Abstract:
An automatic alarm system is described that is triggered by the lack of event at one or more portable remote unit(s). The system includes an electromagnetic interface from a plurality of portable units to a central command and monitoring element. This automatic triggering of an alarm condition adds security to the users of the system since it is not always feasible to explicitly trigger an alarm when in danger.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     PPA 61/311,351 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the technical field of security systems to protect individuals, or groups of individuals. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical area of alarm systems utilizing portable remote units with RF or other electromagnetic connectivity to a central control and monitoring element. 
     A number of prior art devices have been proposed for security systems with remote activation. Generally they involve some form of “panic button” that the user activates when they believe they need assistance. The problem with this type of system is that it relies on the user being able to activate the panic button. In the event that the user is incapable of action because the potential problem has actually occurred (accident causing unconsciousness, robbery, abduction, etc.) then the system does not raise the alarm as desired. 
     Uchida et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,956) is the only system we are aware of that checks on the user until “vital reaction” is not seen, allowing some level of automation. This is an improvement over the prior art we have uncovered, but really only allows for a sensible action when death is the alternative of concern. As long as there is some “vital reaction” (i.e. life) then the system will not call for help. It does not allow for the amount of time that the system waits to be set by the user, nor is it tuned to the lifestyle, actions or environment of the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides automatic alarm signals based on the lack of an event occurring at a portable remote unit thereby facilitating alarm generation without an individual performing any explicit action. 
     The system consists of a central control and monitoring element able to communicate with one or more portable remote unit(s), by direct or networked radio or other electromagnetic interfaces. The individual carrying the portable remote unit is able to “arm” it when in a situation of perceived or real threat. Alternatively, the portable remote unit may be armed by policy established at the central control and monitoring element. This arming of the portable unit establishes a watchdog mechanism, or watchdog, that expires based on time interval, location, physiological, or other parameter(s). If the watchdog process is not reset back to the full time interval or disabled by some explicit action of the individual or system, it will enable a process that will cause an alarm at the central monitor and control element. This alarm is processed by the monitoring system and appropriate action is taken. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the invention describing its essential and optional elements 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in an application that protects multiple users in a wide area environment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in an armored car application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  there is shown the essential and optional elements of the security system. The core of the system is a watchdog mechanism  10  that, once started by a trigger  11  will generate an indication to a messaging module  12  unless interrupted by a reset module  13 . The trigger  11  is also used to disable the watchdog mechanism if desired. Control of the trigger is done either by user input  14  or, optionally, a central monitor and control element  16  through a messaging module  12 . An optional position locator module  15  may report location information with the indication from the watchdog mechanism  10  to the messaging module  12 . 
     Considering the elements in further detail, the watchdog mechanism  10  would typically, but not exclusively, be a timer that begins to count down when triggered and can be reset to its initial value at any time by the reset  13 . Alternatively, the watchdog mechanism could be a function of distance from a prescribed location or physical path, just as a typical timer indicates the distance in time from a specific trigger point. If the watchdog mechanism expires it will send a physical or logical indication to a messaging module that the watchdog has expired and some system action is required. Optionally, the watchdog mechanism can send a warning indication before its expiration that can alert the user or system that unless a reset is generated the expiration indication will occur. This function can be used to reduce false alarms. The reset may have to meet certain conditions to be valid, allowing for the user to be the only one able to generate the reset. In addition, the system could have a ‘heartbeat’ signal with a monitoring station. The loss of communication as evidenced by loss of the heartbeat signal could automatically trigger the watchdog. 
     The trigger  11  is used to both initiate the watchdog mechanism and disable the mechanism. There can be more than one trigger  11 . Triggers  11  could have only the specific function of initiation or disabling, as suits the application. The initiation is based directly on user input  14  or a system decision at the monitor and control system  16  depending on the application. Similarly, disabling the watchdog mechanism can be based on input from the user or system although there are some applications where user disabling would not be allowed to avoid having adversarial actors defeat the alarm system. 
     The messaging module  12  provides information exchange between the watchdog mechanism and the user and/or system. It is also requests and merges information from the optional position locator module  15  which can be a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit or similar technology. The reset  13  can take input from the user  14  or the system  16 , either directly or through the messaging module  12 . 
     The user interface  14  would typically be implemented as a physical interface not limited to dedicated push buttons, programmable buttons, motion detectors, physiological, and sound detection and generation devices, or display indications. 
     The monitor and control element  16  is of particular utility when there are multiple users and/or there is great danger of adversarial intervention where the physical disabling or destruction of other elements of the system is probable or possible. 
     In broad embodiment, the present invention has utility across many applications. Automatic alarming is of value for those individuals that are, or perceive to be, at high risk. Several applications will be described below to illustrate typical embodiments. Note that the utility of this patent is not limited to these illustrative examples. Typical scenarios would be vulnerable persons (e.g. women, children, infirm, disabled, etc.) in isolated situations (parking garage, cross campus travel, etc.) or in an unprotected environment or high value persons traveling corporately. The invention could be offered as a commercial service for operations such as parks workers that are in isolated situations or fleets servicing remote locations like tow truck operations. The central control and monitoring element can be operated by a third party security firm to provide value added service to the users and reduce false alarms to public safety organizations. It could be used to improve the safety of armored car personnel while they are out of the vehicle moving valuables. 
       FIG. 2  describes a typical embodiment of the invention in an application where there are one or more users to be protected anywhere across a wide area physically. The system consists of a central monitoring and control element  32  connected by RF messaging  31  to a plurality of portable remote units  30 . The central monitoring element may have an operator  35  that makes decisions on actions to be taken including sending a message  33  to a public security entity  34  for further action. A typical public service entity would be police or North American 911 services. In addition, private security firms could be alerted, or the user contacted. In this implementation, the following elements of  FIG. 1  would reside in the portable remote unit: watchdog mechanism  10 , trigger  11 , messaging module  12 , reset module  13  and the user interface  14 . The position locator module  15  would typically be housed in the remote unit using a common technology such as GPS. The central monitoring element would house the central monitor and control  16  function. The partitioning of the system into physical elements could be modified to limit the functional elements in the portable remote unit  30  to the reset  13 , messaging module  12 , and user interface  14  if destruction of the portable unit is probable due to the application. 
     A typical embodiment of the portable remote unit  30  is a software application running on a smart cellular telephone such as the Apple iPhone or the RIM BlackBerry. These devices have the messaging, position location technology (typically GPS), and user interface to enable this invention. Alternate implementations would be stand alone portable remote units with an RF interface or implementation on portable computing platforms such as PDA&#39;s or laptop computers, or GPS guidance systems or car help systems (such as General Motors&#39; OnStar® system) that may be carried/used by at risk individuals. Network based services could also use this technology as described in  FIG. 2  where the trigger  11  and reset  13  are provided through the messaging module  14  from the central monitoring and control element. 
     The user interface  14  may be via one or more keys on the portable device. Alternative input methods include but are not limited to voice recognition, unit movement (iPhone—e.g. shake, invert, etc.) and touch screens. In  FIG. 2  the RF messaging  31  is a cellular system in this embodiment. However, many other RF systems can enable this invention including any combination of satellite, WiFi, WiMax, PMR, and special purpose radio. 
     The key parameters of the portable remote unit operation are a function of the application. The interval between trigger and reset is variable and, in any event, sufficiently short to provide protection and sufficiently long to minimize irritation of the user. Typical values would be 2 minutes to 20 minutes. Feedback to the user when the reset is imminent may be provided to allow the user to reset the timer if warranted. Of course if the user does not take action because of incapacitation or danger the reset will not be sent. The trigger may be set by the user or the system when a user is in perceived danger. For location based threat conditions the position location module  12  could send location information through the messaging module  14  to the central monitoring and control element to identify a trigger condition if the portable remote unit is located in a pre-defined danger zone. 
       FIG. 3  describes a typical embodiment for the purpose of security guard tracking. The scenario is one where there is a prescribed route for the guard on duty. Deviation from that route or reasonable timing would provide an alarm condition because it could indicate that the guard encountered trouble or that the guard has gone to an unauthorized area. A significant difference in implementation from the previous example is that the watchdog timers are distributed in a plurality of fixed stations  40 . Each station  40  is connected by a signaling path  45  to a central control station  46  where the monitoring and control  16  function is implemented (note not all signaling paths are shown to enhance clarity in the figure). In  FIG. 3  the guard  41  is assigned a route  42  with a start  43  and end  44  location. Note that  43  and  44  can be the same. The timing of the route is known to the system and specific watchdog intervals are programmed into each fixed station  40 . The guard carries a portable unit that provides a reset  13  to each watchdog timer when sufficiently proximate. Alternatively the guard could reset the watchdog manually although the likelihood of error would be increased in that case. If the guard fails to pass by and reset the fixed station an alert is sent to the control station for alarm processing. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 3  makes use of situational awareness. Knowledge of the sequence of predetermined actions informal behavior allows the alarm system to have better responsiveness to situations resulting in lower false positives and false negatives than an unaware implementation. 
     The invention is applicable to a multitude of other applications. Several examples are described in the following paragraphs. 
     A typical application is security for an employee doing a bank drop. During the delivery (s)he may feel uneasy and desire automated monitoring in case (s)he is intercepted. The user could regularly be tapping a phone in her/his pocket. The device could ring as if receiving a phone call, or vibrate to warn the user about the imminent expiry of the watchdog if a tapping interval is exceeded. Answering the phone by pressing a specific key could also reset the watchdog. Answering with any other key or not answering could confirm a problem. This allows someone being forced to reset the watchdog to execute a false reset thereby finalizing the expiration of the watchdog. 
     A further application is protection of an individual passing through an area perceived to be unsafe such as a park late at night or a rough district of a city. Upon entering the area or situation the user would enable the watchdog and throughout her/his journey (s)he would regularly reset the watchdog by entering a code on a phone for example. Not entering the code, say when stopped by a stranger, would trigger the alarm (e.g. call the authorities) with current GPS location. Entering the wrong code could in fact silently trigger the alarm as well, again allowing the person not to be forced to reset the watchdog if the possibility were known. The device could also start sending audio and video once the watchdog expires to help the receiving agencies to have knowledge of the situation. 
     A further application is protection of a health care worker visiting patients that have a potential to be violent or unpredictable (e.g. visiting patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia). When arriving at the destination, the system would be armed by the worker. The device could consist of or be configured to look like a cell phone or personal digital assistant. Every time period that allows the worker to finish a step of his/her work, the worker would have to enter a code to the device to reset the watchdog. Just before the watchdog expires the device could appear to receive a telephone call or text message, or sound a reminder alarm. Optionally, motion could be a continuous reset of the watchdog (allowing for minimum disturbance of the functions that are being carried out by the worker). 
     This application makes use of expected workflow. During the visit workflow step completion could be monitored (through a code entered into the device including but not limited to a verbal statement of step completion) and used to reset the watchdog. Each step could have its own watchdog time associated with it which would serve the additional purpose of helping to enforce process and/or workflow. If the watchdog expires, the system alarm would be triggered requesting support. When the worker leaves, a different code could be entered to disable the system. In addition, the system could have a panic button that allows immediate instigation of the alarm response. 
     A further application is in home healthcare. In the case of people at medical risk there are systems available that are physical pendants that contain one or more push buttons or voice activated signaling systems that will, upon user intervention, alert 911 or (an) emergency service agenc(y/ies) if the patient falls or has another mishap. This invention could improve this application by having multiple watchdog mechanisms that will act even if the user no longer can. 
     The device in this embodiment is probably worn by the user. The watchdog interval is set to strike a balance between user annoyance and system response time. By having a simple enough reset mechanism to minimize annoyance, the watchdog period can be kept short allowing for faster system response time. Standard reset mechanisms such as a button or code would be available. Voice and speech recognition would allow an easy alternate reset option. Sensing user motion would also allow an easy way of resetting the watchdog. In this case, the user conducting the activities of normal life would keep the watchdog reset most of the time. It is possible that each reset mechanism would be tied to a separate watchdog whose reset interval is related to the level of annoyance the user will tolerate. For example, a reset code is tied to an approximately 12 hour watchdog, voice recognition to a an approximately 1 hour watchdog, and motion associated with an approximately 5 minute watchdog. The watchdog warning could be any signal. For example, the warning could consist of ringing the mobile telephone, sounding an alarm, or initiating a voice announcement. 
     System initiation and disable would typically be triggered by a switch or code. System initiation would be available to a superuser so the user could not disable the system when (s)he feels it is too annoying. However, to accommodate user lifestyle needs, the system would then support modes that the user could select to match his/her current activities. Each mode could have different watchdog timeout intervals, change the reset mechanisms (e.g. to avoid situations where specific resets are not reasonable or may happen accidentally), and to change watchdog warnings (e.g. audio warnings may not be appropriate during a movie or play). For example, there could be a sleep or nap mode where the system sets the watchdog length to the expected length of the sleep or nap. There could be a visitor/TV/radio mode that ignores verbal/audio resets. There could be a visitor mode where the system is temporarily disabled while there are visitors and it can be reasonably assumed that the visitors will respond to distress. There could be a play/movie mode where the warning is only a vibration. 
     Such a device could have one or more of a multitude of automatic warning triggers. It could have sensors to monitor a variety of physiological vital signs (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, blood oxygenation). Deviation from an acceptable range could trigger an automatic watchdog warning, and lack of response could trigger the watchdog response. Watchdog response could include calling a relative or neighbor or case worker, calling emergency services (e.g. ambulance or 911), initiating a speaker phone call with an external agent (e.g. monitoring service), or even calling the user&#39;s telephone to confirm the situation before escalating to another response. The system could be integrated with a reminder/appointment system that could do things like remind the user to take their medicines and looking for confirmation when they have been taken. 
     The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, signaling of alarm conditions based on the lack of an event at the sensors within the monitoring system. The ability to automatically operate provides additional protection to users of the system. 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.