Abstract:
An independent and automatic alert device, system and method provides an alert transmission to a remote location in the event of an incident occurring to an object (such as a person or vehicle). Detection means detects at least one characteristic of an incident, such as speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave, pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, immersion, presence of one or more chemicals, radioactive materials or radiation, temperature, force or overall area of any impact to the object. Determination means identifies whether a detected incident requires an alert to be transmitted. Transmission means transmits an alert to the remote location based on the at least one characteristic of the incident.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device, system and method for detecting an incident has occurred and providing an alert in the event of such an incident, such as a vehicle accident or personal injury incident. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When an incident occurs that requires alerting third parties for some form of assistance, it is particularly useful that an alert is raised. The alert may be used to summon emergency services or other assistance to the incident and/or advise of location. 
         [0003]    One example of such an alert is the use of an electronic positioning emergency radio beacon (EPERB) in marine emergency situations when a marine vessel or crew require rescuing. EPERB is nowadays a GPS based system. However, a person must physically set off the alert by causing the EPERB device to activate, such as by operating a switch on the device or putting it into water. Furthermore, an EPERB only sends out a radio signal identifying that the EPERB has bee actuated, and does not give a real time location or any information identifying the nature of the related incident. An EPERB device only transmits a beacon signal to identify that some form of emergency exists. If the particular EPERB is registered with authorities, the signal can be matched to the owner or a vessel, but no information is given as to the exact real time location or nature of the incident. Because an EPERB does not transmit exact coordinates of present location, wind, waves, tides and currents can cause the EPERB to drift, resulting in delay in locating the EPERB and therefore delays in rescuing or retrieving the person or people involved in the incident. Such delays can prove fatal. 
         [0004]    E-call is another known form of alert. However, such alerts are not independent and automatic. They are known to be vehicle based and require vehicle systems to operate correctly i.e. are not autonomous. E-call also requires a mobile telephone connection. 
         [0005]    In the situation where a vehicle is damaged, for example, in a road traffic accident, where there is the likelihood of one or more injured people, current incident alerts rely on the occupant(s) of the vehicle, other people involved in the incident or passers-by, calling for emergency services. Such a system often results in delay in calling for emergency services, especially if the injured person is alone or unable to use or reach a telephone, which can and does have catastrophic outcomes in terms of mortality rates or best outcomes for injured people. 
         [0006]    Motor vehicles are known to carry global positioning system (GPS) technology that can send an alert to a remote centre or device if the vehicle is taken without authorisation e.g. an anti theft system giving an alert of a stolen vehicle; however, such alerts can give the location of the vehicle but do not give any indication as to what is happening or has happened with that vehicle, particularly in the event that the stolen vehicle is involved in an accident. Such alert systems are also not capable of operating fully independently of the vehicle/object to which they are attached. Nor are they always capable of autonomous activation. 
         [0007]    It is in the light of such problems that the present invention has been developed. With the aforementioned in mind, it has been found desirable for the present invention to provide a means and method of automatically and independently sending an incident alert that provides an improved level of information regarding the nature of the incident. The present invention is applicable to incidents happening to objects, such as vehicles and other equipment, as well as to people. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    If a vehicle is damaged, requires assistance or is altered in an expected, predictable/predicted or pre-defined, or modifiable manner, or a person is injured, trapped or otherwise incapacitated or at risk in some way, the ability to transmit a notification of such an event, both in general and to appropriate reception places, may be of advantage both in recovery, rescue and retrieval. Transmission of situational data or information would alternatively or additionally be useful under such circumstances. 
         [0009]    Alteration of the object in a may include crash damage to a vehicle or alteration that is expected to happen and the alert is given when such change occurs, or from personal injury to a person. Alteration of the object may be a change of conditions affecting the object, such as immersion or wetting of the object rather than physical damage. It is envisaged that the device or system will operate even with complete or substantial destruction of the object, such as a 
         [0010]    With this in mind, an aspect of the present invention provides an independent automatic alert device to be mounted to an object, the device, in use, arranged to detect that an incident has occurred and to transmit an alert to a remote location to signal that the incident has occurred to the object, the device including incident detection means to detect at least one characteristic of the incident, determination means to identify whether a detected incident requires an alert to be transmitted, and transmission means to transmit an alert to the remote location based on the at least one characteristic of the incident. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention may be enabled to modify detection and transmission methods based on detected resources, such as the availability (or lack of availability) of telecommunication systems within operational range. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may be enabled to assess effectiveness of transmission and modify the transmission method and/or signal accordingly. 
         [0012]    One or more forms of the present invention are capable of operating automatically and independently of the associated object. For example, one or more forms of the present invention may detect independently and automatically of the object that an incident has occurred to the object, thereby not requiring detection by a person or remote device, and may automatically transmit an alert independent of the associated object, thereby not requiring a person or remote device to activate the alert. 
         [0013]    One or more forms of the present invention may provide a method or device including the ability to modify detection and transmission methods based on detected resources. For example, if the device detects that mobile telephone signal reception is non-existent or too weak a signal but a wireless network connection is available, the device will select the wireless connection, such as a wireless connection to the Internet. Alternatively, if the mobile telephone network signal is sufficiently strong, the device may preferentially select that as a medium to transmit the alert. Transmission of an alert may preferably be automatic. 
         [0014]    The alert may be a general alert that an incident has occurred to the object. Alternatively or in addition, the alert may include specific information, such as location of the incident in space and time (where and when the incident occurred) and preferably altitude and/or depth (positive or negative height with respect to sea level), characteristics of the incident including but not limited to speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave and pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, force and/or overall area of any impact to the object, affecting the object both during and/or after the incident, such as the object coming to rest at an unexpected or odd angle or location. Other characteristics of the incident may include detection of immersion of the object, fire/smoke/heat detection, surrounding (ambient) temperature and/or temperature within a vehicle. In the case of the system or device being used in a marine or cold climate application (such as in an avalanche), the system could transmit external temperature, which can be critical in determining life expectancy and when hypothermia is likely to set in—i.e. the “window of opportunity”. Such characteristics can give an indication of the likely damage to the object and also preferably a predictive indication of likely injury to a person or an occupant, especially a driver/operator of a vehicle, such as based on known structural characteristics of the vehicle and also the presence and type of safety equipment on the vehicle. 
         [0015]    The transmitted alert may include information relating to the object and/or the vehicle owner/driver/operator. For example, the make, model and/or registration number, the name and address details of the owner/driver/operator, blood group, history of any previous accidents, health issues, disabilities, estimated number of occupants of a vehicle involved in the incident based upon seatbelt/seat reading by the device etc. Such information can be extremely useful to emergency services prior to arriving at the scene of the incident. 
         [0016]    In the event that a vehicle suffers substantial, major or complete structural destruction, the device or system according to the present invention is arranged and configured to survive and function. For example, power supply can be onboard the device or system rather than provided by the vehicle. Thus, it is envisaged that the device or system can be self contained and independent of vehicle systems. 
         [0017]    Ambulance/medical/paramedic staff may be able to pre-prepare pharmaceuticals and/or medical equipment prior to assisting an injured person. Operation of the device/system can also assist with indicating the number of vehicles involved if there are devices installed in each vehicle. This also assists paramedics/medical staff etc. 
         [0018]    Rescue personnel may be able to commence or pre-prepare an action plan ahead of arriving at the incident. Medical centre staff may be able to make ready suitable blood supplies or pharmaceuticals ahead of an injured person arriving at an emergency treatment centre. The information may be used to provide estimation of severity of likely injuries (e.g. a “trauma score”, such as a “Revised Trauma Score” (RTS) or “Emergency Trauma Score” (EMTRAS)—being tools for triage of multiple casualty incidents). 
         [0019]    The device may be able to transmit an alert and/or information via various media, such as by sending packet data/packet radio communication, short range wireless/Bluetooth®, radio frequency (RF) including telephone (mobile phone) frequencies or satellite phone frequencies, internet or WiFi. An alert may be preloaded or determined from GPS current country data so as to modify utilised frequencies to those appropriate for a locality, region or country, both in terms of frequency allocation by country and optimal frequency for terrain (such as based on GPS and internal maps). 
         [0000]    One or more embodiments of the present invention may utilise feedback (ping) from a reception unit to determine optimum transmission method/frequency. Such feedback allows increased efficiency of transmission thus improving likelihood of a successful transmission and decreased power usage. 
         [0020]    The device and method may be able to utilise available resources of the object, such as a vehicle, to which it is associated to both enhance and sustain its functionality. For example, the device may have its own power supply augmented or replaced by a power supplied from the object, such as the battery supply from the vehicle or an electrical generator or solar device, such as a photovoltaic device. 
         [0021]    One or more embodiments of the present invention may include an ability to adjust the method and means of signal transmission, power and frequency (in time) of transmission, which can act to reduce power usage and thus maximise length of transmission time. 
         [0022]    The device may be an electronic device, able to operate fully independently of other devices or in combination with other devices, and with or without direct human activation or intervention, to assist the object and/or person(s) involved in the incident or affected by the incident. The device may utilise surrounding mechanisms and infrastructure or facilities, such as the nearest mobile phone cell mast to relay a transmitted alert. 
         [0023]    In addition, the device may include at least one input and/or output interface to other electronic devices. 
         [0024]    The device may include activation means actuated by the object to which device is attached. Autonomous activation of the device to send an alert may be based upon pre-defined triggering requirements, such as physical characteristics of the object including velocity, yaw, pitch, roll, heave, deceleration, acceleration, rate of change of acceleration or deceleration, or activation of a specific sensor .e.g immersion detection sensor, fire detection, external temperature or combinations of any two or more thereof. 
         [0025]    The device may identify and preferably transmit geographic location i.e. absolute location, and/or relative location—relative to the last know position, which relative position may be verified by GPS and/or radio location services, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Relative position may be determined by predictive computation, such as the device determining an absolute position and utilising object parameters, such as speed, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, angular momentum, roll, pitch, heave or yaw to determine preferably where, at what inclination or orientation, the object is. This predictive information may be time based to determine when the object arrived at a particular position and/or orientation as well as where. 
         [0026]    Detected or measured physical characteristics may include, but need not be limited to, immersion detection, fire/heat/smoke detection, external temperature (high or low temperature, such as freezing/extreme cold/wind chill or extreme heat, flame, radiant heat), acceleration, deceleration, rate of change of acceleration/deceleration, velocity, pitch, yaw, roll, heave, activation of other associated safety devices either detected by the device or provided through at least one input/output interface of the device. Estimated power remaining and/or power consumption may be detected and may be transmitted. 
         [0027]    The device may transmit data or information relating to itself, such as a serial number, registration number, date and time activated, installation information, Identification details etc. 
         [0028]    GPS and other radio-location services (e.g. transponders, mobile phone triangulation) may be used to transmit an alert and/or to identify where the device (and therefore the object) is. 
         [0029]    Initial velocity and directions of movement of the object may also be partly based on these services. If such services become unavailable, the device may continually monitor its own position relative to at least one last known position, such as using a combination of compass, acceleration, pitch/yaw/roll and/or information provided by a person/object to which device is associated or attached. The device may be physically attached to a safety device e.g. a life jacket, recording device (such as a ‘black box’ device) or people/person. 
         [0030]    It is to be understood that the present invention may be associated with a vehicle, such as a car, truck, marine vessel etc or with a person, such as worn personally or on clothing such as on a lifejacket, or associated with safety equipment, such as a black box recorder or flotation device. 
         [0031]    Although information derived by the device may be used to calculate position, such information may also be also obtained via the input/output interface(s). 
         [0032]    An alert may be encoded and transmitted as one or more data packets. Such data packets may be transmitted periodically by the device. Consequently, the device may include or be connected to a data packet creation means. The transmission if data packets rather than continuous transmission may be useful in prolonging battery life. Alternatively, or in combination with data packets, the alert may be transmitted as text and/or one or more images. The image(s) may be digital ‘photograph’ image(s) and/or digital pictograms representing a particular incident. For example, a crashed vehicle may be used to indicate a motor vehicle road traffic accident, a sinking boat may be used to indicate a boat has capsized or is taking on water. 
         [0033]    Radio communication for transmitting the alert may include transmission over emergency frequencies and/or mobile phone if available. Localised direct audio transmission, such as an audible siren may be used. 
         [0034]    A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of generating an automatic incident alert, the method including mounting an alert device to an object, the device arranged to transmit an alert to a remote location in the event of an incident occurring to the object, detecting at least one characteristic of the incident when an incident occurs, determining that the detected incident requires an alert to be transmitted, and transmitting the alert to the remote location based on the at least one characteristic of the incident. 
         [0035]    The alert may include transmitting information relating to the incident location, time of the incident, characteristics of the incident including speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave, pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, force or overall area of any impact to the object. In addition or alternatively, the alert may include transmitting information relating to the object or the object owner/driver/operator and/or may include transmitting a vehicle make, vehicle model, vehicle registration number, name and contact details of the owner/driver/operator, blood group, history of any previous accidents, health issues or disabilities. 
         [0036]    The object may be attached to a vehicle. Alternatively, the device may be attached to safety devices e.g. life jackets, recording devices, such as a black box, or may be attached to a person. 
         [0037]    The alert may be transmitted via one or more of a radio frequency (RF), mobile phone frequencies, satellite phone frequencies, direct satellite communication, internet or WiFi. 
         [0038]    Actuation of the device may be by one or more systems or components of the object, such as one or more vehicle subsystems. 
         [0039]    Triggering of the alert or the nature of the alert may be determined by rate of deceleration of the object or a signal from a safety system of the object. The safety system may be an airbag system of a vehicle. Vehicle roll, pitch, heave and/or yaw over a certain threshold, and/or immersion in a liquid (such as water) may trigger activation of the device, as may extremes of temperature or change of temperature over a period of time (rate of change of temperature), such as a rate of change above a certain threshold. 
         [0040]    Autonomous activation of the device to send an alert may be based upon pre-defined triggering requirements including physical characteristics of the object including velocity, yaw, pitch, roll, heave, deceleration, acceleration, rate of change of acceleration or deceleration, or combinations of any two or more thereof. 
         [0041]    Relative position of then object may be verified by GPS and/or radio location services, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Relative position may be determined by predictive computation. Relative position may also be determined by using an absolute position and utilising speed, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, angular momentum, roll, pitch, heave or yaw of the vehicle prior to or during the incident to determine preferably where, at what inclination or orientation, the object is. The device may include smoke and/or hazmat detection means. 
         [0042]    The alert may be transmitted periodically as a data packet or transmitted as text or at least one image. 
         [0043]    Triggering the device or system to activate or send an alert may be by or include a sensor of the attached object or manual activation, such as a manual switch or release, pull chord or push button. 
         [0044]    The device of the present invention may include data modification means and methodology based upon the detected available resources. The device may include detection and utilisation of sensor output from or related to the object to which the device is attached or associated with. 
         [0045]    Charging of the device for power may be by an external source using hard wired or wireless means. Energy harvesting may also or instead be used to power the device. Kinetic, solar or thermal energy may be harnessed, for example, to generate electricity. 
         [0046]    Recording of several hours of sensor data may be incorporated into the device, for example, 24 hr sensing recording. 
         [0047]    Remote activation of the device, such as by authorities like the police, are envisaged, such as if the device is stolen or misplaced. Activation or pinging of the device to find its location may be by smartphone or computer device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  shows a general schematic of components and application of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  3  show flow charts of operation of the device incorporated into a vehicle and subroutines of the device in use. 
           [0050]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  show side, end and top view (main casing top view) of a housing for the components according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of a housing for components of an embodiment of the present invention, including external insulation on the casing of the housing. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 6 and 7  relate to an embodiment of the present invention for personal safety or incident alert. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0053]    Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying figures. 
         [0054]    The device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is mountable within or to an object, such as a person, a personal safety device, a vehicle or vessel or safety device associated with the same. 
         [0055]    In the following embodiments the present invention will be described and defined in relation to a vehicle. However, it is to be understood that the device may be mounted to other types of mobile objects, such as a person, marine vessel or aircraft. 
         [0056]    The device  10  is contained within a heavily reinforced impact-cushioned container  100  such as shown in  FIGS. 4A-C  and  5 , with waterproof inputs  110  for vehicle physical and spatial/temporal data, antenna and power. The device includes an in built rechargeable power supply  212  sealed against ingress of water or other liquids. The electronics and circuitry  218  are also sealed against water damage. The container  100  is constructed to be impact and fire resistant. 
         [0057]    The electronics within the device include a central processor and timer  20 , a wireless communications unit  22  (such as a radio frequency transmitter/receiver), on-board power supply  16 , power management/regulator unit  24 , a sensor unit  26  and an external inputs unit  28 . A further transceiver  23  (not shown) can be provided. For example, to be used for “pinging” i.e. the device checking for availability of a communication network to connect to, the type of network and strength of signal, and information protocols, such as language and information format. Likewise, the network could “ping” to seek present of the devices within a location or area. One or more sensors of the sensor unit  26  is/are connected to the electronics as part of the device. 
         [0058]    The onboard power management/regulator  24  is connected to an external power supply  29 , such as a battery/electrical system of a vehicle to which the device is connected, and to the onboard power supply (such as a rechargeable battery). It may also be connected to other power sources, including a wireless charging unit  25  or an energy harvesting unit  17 . 
         [0059]    The power management/regulator unit  24  monitors power supply from the external source and can use this source to charge the on-board battery  16 , to selectively power the device, or can detect that no or reduced external power supply is available and can switch to the on-board power supply powering the device. The device may include a combination of one or more of the following sensors; a GPS, a compass, one or more accelerometers, one or more roll sensors, an altimeter, and a timer, depending on the application of the device. 
         [0060]    External inputs/outputs  28  in this embodiment are provided from one or more of a speedometer  28   a , GPS  28   b , a safety device (such as a vehicle airbag or a personal safety device such as a floatation device/life jacket)  28   c , to the CPU and Timer Unit  20 . 
         [0061]    Inputs/outputs can also be provided to/from the wireless communication unit  22 , such as by antenna  28   d  and/or mobile phone  28   e . These inputs/outputs communicate with one or more of an RF transceiver unit  22   a , a (Bluetooth™) short range wireless system  22   c , a WiFi communication system  22   d , satellite communications unit  22   e , and/or GSM/GPRS communications unit  22   b . The wireless communication unit  22  communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit  20 . 
         [0062]    Audiovisual inputs/outputs,  28   f , where available, also interface via the wireless communication unit. 
         [0063]    The internal sensor unit  26  communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit  20 . The internal sensor unit provides sensed values/signals relating to one or more parameters, such as a location (GPS) sensor  26   a , a magnetic field detector (magnetometer)  26   b , an accelerometer  26   c , a tilt sensor (eg roll sensor)  26   d , temperature sensor  26   e , an immersion sensor  26   f  and a gyroscope  26   g.    
         [0064]    Functionality and further features of the device, its operation and systems will hereinafter be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  2   b  and  3 . 
         [0065]    Functionally, the core two units of the device are: 
         [0066]    i. Speed, velocity, location, immersion, temperature, acceleration, deceleration processor  26 ; and 
         [0067]    ii. Device triggering monitor  30   
         [0068]    The power monitoring unit  24  operates concurrently with the speed/velocity/location processor  28  and the device triggering monitor  30  to ensure correct power requirements. A fourth unit, the receiving unit  35  also runs concurrently with the power monitoring unit, speed/velocity/location processor and the device triggering monitor. 
         [0069]    All four of the abovementioned units  24 , 28 , 30  and  35  operate in parallel, such as from the time the vehicle device is turned on, either manually, automatically until it ignition is switched on  49  until the ignition is switched off  94  (if no device activation has occurred in the interim). 
         [0070]    A fifth unit, the transmission/encoding unit  34 , is only activated if the device is triggered by an incident or by remote command. 
         [0071]    The device is initialised when the vehicle ignition is switched on  49 . Initialisation may occur in other ways for other vehicles, craft or vessels. Initialisation activates the speed/velocity/location processor, device triggering monitor and the power monitoring unit. 
         [0072]    The device includes a polling unit  30 , and a port monitor and timer  37 . The device commences port monitoring via the port monitor once initialised. 
         [0073]    The polling unit houses: 
         [0074]    a device impact unit  38  and 
         [0075]    a device roll (orientation) unit  40 . 
         [0076]    a device immersion unit  42 . 
         [0077]    a device fire/temperature/cold/heat detection unit  44 . 
         [0078]    a device acceleration/deceleration detection unit  46 . 
         [0079]    The device impact unit  38  reacts to a signal  50 , such as from a person or vehicle, indicating that a safety device, such as a personal safety device (e.g. life jacket) or a vehicle impact safety device (e.g. an airbag) has been or will be activated  53 . In one example, the vehicle&#39;s airbag computer and/or one or more accelerometers on the vehicle may be monitored. 
         [0080]    The device roll unit or device orientation unit  40 , immersion detector unit  42 , fire/heat/cold detector (temperature and/or smoke detector) unit  44 , and acceleration/deceleration detector unit  46 , can be activated regardless of deployment of the personal or vehicle safety device or other impact/incident activated safety device. For example, the device may detect that a vehicle has rolled beyond a threshold degree of rotation and/or has rolled beyond a threshold rate of rotation or a person has decelerated beyond an acceptable amount. Immersion detection may also be provided whereby one or more detectors detects immersion of the person or vehicle in a liquid, such as water e.g. a river, lake, canal or the sea, and activates the device to send an alert. Fire/heat/smoke/noxious gas/chemical detection may also be provided, whereby one or more detectors is/are provided and in the event of fire, extreme heat, smoke and/or noxious gas that may threaten injury, death or incapacitation of a person, or damage to a vehicle, an alert is sent out by the device. 
         [0081]    If the device impact unit  38 , is activated, incident data, such as from a vehicle&#39;s computer, including deceleration force/velocity and/or nature of impact is then determined  54 . If a side impact to the vehicle is detected to occur at a speed greater than a threshold speed e.g. 20 km/h  56 , or a front/rear impact deceleration above a threshold e.g. of &gt;50 km/h  58 , is detected, then an impact indication is triggered  60 . An incident occurred timer is started  62 . All data from sensors is added to a data archive  63 . This data archive may be a “black box’ archive. Regardless of the trigger flag, impact data is sent to the device&#39;s central processor  64  and the device roll unit is activated. 
         [0082]    The device roll unit  40  is either activated by the device impact unit  38  following activation of a personal or vehicle safety device, such as an airbag, or by the polling unit if the airbag is not activated. The unit obtains roll data  71 . If vehicle roll attitude is determined to be &gt;90 degrees side to side or if vehicle pitch  70  is determined to be 90 degrees front to rear, then a trigger flag is set if it has not already been done so  60  and an incident timer  62  is started. The roll/pitch data is sent to the central processor if the trigger flag has been sent by any unit. If any of the impact unit  38 , roll unit  40 , immersion detector unit  42 , temperature (fire/cold) detector unit  44  or acceleration/deceleration detector unit  46  indicate an incident has occurred, the device sends an alert  57 . 
         [0083]    For the immersion unit  42 , data from the sensor is obtained  43  and if the sensor has been activated  43   a  then a trigger flag is sent  60 , the incident timer is started (if not already activated)  62  and data from all sensors added to the data archive  63 . 
         [0084]    For the fire unit  44 , data from the sensor is obtained  45  and if the sensor has been activated  45   a  then a trigger flag is sent  60 , the incident timer is started (if not already activated)  62  and data from all sensors added to the data archive  63 . 
         [0085]    The acceleration/deceleration unit  46 , gets data from sensors about acceleration and speed  47 . It determines if acceleration/deceleration is above a threshold e.g. greater than 15 m/sec,  47   a . If it is, then a trigger flag is sent  60  and the incident timer is started (if not already activated)  62 , and data from all sensors is added to the data archive  63 . 
         [0086]    If the trigger flag has not been sent after all inputs have been evaluated  80   
         [0087]    then the device checks the receiving unit for incoming data messages  81 . If remote immobilisation request data message  82  has been received then remote vehicle immobilization is activated  82   a . If not then if stolen tracking request  83  has been received then tracking is activated  83   a.    
         [0088]    If stolen tracking request has not been received then maintenance routines are initiated. The first routine determines whether hazardous material information needs to be updated  84 . Then the device determines whether ICE (in case of emergency) data needs to be updated  85 . 
         [0089]    Following maintenance routines, the device checks if the ignition is on  90 . If it is off then the port monitor and timer stops  92 , the device checks for firmware updates  93  and updates firmware if required  93   a , then the unit shuts down  94 . If the ignition is on the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data  30 . If a trigger has been sent then the port monitor timer is stopped  92  and an alert is transmitted  57 . 
         [0090]    The speed/velocity/location processor can be constantly operating. As part of gathering of all sensor data  31 , current position is determined  316 . 
         [0091]    This processor determines firstly if GPS is available  300 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , GPS coordinates are determined. If GPS coordinates are available  300 , GPS position is obtained  302  and time of GPS acquisition is determined  304 . New position is set to LITERAL  305  i.e. present position. The current position is stored as the last known position  306 . 
         [0093]    The step of Storing current position data  307  can be omitted if required. 
         [0094]    If GPS is not available the device determines if previous GPS data is available,  308 . If a stored position is available, time of location estimation is reset  310 , and new position flag set to calculated  312 . The new position is calculated  314  from last known position and data from one or more data inputs. 
         [0095]    If GPS is not available and no data is stored, data is set to NULL and an error flag is generated  315 . 
         [0096]    When transmitting a message the device may include position, estimated or actual position flag, I.C.E. data, sensor data (including heading, speed, acceleration/deceleration, temperature, immersion), hazardous chemical information, remote tracking status and stolen vehicle tracking status. 
         [0097]    In deactivating the device, polling and location determination ceases when external power is turned off only if activation of device due to an impact has not occurred or if remote tracking has not been activated. If the device has been activated due to an impact, other incident or remotely, then turning off the vehicle ignition will not deactivate the device. The device&#39;s own battery power will maintain operation of the device. The device may parasitically utilise battery power from the vehicle or other sources as a back up power supply. 
         [0098]    The device is activated when triggered. If an incident occurs, such as a vehicle impact, the incident timer is activated  62 . The device then proceeds to acquire all sensor data including location and speed or velocity of the vehicle is obtained from speed/velocity/location calculator  316 . The device then constructs the message and transmits it  57 . If no command is sent to switch of the unit then this process repeats. The device may be deactivated manually or remotely. 
         [0099]    The device constructs a data packet if a data packet is to be transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, a text message is assembled or selected from a library of predetermined messages. The device also makes an assessment of available transmission and power resources for the device, and may scan to determine what alert data or text or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or systems is/are available or within range. The alert is then transmitted. 
         [0100]    The transmitted alert may include a digitally encoded message. The message may include one or more of a unique device identification (device ID), time elapsed since triggering, vehicle speed at impact, vehicle orientation and/or change of orientation over time, such as roll or pitch, vehicle altitude, location—current with either an estimated location (i.e. calculated or transponder) or GPS flag, last known GPS position with elapsed time since acquisition, bearings based on the last two GPS coordinates or previous GPS coordinates and ESTIMATE, and/or on-board battery life estimation (time or rate of charge reduction). 
         [0101]    Shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4C , a housing  100  for the electronic components of the device provides a waterproof, high strength casing consisting of a lower body  102  and lid  104 . The casing is constructed to withstand impact, extremes of heat/cold and corrosive effects or ingress of water and strong acid/alkali solutions etc. Within the casing there is provided support ledges  106   a , 106   b  for the onboard battery (not shown), with clamps  108   a , 108   b  to retain the battery within the casing. A number of access ports for electrical connections at each end of the casing. These are provided with waterproof seals. Fixing points  112  are provided to secure circuits and components within the casing. Attachment points  114  are also provided for securing the casing to an object, such as a vehicle. Fastening means, such as tamperproof screws or bolts can be used along with waterproof seals. The casing may be constructed of metal and/or a synthetic material such as a high strength plastic e.g. polycarbonate. Fastening means (not shown) can be used to secure the lid to the casing body, which can include the provision of a seal, such as a waterproof seal (eg a silicon rubber or neoprene compression seal) between the lid and body. 
         [0102]      FIG. 5  shows a housing  200  having a casing  202  with a main body portion  204  and a removable lid  206 . The body and lid has a ‘ruggedised’ outer coating  208  of a tough protective material, such as polycarbonate or other tough plastics material(s), to prevent damage to the body or lid. This coating may also provide thermal insulation from extremes of heat and cold, and may also provide waterproofing. A seal  210 , such as a waterproof seal, may be provided in the underside of the lid and/or adjacent an upper periphery of the body, to hermetically seal the casing against ingress of water or other liquids harmful to the electronics within. A removable battery  212  is retained within the body by a battery clip  214 . A ledge  216  supports each end of the battery. A circuit board  218  carrying electronic components of the device, such as the CPU and Timer Unit  20 , the Internal Sensor Unit  26  and the wireless communications unit  22  can be mounted on this circuit board. The circuit board  218  is retained in place at the bottom of and within the body by retaining means  220 , such as clips or screws. Fastening apertures  222  are provided for attaching the device to an object, such as a vehicle. Waterproof access points  224  are provided to allow communications and or power cables to enter/exit the housing but prevent ingress of contaminants, such as moisture and dirt, or in the event of immersion, water or other fluid. 
         [0103]    Further embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described. The following description refers to a personal emergency transmitter. 
         [0104]    The device  10  shown in  FIG. 6  is mountable within or to an object, such as a person, a personal safety device, a vehicle or vessel or safety device associated with the same. 
         [0105]    In the following embodiment the present invention will be described and defined in relation to a device to be carried or worn by a person or an object that they are carrying or wearing. However, it is to be understood that the device may be mounted to other types of mobile objects, such as (but not limited to) vehicles, marine vessels or aircraft. 
         [0106]    The device  10  is contained within a heavily reinforced impact-cushioned and resistant container  100  such as shown in  FIGS. 4A-C  and  5 , with waterproof inputs  110  for mobile phone integration, GPS/spatial/temporal data, antenna and power. The device includes an in built rechargeable power supply  212  sealed against ingress of water or other liquids. The electronics and circuitry  218  are also sealed against water damage. The container  100  is constructed to be impact and fire resistant. 
         [0107]    The electronics within the device include a central processor and timer  420 , a wireless communications unit  422  (including one or more of cellular network, satellite, radio frequency, WiFi (Bluetooth®) transmitter/receiver), onboard power supply  416 , power management/regulator unit  424 , optional wireless charging unit  425 , optional energy harvesting unit  417  a sensor unit  426 , and an optional external input/output unit  428 . Further communication transceivers for additional functionality  423  (not shown) can be provided. For example, to be used for “pinging” i.e. the device checking for availability of a communication network to connect to, the type of network and strength of signal, and information protocols, such as language and information format. Likewise, the network could “ping” to seek present of the devices within a location or area. 
         [0108]    One or more sensors of the sensor unit  426  is/are connected to the electronics as part of the device. The on-board power management/regulator may be connected to an external power supply  429 , such as an external battery pack, to recharging devices (including mains, solar or the optional wireless charging unit), to the optional energy harvesting unit  417 , and to the onboard power supply (such as a rechargeable battery). 
         [0109]    The power management/regulator unit monitors power supply from the external source (via wires or wireless) and the optional energy harvesting unit and can use these sources to charge the onboard battery and/or to selectively power the device. It may also detect that no or reduced external power is available and can switch to the onboard power supply powering the device. The device may include a combination of one or more of the following sensors; a GPS, a compass, one or more accelerometers, one or more roll sensors, an altimeter, an immersion detector, a light sensor and a timer, depending on the application of the device. 
         [0110]    External inputs/outputs  428  in this embodiment are provided from one or more of a pedometer  428   a , GPS  428   b , to the CPU and Timer Unit  420 . These may be wired or wireless (e.g. using Bluetooth via the communications unit). 
         [0111]    Inputs/outputs can also be provided to/from the wireless communication unit  422 , such as by antenna  428   c  and/or mobile phone  428   d . These inputs/outputs communicate with one or more of an RF transceiver unit  422   b , a (Bluetooth™) short range wireless system  422   c , a WiFi communication system  422   d , satellite communications unit  422   e , and/or GSM/GPRS communications unit  422   a . The wireless communication unit  422  communicates with the CPU and timer unit  420 . 
         [0112]    The internal sensor unit  426  communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit  420 . The internal sensor unit provides sensed values/signals relating to one or more parameters, such as a location (GPS) sensor  426   a , a magnetic field detector (magnetometer)  426   b , an accelerometer  426   c , a tilt sensor (eg roll sensor)  426   d , temperature sensor  426   e , immersion sensor  426   f  and gyroscope  426   g.    
         [0113]    Functionality and further features of the device, its operation and systems will hereinafter be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  7 . 
         [0114]    Functionally, the core two units of the device are: 
         [0115]    i. Speed, velocity, location, immersion, temperature, acceleration, deceleration processor  426 ; and 
         [0116]    ii. Device triggering monitor  430   
         [0117]    The power monitoring unit  424  operates concurrently with the speed/velocity/location processor  431  and the device triggering monitor  430  to ensure correct power requirements. 
         [0118]    All three of the abovementioned units  424 , 431 , 430  operate in parallel, such as from the time the device is turned on, either manually, automatically until it is switched off  494  (if no device activation has occurred in the interim). 
         [0119]    A fourth unit, the transceiving unit  422  is activated if the device is triggered by an incident or by manual command. 
         [0120]    The device is initialised when it is manually switched on  449 . Initialisation may occur in other ways for other implementations. Initialisation activates the speed/velocity/location processor, device triggering monitor, and the power monitoring unit. 
         [0121]    The device includes a polling unit  430 , and a port monitor and timer  437 . The device commences port monitoring via the port monitor once initialised. 
         [0122]    The polling unit houses: 
         [0123]    a device roll (orientation) unit  440 . 
         [0124]    a device immersion unit  442 . 
         [0125]    a device fire/temperature/cold/heat detection unit  444 . 
         [0126]    a device acceleration/deceleration detection unit  446 . 
         [0127]    The device roll unit or device orientation unit  440 , immersion detector unit  442 , fire/heat/cold detector (temperature and/or smoke detector) unit  444 , and acceleration/deceleration detector unit  446 , can be activated regardless of the activation status of other sensors. For example, the device may initially detect that a person has decelerated beyond an acceptable amount and then detect immersion, in addition. Immersion detection may be provided whereby one or more detectors detects immersion of the person in a liquid, such as water e.g. a river, lake, canal or the sea, and activates the device to send an alert. Fire/heat/smoke/noxious gas detection may also be provided, whereby one or more detectors is/are provided and in the event of fire, extreme heat, smoke and/or noxious gas that may threaten injury, death or incapacitation of a person, an alert is sent out by the device. 
         [0128]    The device roll unit  440  is activated by internal/external sensors. If device roll attitude is determined to be &gt;720 degrees side to side or if device pitch is determined to be 90 degrees front to rear, then a trigger flag is sent if it has not already been done so. If the roll flag is triggered a trigger flag is set and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated)  465 . The roll/pitch data is sent to the central processor if any unit has sent the trigger flag. If any of the roll unit  440 , immersion detector unit  442 , temperature (fire/cold) detector unit  444  or acceleration/deceleration detector unit  446  indicates an incident has occurred, the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated)  465 . 
         [0129]    For the immersion unit  442 , if the sensor has been activated, then a trigger flag is sent  460 , and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated)  465   
         [0130]    For the thermocouple unit  444 , if the sensor is activated, then a trigger flag is sent  460  and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated)  465   
         [0131]    The acceleration/deceleration unit  446 , gets data from sensors about acceleration and speed. It determines if acceleration/deceleration is above a threshold e.g. greater than 5 m/sec If it is, then a trigger flag is set  460  and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated)  465   
         [0132]    If the trigger flag has not been sent after all inputs have been evaluated  488  then the device determines if a manual alert has been activated  489 . If so then an alert message is sent  457 . In not then the device determines whether the device has been switched off. If so the port monitor and timer stops  92  and the device powers down  494 . If it is on the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data  430 . If a trigger has been sent then the port monitor timer is stopped  492 . 
         [0133]    If a trigger has been set and the disarm timer started an audible alarm  497  is activated. If the trigger reset button is pressed  98  then the disarm timer is stopped  499 , the trigger flag is cleared and the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data  430 . If the disarm timer has expired  498   b  then the disarm timer is stopped  498   c , the port monitor timer is stopped  492  and an alert message is sent  457 . If the disarm timer has not expired then there is a 1 second pause  498   d  and the deactivation process  499   h  is repeated. 
         [0134]    The speed/velocity/location processor can be constantly operating. As part of gathering of all sensor data  431 , current position is determined  316 . 
         [0135]    This processor determines firstly if GPS is available  300 . 
         [0136]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , GPS coordinates are determined. If GPS coordinates are available  300 , GPS position is obtained  302  and time of GPS acquisition is determined  304 . New position is set to LITERAL  305  i.e. present position. The current position is stored as the last known position  306 . 
         [0137]    If GPS is not available the device determines if previous GPS data is available,  308 . If a stored position is available, time of location estimation is reset  310 , and new position flag set to calculated  312 . The new position is calculated  314  from last known position and data from one or more data inputs. 
         [0138]    If GPS is not available and no data is stored, data is set to NULL and an error flag is generated  315 . 
         [0139]    When transmitting a message the device may include position, estimated or actual position flag, I.C.E. data, sensor data (including heading, speed, acceleration/deceleration, temperature, immersion), hazardous chemical information, remote tracking status and stolen vehicle tracking status. 
         [0140]    In deactivating the device, polling and location determination ceases when external power is turned off only if activation of device due to sudden deceleration (impact) has not occurred. If a sudden deceleration (impact) has occurred, then the device will only switch off if the reset alarm button is activated. The device&#39;s own battery power will maintain operation of the device. The device may parasitically utilise battery power from an external power source as a back up power supply/external battery. 
         [0141]    The device is activated when triggered. If an incident occurs, such as a vehicle impact, the incident timer is activated  62 . The device then proceeds to acquire all sensor data including location and speed or velocity of the vehicle is obtained from speed/velocity/location calculator  316 . The device then constructs the message and transmits it  57 . If no command is sent to switch of the unit then this process repeats. The device may be deactivated manually or remotely. 
         [0142]    The device constructs a data packet if a data packet is to be transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, a text message is assembled or selected from a library of predetermined messages. The device also makes an assessment of available transmission and power resources for the device, and may scan to determine what alert data or text or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or systems is/are available or within range. The alert is then transmitted. 
         [0143]    The transmitted alert may include a digitally encoded message. The message may include one or more of a unique device identification (device ID), time elapsed since triggering, roll or pitch, altitude, location—current with either an estimated location (i.e. calculated or transponder) or GPS flag, last known GPS position with elapsed time since acquisition, bearings based on the last two GPS coordinates or previous GPS coordinates and ESTIMATE, and/or on-board battery life estimation (time or rate of charge reduction). 
         [0144]    Shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4C , a housing  100  for the electronic components of the device provides a waterproof, high strength casing consisting of a lower body  102  and lid  104 . The casing is constructed to withstand, extremes of heat/cold and corrosive effects or ingress of water and strong acid/alkali solutions etc. Within the casing there is provided support ledges  106   a , 106   b  for the on-board battery (not shown), with clamps  108   a , 108   b  to retain the battery within the casing. A number of access ports for electrical connections at each end of the casing. These are provided with waterproof seals. Fixing points  112  are provided to secure circuits and components within the casing. Attachment points  114  are also provided for securing the casing to an object, such as a safety harness. Fastening means, such as tamperproof screws or bolts can be used along with waterproof seals. The casing may be constructed of metal and/or a synthetic material such as a high strength plastic e.g. polycarbonate. Fastening means (not shown) can be used to secure the lid to the casing body, which can include the provision of a seal, such as a waterproof seal (eg a silicon rubber or neoprene compression seal) between the lid and body. 
         [0145]      FIG. 5  shows a housing  200  having a casing  202  with a main body portion  204  and a removable lid  206 . The body and lid has a ‘ruggedised’ outer coating  208  of a tough protective material, such as polycarbonate or other tough plastics material(s), to prevent damage to the body or lid. This coating may also provide thermal insulation from extremes of heat and cold, and may also provide waterproofing. A seal  210 , such as a waterproof seal, may be provided in the underside of the lid and/or adjacent an upper periphery of the body, to hermetically seal the casing against ingress of water or other liquids harmful to the electronics within. A removable battery  212  is retained within the body by a battery clip  214 . A ledge  216  supports each end of the battery. A circuit board  218  carrying electronic components of the device, such as the CPU and Timer Unit  20 , the Internal Sensor Unit  26  and the wireless communications unit  22  can be mounted on this circuit board. The circuit board  218  is retained in place at the bottom of and within the body by retaining means  220 , such as clips or screws. Fastening apertures  222  are provided for attaching the device to an object, such as a safety harness. Waterproof access points  224  are provided to allow communications and or power cables to enter/exit the housing but prevent ingress of contaminants, such as moisture and dirt, or in the event of immersion, water or other fluid. 
         [0146]    The device can be capable, such as by a light sensor, to detect night-fall and optionally activate an optional high intensity light strobe which may be used to attract attention at night time/dusk. This device may be activated by remote command. 
         [0147]    The device, if on a person, may also be activated by that individual. Alternatively, if a trigger is activated and not deactivated by the wearer/bearer/individual within a required or predefined period of time (e.g. 5 min) then the alert process begins. The bearer can be alerted to the initial trigger by an audible alarm and optional vibration. 
         [0148]    The device can include means to detect hazardous material, such as chemical and/or radioactive material. 
         [0149]    The device may be configured to contain information pertaining to materials carried on board, other details of the object to which the device is attached, and/or details about the owner/operator of the vehicle. This information may then be incorporated in to the transmitted data along with the alert. 
         [0150]    The device is able to alter transmitted data and the method of transmission based upon reception of acknowledgment command. 
         [0151]    The device may be notified by an external source (local or distant) that the object to which it is attached is to be tracked and send back regular updates on position and status. 
         [0152]    The device may obtain power wirelessly or through energy harvesting methods and mechanisms, such as kinetic and thermal gradient technologies. 
         [0153]    The device may transmit alert information to a local or distant network 
         [0154]    The device is able to adapt its data collection, compilation and transmission according to the optional units attached and the sensor data available.