Patent Publication Number: US-2019174292-A1

Title: Control device of a media viewing device and emergency procedure by means of such a control device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a control device of a media viewing device. 
     Furthermore, the present invention relates to an emergency procedure by means of such a device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The state of the art is represented by the patent application US 2013/0303108 A1 concerning various communication services, where it is possible for a user to start or require communication with a third party, such as an emergency service, using a network device pre-associated to a physical address. In an exemplary embodiment, each user of a group of end-users has an equipment that can be a display, such as a television or a video monitor, which may include or be connected to a device that communicates with the network, this device being an input port, a television STP electronic device, set-top box, a digital video recorder and/or personal computer. Since the network can determine or otherwise know the position and/or user&#39;s account associated with each device communicating with the network, a request from a particular device for communication with a third party may allow the system to determine the telephone number or another user&#39;s destination who established a contact and to detect information on the account associated with the device sending the request. The system can then establish a communication between the destination determined by the user and a third party. The system can also send messages to one or more predetermined subjects according to user preferences. This can be useful when, for example, the user is an elderly person who requires emergency services. In this case, the user can be automatically contacted, for example, through a SMS message or by e-mail, etc. 
     The invention of the patent application US 2013/0303108 A1 provides a method to communicate through an apparatus of media viewing connected to the Internet network, so as to carry out an emergency procedure in order to reach a user, in trouble, in need of care, effectively activating a predefined list of rescue channels by ripple effect. 
     This state of the art provides an opportunity to provide equipment suitable to allow the activation of the emergency services and/or medical/pharmaceutical alerts or to performe interventional procedures such as those of the state. 
     A scope of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems of the prior art by providing a control device of a media viewing device, able to send and/or receive a default media content to start an emergency procedure, with respect to a Pre-ordered list of end user devices. 
     A further aim is to provide a control device that enables a connection and an immediate operation to start a default emergency procedure. 
     A further aim is to be able to start an emergency procedure by manual activation. 
     A further aim is to have further connecting means to allow the receiving and sending of SMS messages, the wi-fi connection and/or Bluetooth, the hand-free activation of microphones and loudspeakers, both internal and external with respect to the media viewing device, the activation of LED for night detection and flashing LEDs during the operational phase. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     The above and other aims and advantages of the invention, as will appear from the following description, are achieved with a control device of a media viewing device, such as that described in claim  1 . 
     In addition, the above and other aims and advantages of the invention, as will appear from the following description, are achieved with an emergency procedure, by means of a control device, such as that described in claim  6 . 
     Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variations of the present invention are the subjects of the dependent claims. 
     It is understood that all of the appended claims form an integral part of the present description. 
     Numerus variations and modification can obviously be made to what has been described, for example those related to shapes, sizes, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality, this without departing from the scope of the invention as it appears from the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments, given as an example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a diagram of an embodiment of the control device of a media viewing device for interaction with a network of media content and/or a communication network, according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2, 3 , show an axonometric view of an embodiment of the control device, according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4, 5 , show an axonometric view of a sub-device of one embodiment of the control device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a diagram of the operation of a first embodiment of an emergency procedure, according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  shows a diagram of the operation of a second embodiment of an emergency procedure, according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1, 2, 3 , it is possible to note that a control device  1  of a media viewing device  2  interacting with a network of media contents  3  and/or a communication network  4  is adapted to allows to send and/or receive a media content, by a notice, a message, an access and/or a telephone call. 
     Advantageously, the control device  1  comprises means of connection  101  with respect to such media viewing device  2  in order to start an emergency procedure, on basis of sending and/or receiving a default media content, with respect to a pre-ordered list  200  of end-users devices. 
     In particular, the means of connection  101  belong to electrical connections and/or wireless electromagnetic connections. 
     The means of connection  101  allow managing the pre-ordered list  200  of end-user devices, by transferring the commands to a remote control unit on such media viewing device  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5 , the control device  1  comprises a bidirectional sub-communication device  10  activated automatically and/or manually. Automatically, by means of a signal from the communication network  4 . Manually, by means of at least one  102  button, to allow to automatically start an emergency procedure. 
     Furthermore, the bidirectional sub-communication device  10  comprises at least additional means of connection  103 ,  104 ,  105 , to allow connection to such media viewing device  2 , receiving and sending SMS messages, wi-fi and/or Bluetooth connection, activating microphones and speakers in speakerphone, both internal and external, with respect to such media viewing device  2 , activating LEDs for night detection and flashing LEDs during the operational phase. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an emergency procedure by means of a control device  1 , comprises the following steps: 
     1.a) automatic sending of a default media content to a first device of the pre-ordered list  200 , by means of manual activation of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 ; 
     1.b) automatic sending of the default media content, to a subsequent device to the previous device, with respect to the pre-ordered list  200 , through automatic activation of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 , as a result of failure to answer the previous device; 
     1.c1) interruption of the previous phase, as a result of the called device response; 
     1.c2) execution of the phase 1.b, until the completion of that pre-ordered list  200 ; 
     1.d1) displaying a default media content by means of such media viewing device  2 , in the event of response of the pre-ordered list device  200 , of one of the previous stages; 
     1.d2) automatic sending of an alert message to the default device of that pre-ordered list  200 , or to a service centre, in case of failure to respond to each device of the pre-ordered list  200 , in the phase 1.c2; 
     1.e) automatic shut off of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a variation of the emergency procedure, by means of a control device  1 , described above, comprises the following steps: 
     2.a) automatic receiving of a default media content, coming from a device of the pre-ordered list  200 , or coming from a default device of the pre-ordered list  200 , or coming from a service centre, by means of an automatic activation of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 ; 
     2.b) automatically displaying the default media content, by means of such media viewing device  2 ; 
     2.c1) sending a response default media content addressed to the device of the previous phases through manual deactivation of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 ; 
     2.c2) automatic start of a forced shut off procedure of the bidirectional sub-communication device  10 , in a case of failure in manual deactivation in the previous phase. 
     EXAMPLES 
     When standing by, the media viewing device is switched-on by the call coming from a device of the pre-ordered list of devices. 
     When the media viewing device is switched on, the visualization of media content appears, as a result of a change of source, from TV to HDMI. 
     The media viewing device can operate as a phone display and as a speaker, while a remote control apparatus supplied with the media viewing device can operate as a keyboard and a microphone. 
     The control device of a media viewing device allows selecting a phone number of the device belonging to an end user of the pre-ordered list of devices and, alternatively, to enter and store a new number by means of a remote control thus updating the Pre-ordered list of devices. 
     The control device of a media viewing device can be programmed via SMS, via a PC or via remote control, in order to define the hierarchical sequence of the calls to mobile or fixed phones addressed by ripple effect until a user response allows to terminate the call cycle. 
     The calls are sequentially activated via the button, which is located on the control device. 
     Each device called may receive an SMS message with predefined text, plus a phone company message notifying the reception of the call. 
     All calls and SMS messages sent and received by the control device can be recorded and stored on a technological specific monitoring platform by means of an SD card and/or monitoring main unit. 
     In the case of a media viewing display equipped with a camera, the control device can launch video calls. 
     A commercial type rechargeable phone can be integrated to the two-way subcommunication device of such a control device. 
     Alternatively, the two-way subcommunication device can be integrated into the media viewing device. 
     The control device of a media viewing device is provided with different colour LEDs to allow an immediate diagnostic and malfunctions report. Further Leds, of a flashing type, allow reporting through cable or Wi-Fi the SIM charging state, the software state, the Internet connection. 
     In addition, a Bluetooth function allows a medical monitoring. 
     The control device of a media viewing device can be constituted by a single-board computer device, namely a computer implemented on a single electronic card, specially designed for bi-directional functional and economical communication, to provide the following functions: 
     receiving apparatus of SMS messages and sending them to a Smart TV; 
     receiving and sending Wi-Fi messages to a Smart TV; 
     receiving and sending acknowledgments of the received messages to the managing platform and to the sender; 
     apparatus for sending phone calls to family/tutor/call centre, with activation of hands-free microphones and speakers. 
     Other features included in the device are: activation of LED lights for night detection and flashing when receiving messages; quantitative development of applications in order to realize an electronic customized card, miniaturizing the apparatus and optimizing its production and functions. 
     Example 1. 
     Assistance to Chronicity: 
     1) The staff organises the sending of messages and reminders. 
     2) The system sends messages to the TV set of each user : Did you take the evening tablet/pill? 
     3) YES/NO. Automatic Feedback. 
     4) No user&#39;s response, the system will call a family member for a first contact. 
     5) In the event of failure of a contact with a family member, the call centre is contacted. 
     Example 2. 
     Integration of Remote Support Services: 
     1) The user, elderly or sick person, requests assistance by pressing the button of the device connected to its own media viewing device. 
     2) The device sends a first call to a family member. 
     3) Feedback. 
     4) Alternatively, the device sends the request to a call centre. 
     Example 3. 
     Monitoring of the Care Personnell: 
     1) The user, elderly or sick person, requests assistance by pressing the button of the device connected to its own media viewing device. 
     2) The system sends the request to the attendant. 
     3) The attendant receiving the call or the SMS manages the request. 
     4) If the attendant does not manage the request despite the sending of a predetermined number of calls or SMS: 
     5.1) The system sends an SMS to the manager. 
     5.2) The system also sends a fax to the Administrative Department. 
     Example 4. 
     Protection of Seniors and Family: 
     1) The user, elderly or sick person, requests assistance by pressing the button of the device connected to its own media viewing device. 
     2) The device sends the request to a first family member. 
     3) In the event of failure of the contact with the family member, the device calls a second family member 
     4) or a third family member. 
     Example 5. 
     Safety for Family and Motor Vehicles: 
     1.1) In case of vehicle breakdown, the user sends an SMS to a monitoring unit. 
     1.2) In case of failure, the motor vehicle is able to send an Alert message to a monitoring unit. 
     2) The control unit receives and processes the request by distributing a communication. 
     3.1) The control unit sends the Alert via TV. 
     3.2) The control unit sends the Alert to the family members and to a call centre. 
     Example 6. 
     Civil Protection and Disclosure from Public Authority: 
     1) In case of emergency, The Civil Defense can send massive communication: WARNING! Emergency: strong thunderstorms! We recommend staying indoors. 
     2) The control unit receives and sends such communications to recipients of users geolocated by area. 
     3) By turning off the audible alarms and closing the Pop-Ups, users confirm the sender the message has been delivered, 
     Example 7. 
     Project Delivery: 
     The Italian Post Service sends to public authorities and to companies its institutional communications using its own TV database. For example: POST STAFF WILL RING YOU TODAY FOR DELIVERY OF PACKAGES AND REGISTERED LETTERS. Warning! Alert MAIL COMING! 
     The Social Security Fund communicates the retire the credit entry of the pension monthly. 
     The Civil Defence warns people in case of weather events and informs about major events. 
     The municipalities inform their citizens. 
     The apartment-block Administrators alerts the residents and the co-owners.