;

- a central module configured for receiving the help message sent from the electronic device, and in response to said message, sending a reception confirmation message to the electronic device, sending an alert message with user location information to an emergency service and sending a help confirmation message to the electronic device;

- a database accessible by the central module containing information about each of the users, where the alert message sent from the central module to the emergency service comprises certain user information that has previously been stored.

For sending the alert message to an emergency service, the central module preferably selects one of the emergency services available depending on the location information provided. The electronic device can comprise communication means configured for setting up communication with a mobile telephone.

According to a particular embodiment, the system of the present invention further comprises a mobile telephone with means for setting up communication with the electronic device, where the mobile telephone further comprises a control interface configured for managing the electronic device according to the user's interactions with said interface once communication with the electronic device is set up. Optionally, it is contemplated that the user can incorporate additional information into the help message by using the communication between the mobile telephone and the electronic device.

It is contemplated that the user information that has previously been stored in the database accessible by the central module comprises medical data, user contact data and any other type of relevant data for an emergency team in the event of an eventual rescue.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a portable electronic device for locating a user and communicating user emergencies in areas without cell phone coverage, comprising:

o satellite positioning signal receiving means;

o satellite transmission and receiving means configured for exchanging messages with a central module through a satellite channel of a satellite service provider;

o a processor configured for sending a help message to the central module by means of the transmission means after the user interacts with operating means of the device, and said processor configured for receiving confirmation messages from the central module by means of the receiving means.

It is contemplated that the device incorporates signaling means configured for providing visual information to the user as confirmation of reception of the help message and as confirmation of help. Preferably the signaling means are LED indicators encoding rescue statuses by means of different steady or blinking light combinations.

A final aspect of the invention relates to a method for locating a user and communicating user emergencies in areas without cell phone coverage, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

a) the user interacting with operating means of a portable electronic device; b) obtaining in a processor of the device user location information from satellite positioning signals received by satellite positioning signal receiving means of the device;

c) as a result of the interaction of step a), sending a help message from transmission means of the device configured for sending messages through a satellite channel of a satellite service provider to a central module, where the help message comprises at least the user location information;

d) receiving in the central module the help message sent from the electronic device;

e) in response to said help message, sending a reception confirmation message to the electronic device and an alert message to an emergency service, where the alert message comprises user location information and certain user information that has previously been stored in a database accessible by the central module;

f) after sending the message to the emergency service, sending a help confirmation message from the central module to the electronic device;

g) receiving the help confirmation message in receiving means of the device configured for receiving messages from the central module through a satellite channel of a satellite service provider.

Additionally, according to one of the embodiments of the invention, sending the alert message from the central module to an emergency service comprises selecting the emergency service depending on the user location information.

One of the embodiments of the invention comprises the step of setting up communication (for example Bluetooth) between the electronic device and a mobile telephone, and once the communication is set up, managing the electronic device according to the user's interactions with a control interface of the mobile telephone. Optionally, exchanging text messages generated in the mobile telephone with other users or with the central module through the electronic device and using the satellite channel is contemplated.

According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the positioning signals correspond to a GPS, GLONASS and/or BEIDOU global navigation satellite system. However, any other global navigation satellite system could be adopted for the working of the invention.

One of the embodiments of the invention contemplates creating user profiles where the users are previously registered in the service, which comprises storing user information comprising at least medical data and user contact data in the database accessible from the central module.

To better understand these and other aspects of the invention as well as its objects and advantages, reference can be made to the following specification and the attached drawings.

Description of the Drawings

To complete the description being made and for the purpose of helping to better understand the features of the invention according to one of the embodiments thereof, a set of drawings are attached to said description as an integral part thereof in which the following is depicted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:

Figure 1 shows a diagram of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the portable electronic device for locating a person.

Figure 3 depicts in a particular example of an emergency communication the exchange of messages between a user, the central module and an emergency service.

Figure 4 shows the satellite antenna of the portable electronic locating device according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the invention

All that is defined in this detailed description is provided to help thoroughly understand the invention. Accordingly, those having average skill in the art will understand that there are possible variations, changes and modifications of the embodiments described in the present specification that do not depart from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the description of functions and elements that are well-known in the state of the art is omitted for the sake of clarity and concision.

The embodiments of the invention can logically be implemented in a wide range of architectural platforms, protocols, devices and systems, so the designs and specific implementations described herein are provided solely for the purpose of illustration and understanding, never for limiting aspects of the invention.

The present invention discloses an integral system of locating and assisting users in case of emergency which allows sending and receiving messages even if cellular mobile coverage is not available. It therefore offers a personal safety and communication service primarily aimed at people who either for the sake of mobility or leisure, sports or professional activities, need to be in communication, be traceable and receive support in case of emergency. One of the objectives of the present invention consists of helping to save lives, providing an additional safety for people who conduct dangerous activities in areas with scarce communications, while at the same time it has a calming effect on family members and friends. The additional safety comprises several factors which, when combined, maximally optimize the possibilities of success of an eventual rescue.

The times and effectiveness of rescue interventions are improved by means of the intelligent use of vital user information previously stored in a database. In that regard, a user can be previously registered in a web service and provide their medical history, medication, allergies, blood type or other medical data that may be important for an emergency service to act effectively in an emergency situation. Additionally, the user can create their own profile and complete additional contact information, family information or other relevant data by means of a computer or a mobile telephone with web access to the service web.

Figure 1 schematically depicts the system of the present invention which comprises several elements which, when combined, offer a full location and assistance solution. There is a central module (1 ) that manages the working of the entire system. The service web (3) and the database (2), both of which were discussed above, are integrated in said central module. It is responsible for managing user profiles, managing the messages received from the users' portable devices, sending confirmations (7) to the users and managing alerts, which includes selecting the emergency service depending on the users' location and sending vital user data retrieved from the database.

The users have an assigned a personal portable electronic device (4) to be located and for communicating with the central module and assuring that the user maintains communication at all times as a result of a satellite channel, provided by a satellite telecommunication service operator (5). According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the personal locating portable electronic device comprises satellite positioning signal receiving means configured for obtaining user location information, such as a GPS module, for example. It further comprises satellite transmission and receiving means (8) configured for exchanging messages with a central module, such as a satellite modem and a satellite antenna, for example. A processor is responsible for sending the corresponding instructions for transmitting (6) a help message with user location information from the transmission means to the central module after the user interacts with operating means of the device. Said processor is also responsible for receiving by means of the receiving means confirmation messages from the central module and producing the corresponding visual signals.

It is contemplated in one of the embodiments of the invention that the device incorporates different sensors for enriching the user status monitoring information. For example, an accelerometer sensor, a temperature sensor, altimeter or any other sensor that can provide relevant information for the user status and for the emergency services. Additionally, based on the information from the different sensors and according to one of the embodiments of the invention, automatic help messages which are vital in cases in which the user loses consciousness or in cases of a serious accident preventing the user from pushing the button of the device to request help are generated. For example, a minimum temperature threshold is set up which, when reached, makes the device automatically generate a help message, thereby preventing cases such as a user freezing to death in the mountain. By setting up another threshold for the accelerometer sensor, the device can also be configured to act automatically in the event that the user suffers a serious fall.

According to one of the embodiments of the invention, in addition to the satellite communication means discussed above, the portable electronic locating device can have a wireless communications module, for example Bluetooth (9). This connection is suitable for setting up communication with other nearby devices, primarily the user's mobile telephone. In the event of using this wireless connection (1 1 ) between the portable electronic device and the wireless module (14) of the user's mobile telephone, the user can make use of the additional advantages provided by an additional connection service (10) through a mobile application previously downloaded in the user's telephone. This service serves as a link between the central module, the user and the device, allowing easy management of the electronic device by the user for sending and receiving messages, generating SOS alarms to family members and friends, user communities or to the central module. It also allows creating user profiles, accessing by means of a standard data connection (13) between the data module (12) of the mobile telephone and the central module, in which medical data, contact information and any additional information that the user considers relevant for an eventual rescue is entered. Another advantage of using the wireless connection between the user's mobile telephone and the portable electronic device of the present invention is the possibility of sending and receiving messages using the satellite communication means of the electronic device. Therefore, the user's telephone acquires the functionality of a satellite communicator with global coverage and communication options are augmented.

According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the operating means of the device consist of a push button (20). It can optionally be protected by means of a screw-on lid to prevent unwanted pushing. When a user pushes the emergency button, the processor of the device immediately transmits a help message from the transmitter means of the device to the central module using the satellite channel

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the portable electronic device which is configured for providing visual signals (21 ) to the user with information about different statuses. According to one of the embodiments, the device has several indicators, for example LED-type indicators, which, after pushing the emergency button, transmit to the user that the help message is being sent by means of the flashing of a first LED. Once the transmission has ended, said first LED (22) stops flashing and is displayed as a steady light. When a message starts to be received in the device, a second LED (23) flashes. Once the message has been received in its entirety by the device, the light of the second LED remains steady. While the central module is managing the rescue with emergency services, a third LED (24) lights up, and the user is also notified by means of a fourth LED or by the flashing of the third LED once emergency services start the rescue. Another similar light or alert code could logically be used (sounds, for example) for the same purpose to encode these statuses. This possibility of two-way communication is fundamental for a user in an emergency situation who is waiting to be rescued, because without confirmation that emergency services have been alerted, the user could make wrong decisions affecting his survival.

According to a particular embodiment, the satellite antenna of the portable electronic locating device is a circular polarized flat patch-type antenna. The present invention can adopt different antennas, always seeking a balance between features and size, because said antenna is housed inside the portable electronic device and its final size is a critical point for the applicability of the invention. According to the different embodiments, the antenna geometry is optimized for specific frequencies of a satellite services operator network. So, for example, in the case of using the network of a commercial company such as "Inmarsat", the antenna (40) is designed with a particular geometry, depicted in Figure 4, adapted for operating with the best features between the 1 .5-1 .7 GHz frequencies, and reduced thickness, in the order of 1 -2 millimeters. The antenna comprises for example a fiberglass panel (42) on which a copper panel (41 ) is placed, and the assembly is coupled into the electronic device using clamping screws (43) made in the corners of the fiberglass panel. The antenna has a mini RF connector (44).

According to a particular embodiment, Figure 3 depicts the working of the invention and the exchange of messages between the user (31 ), through his portable electronic device (4) for locating people, the central module (1 ) and an emergency service (32). Therefore, the exchange starts by the user pushing the SOS button (20) of the device, which generates a help message (301 ) that is sent to the central module using the satellite channel provided by a satellite communications operator. After receiving the help message, the central module automatically activates an emergency protocol (302) which, on one hand, sends a reception confirmation message (302) back to the user and on the other hand selects (303) an emergency service. The selection of the emergency service is performed depending on the location of the user, either by automatically comparing the distance between said location and the emergency services stored in a database accessible by the central module or else by means of human intervention. Then an alert message (304) is sent from the central module to the selected emergency service, where the alert message comprises an incident report with user location information, as well as medical and vital data previously stored in the user profile. In parallel, a confirmation message (305) can be sent from the central module to the user to inform said user that the emergency has been communicated. Optionally, the user can provide additional information (306) that is not stored in the database of the central module, such as, for example, the number of people involved in the accident, their current state of health or weather conditions, using the application installed in their mobile telephone with the additional information service (10). By setting up a wireless communication between the mobile telephone and the portable electronic device for locating people, the user accesses the satellite channel and sends said additional information to the central module. After the central module receives this additional information, it sends an updated incident report (307) to the selected emergency service. Finally, when the emergency service, in communication with the central module, confirms (308) that it is handling the communicated alert, the central module sends a help confirmation message (309) to the user, which is preferably notified by means of a light signal in the portable electronic device. The user must simply wait in their present location to be rescued by the emergency service.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims which are included below.

In this text, the word "comprises" and variants thereof (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be interpreted in an excluding manner, i.e., they do not exclude the possibility of the described invention also including other elements, steps, etc.

The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. Therefore, it must be taken into account that those skilled in the art could conceive of several arrangements which, though neither explicitly described nor shown herein, represent the principles of the invention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all the examples described herein are primarily provided for teaching purposes in order to help the reader understand the principles of the invention and the concepts provided for improving the art, and must be considered as non-limiting with respect to such examples and conditions described in a specific manner. Furthermore, all that has been described herein in relation to the principles, aspects and embodiments of the invention, as well as the specific examples thereof, cover equivalencies of same.

Although the present invention has been described in reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art must understand that the preceding and other various changes, omissions and additions with respect to the form and detail thereof can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by means of the following claims.