• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a system for triggering an alarm in a care environment, comprising - an object (1, 2) comprising means for generating a signal and an output for sending the generated signal, - a terminal (30) arranged to receive the created signal and to trigger an alarm or create an event, where the object is compressible and, when the object is compressed, energy is produced to generate the signal so that a patient can activate the system by pushing or throwing the object.
    公开号:BE1021666B1
    申请号:E2014/0550
    申请日:2014-07-10
    公开日:2015-12-23
    发明作者:Marino Verheye；Geert Verhaeghe
    申请人:Televic Healthcare Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless devices and systems for triggering an alarm in a care environment.
    Background of the Invention For applications in a healthcare environment it is of great importance that alarm systems are robust and user-friendly, e.g. for the elderly and small children, but also for mentally handicapped patients.
    Such persons may, due to their age, disability, technical skills or mental condition, be unable to activate or push a button to trigger an alarm. After the alarm signal is launched, it is then processed by a central system that notifies a healthcare provider that a patient or resident needs help. Because this alarm is indispensable, an alternative solution is needed instead of a standard alarm button.
    Patent application US2012 / 108299 describes a vibration module for a portable terminal. During vibration, the vibration module generates sufficient vibration power through acceleration as the direction of movement changes at the end of a moving portion of the terminal to provide an alarm function such as an incoming call notification. The vibration module has a short response time, offers a more effective click feeling and haptic feedback, even with fast, continuous input operations with the touch keys. The vibration module can generate various haptic patterns that correspond to operations on the touch screen, such as dragging, but can also provide a click sensation similar to a click of a button when a touch input key operation is performed through a touch screen.
    International patent application WO2012 / 136157 relates to a wireless alarm for bed wetting and a disposable diaper comprising the alarm. The alarm includes a sensor component, an RFID reader and an alarm terminal. The sensor component is a passive RFID tag or a humidity sensor. The sensor eliminates the need for an independent power source for the power supply. Power is supplied by receiving and converting into electricity the energy transmitted wirelessly by the RFID reader or by harvesting body energy, temperature or movement of a user's body. The RFiD reader uses a wireless mode to send a signal to the alarm terminal to give an alarm. The inexpensive solution as proposed uses passive technology and eliminates the use of a battery.
    Therefore, there is a need for a solution whereby a wireless alarm device can be integrated into the environment of the patient and which makes it possible to trigger an alarm signal in a simple manner.
    Summary of the Invention It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a communication system for triggering an alarm that is very simple to use for any patient.
    The above object is achieved by the solution according to the present invention.
    In a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for triggering an alarm in a care environment, comprising - an object comprising means for creating a signal and comprising an output for transmitting the created signal and - a terminal adapted to receive said created signal and to trigger an alarm or create an event, characterized in that the object is compressible and that, when the object is compressed, energy is produced to switch on the signal so that a patient can activate the system by pushing or throwing at the object.
    The proposed system is indeed very straightforward to use. By pushing or throwing on the compressible object, a signal is created by using the energy that is produced when the object is compressed. The created signal is wirelessly sent to a terminal via an output of the object. The terminal then processes that signal and triggers the alarm or creates an event. An important advantage of the proposed solution is that the patient is not bothered by technical problems, such as a low battery. The wireless object relies only on the energy that is produced during compression. In certain embodiments, the object has no energy storage inside. User-friendliness is another important advantage of the proposed system. It is suitable for use by almost any patient, from young children to the elderly, but also by patients with an illness or mental condition that makes using a button too difficult.
    There are various options for producing energy when the object is compressed. In a preferred embodiment, the system is adapted to produce the energy with compressed air. The compressible object then typically comprises a valve for transmitting the created signal.
    In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises an energy harvester arranged to collect the energy produced when the object is compressed, energy conversion means for conversion into electrical energy and processing means adapted to generate the signal. Advantageously, the system of the invention further comprises energy storage means for storing the electrical energy.
    In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a pressure transducer for converting the output of a processing means into the signal to be sent via the output.
    The generating means is preferably adapted to generate a multiple number of signals. Advantageously, the signals of said plurality of signals each have a different frequency. In an embodiment of the invention, each signal of said multiple number has its own output.
    In order to summarize the invention and the realized advantages over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above. It goes without saying that all such objectives or advantages are not necessarily achieved according to one specific embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or embodied in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of benefits as described herein, without necessarily realizing other goals or benefits described or suggested herein. .
    The above and other aspects of the invention will become clear and further explained with reference to the embodiment (s) described below.
    Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures.
    FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the compressible object of the system according to the invention with a valve.
    FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the compressible object comprising an electronic circuit and a means for harvesting energy.
    FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a possible implementation of the electronic circuit shown in FIG. 2.
    FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the terminal of the system according to the invention.
    FIG. 5 illustrates a first use example.
    FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of use.
    Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but is only limited by the claims.
    In addition, the terms first, second, etc. in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either in time, in space, in importance or in any other way. It is to be understood that the terms used are interchangeable under proper conditions and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.
    It is to be noted that the term "comprising" as used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means specified thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It must therefore be interpreted as a specification of the presence of the listed features, units, steps or components referred to, but it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, units, steps or components or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of parts A and B. It means that with regard to the present invention, the only relevant parts of the device A and B to be.
    References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Statements of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but it is possible. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
    In a similar manner, it should be noted that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof to streamline disclosure and understanding of one or more of the facilitate various inventive aspects. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as an expression of an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. As shown in the following claims, the inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single preceding disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims that follow the detailed description are hereby explicitly included in this detailed description, wherein each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.
    In addition, since some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments, such as will be understood by someone skilled in this field. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
    It should be noted that the use of particular terminology in describing certain aspects of the invention does not imply that the terminology herein is redefined to be limited to any specific features of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
    In the description given here, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can be worked out without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures and techniques were not shown in detail in order not to obstruct the understanding of this description.
    The present invention describes a communication system that is primarily intended for use in a healthcare environment. The system is designed so that an alarm is launched from a terminal when this terminal has received and processed a signal that was sent from a compressible object that was compressed by a patient. Consequently, the alarm is indirectly launched with a wireless tag or device (object).
    An important feature of the object that creates a signal when it is compressed is that it does not contain a battery. Consequently, the object has a long service life.
    A number of embodiments of the system according to the invention are now described in more detail.
    First, a system implementation with a valve is proposed. FIG. 1 illustrates an object (1) with two valves (11, 12). The object in the figure has the shape of a ball. In Fig. 1A the ball is in an inactive state. In FIG. 1B the ball (1) is compressed and two signals (13, 14) are created by compressing air. Advantageously, the created signals have a different frequency.
    In one embodiment, the signals are either ultrasonic or audible audio signals. While audible sound has a frequency between approximately 15 Hz and 20 kHz, ultrasonic signals have a frequency above the limit of human hearing, approximately above 20 kHz. The shape of the valve is adjusted for this purpose. The valve contains a cavity or hollow, closed space. The air flow is split by a chamfer and partly revolves around the cavity before leaving through a hole (or sound opening) that is usually small compared to the size of the cavity. The size of the signal cavity and the air volume contained in the signal element determine the height or frequency of the sound produced. When the air passes the lip of the valve, the lip in the valve starts to vibrate and produces the requested sound frequency.
    In another embodiment, only one output signal is created.
    FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. An object (2) of the same shape as in FIG. 1 is displayed. It contains an electronic circuit (21) and two energy harvesters (22, 23). On the left and right sides of the figure, outputs (24, 25) are shown with a pressure transducer (28, 29). FIG. 2A shows the inactive state, while in FIG. 2B the active state is displayed. When the ball (2), e.g. a rubber ball, is pushed or compressed, the energy harvesters generate power for the electronic circuit (21). The energy is converted in the electronic circuit.
    FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a possible implementation of the electronic circuit (21). Because the rubber ball contains no long-term energy storage, such as a traditional or rechargeable battery, the energy must be obtained in another way in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The principle of "harvesting energy" is applied. When the ball is pushed or the ball is compressed, the harvesting component (22, 23) converts the pushing or compressing energy into electrical energy that can be used to drive the electronic circuit (21).
    The energy collected by the energy harvester must be converted into an energy converter (26) to a correct voltage adapted for the low-voltage electronic circuit. Because the energy released is only available for a short period, this energy must be stored in a capacitor memory. This capacitor receives a higher voltage but short energy peak and converts it to a lower voltage that can be used for a longer time.
    The processing means (27) in FIG. 3 are implemented as a single processor or as a set of interconnected individual components. This block is arranged to control the pressure transducer (28, 29) so that a signal can be sent to the detection device. The specific configuration of the processor or the composition of individual components determines how long the pressure transducer will be activated or what the order of the generated frequency will be. This block also controls the connected notification block. It can be visual or audible feedback for the user who has pushed or compressed the ball. In this way the user will hear or see feedback and he / she will be reassured about his action. The specific configuration of the processor or the composition of individual components determines how long the signal will last.
    Block 28 in FIG. 3 represents the pressure transducer and the reporting block. The pressure transducer includes an electrical component that generates a signal that is detectable by a detection device in the receiving terminal. This pressure transducer is mounted in such a way that it can send this signal directly from the ball, for example via an opening or hole in the casing of the ball. The notification block is needed to inform the user of his action so that the user receives feedback and he / she is sure that the alarm has been sent to the receiving device. The message can be a visible LED or an audible sound.
    In an alternative implementation of output block 28, one can have two pressure transducers that each have different characteristics (e.g., different frequencies).
    In an advantageous embodiment, the two frequencies are used. This can be used for different purposes: - security: to eliminate the processing of an ultrasonic signal that was accidentally created or sent by another device, - variation: depending on the two frequencies one can provide variation in functionality and several make types of rubber balls and apply different processing to the received signals. To optimize the quality of the transmitted signal, multiple holes or openings in the envelope of the ball can be used.
    FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the terminal (30). The terminal comprises a signal receiver (31). This receiver is adapted to receive the signals (13, 14, 24, 25) from the ball (2). When the signal is validated (taking into account, for example, the frequency or duration of the signal) and the alarm is located in the room where the terminal is mounted, the terminal sends the alarm information to a central control system where it can be processed and monitored . The information sent to the central control system comprises one or more parameters, e.g. the physical location of the terminal where the signal was received, the type of alarm (call patient, call nurse, ...), an identification of the rubber ball that was used, an indication of the location of the alarm (near the toilet, near the door, ...).
    Based on the parameters received, the central control system can decide what action to take to let the nurses know that the patient needs help. The result of processing in the central control system can be any action that helps the person who triggered the alarm on the rubber ball. The actions depend on the configuration of the central system. A few parameters are given below: • Time of day (morning, afternoon, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., etc.) • The day (every Monday, weekend, first day of the month, on a specific day of the year) • The room or department where the terminal is located, or the type of room or department • The room where the alarm was launched • The location, occupation or planning of the caregivers • The priority of the alarm (urgent , normal, ...) • The needs or wishes of the patient (age of the patient, mental state, ...) • Whether a nurse is already in the room or near the patient [0047] Follow below some examples of actions that can be started upon receipt of the alarm signal. - A nurse can be notified via her smartphone that the user who initiated the action needs help in the room where the alarm was detected. - An information board shows the alarm with information about the user and the room of the actions. - The alarm is displayed on other terminals of the same central system. A lamp or LED lamp is activated near the room where the action was taken. - When the rubber ball is pushed or when the rubber ball is compressed, an intercom is started so that the patient can speak to a help desk and the caregiver and patient can start a conversation. - An audible sound is activated on a buzzer or speaker at a specific rhythm or tone. - A notification is sent via e-mail or text message. - The user's alarm is stored in the log database so that the history of all actions taken can be checked. - All these actions can be sent to various stakeholders of the system (nurse, doctor, family, staff, etc.). - Depending on the different time intervals, the action to be taken may be different. For example, a different nurse is notified at night than during the day.
    In the examples above, the patient's alarm is used to notify a caregiver. However, the issued alarm signal can have more functions and create other events. One example is that when the rubber ball is pushed or compressed, the radio or television is switched on or off.
    Advantageously, the compressible object (e.g., a rubber ball) is designed so that it can generate at least two signals, preferably at different frequencies. The use of two or more (specific) frequencies adds security to the communication: it avoids the processing of a signal that was accidentally created or sent by another third-party device. The use of multiple frequencies also makes variation possible: depending on the two frequencies, one can provide variation in functionality and create multiple types of rubber balls and link different processes to the received signals.
    The process that can be started by the different rubber balls can vary according to the configuration of the care system. Two cases of use are described below as an example.
    Example 1: A patient who is mentally unable to press a button calls a health care provider. Reference is made to Fig. 5. This example describes the room of a patient (40), a zone surrounded by walls in which a patient 42 is located. The patient wants to trigger an alarm so that a nurse is informed of the patient's call for help. It is believed that the patient is unable to press a button, e.g. due to his mental state. Yet he or she should be able to set off an alarm. The patient can still be taught some basic actions to call for help. It is still possible to explain to the patient that he / she must push on this object or compress it if he / she needs help. In phase X, the patient pushes or hits the rubber ball. If the patient needs help, he / she can push or compress the rubber ball. The only requirement is that the ball is close to the patient so that he / she can compress the ball. In this example, the rubber ball is on the table, but it can also lie in a different area of the room, for example on the chair, in a cupboard, near the door, on a cupboard, etc.
    The rubber ball sends one or more ultrasonic signals to the receiver.
    In phase 5, the receiver processes the signal. The receiver will thereby validate, locate and process the signal. This information is transferred to the central system, along with the alarm and localization information. A healthcare provider is then alerted by the healthcare system. The healthcare provider is informed by the central system. The type of report can be anything; it is usually a call to a smartphone, a text message or a lamp.
    The caregiver 41 will assist the patient. When the caregiver receives or sees this message, the patient can be helped.
    Example 2: a patient who is unable to manipulate technical objects calls a caregiver. Reference is made to Figs. 6. This example describes the room of a patient, an area surrounded by walls in which a patient is located. This patient wants to trigger an alarm so that a nurse is informed of the patient's call for help.
    Although the patient is unable to manipulate technical objects due to a lack of technical skills, he or she should still be able to trigger an alarm without having to wonder if the battery is still full and whether the alarm device needs electric power.
    If the patient needs help, he / she can push or compress the rubber ball. The only requirement is that this ball is close to the patient so that he / she can compress the ball. In this example the rubber ball is part of a necklace.
    The rubber ball transmits ultrasonic sounds to the receiver. When the rubber ball is pushed, it sends a signal or signals to the receiver. The receiver processes the signal. The receiver will validate, locate and process the signal. This information is transferred to the central system, along with the alarm and localization information.
    A healthcare provider 41 is alerted by the healthcare system. The healthcare provider is informed by the central system. The report can be any type of report. Usually it is a call to a smartphone, a text message or a lamp. The caregiver will help the patient. As soon as the care provider receives or sees this notification, the patient can be helped.
    Although the invention is described as a rubber ball, the shape may differ from a (perfect) ball. This invention can also be used in compressible squares, triangles or any other shape (an object in the shape of a house, a dog, a doll, a clock, etc.) as long as it is not stigmatizing for the patient who is unable to is to trigger an alarm using the standard method.
    Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail In the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description explains certain embodiments of the invention in detail. It should be noted, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing is contained in the text, the invention can be made in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
    Other variations on the disclosed embodiments may be understood and performed by persons skilled in the art and by practicing the claimed invention, through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plural. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of different items in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those measures cannot be used to benefit. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or semiconductor medium supplied with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
    权利要求:
    Claims (9)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A system for triggering an alarm in a care environment, comprising - an object (1, 2) comprising means for creating a signal and comprising an output for transmitting the created signal and - a terminal (30) which is arranged to receive said created signal and to trigger an alarm or to create an event, characterized in that said object is compressible and that, when the object is compressed, energy is produced to generate said signal such that patient can activate said system by pushing or throwing at said object.
    [2]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 1, adapted to produce said energy by compressing air, said compressible object comprising a valve (11, 12) for outputting said created signal.
    [3]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 1, comprising an energy harvester (22) adapted to collect said energy produced when the object is compressed, energy conversion means for conversion into electrical energy and processing means adapted to said create a signal.
    [4]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 3, further comprising energy storage means for storing said electrical energy.
    [5]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a pressure transducer for converting the output of a processing means into a signal to be transmitted via said output.
    [6]
    An alarm sounding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said generating means is adapted to generate a plurality of signals.
    [7]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 6, wherein the signals of said multiple number of signals each have a different frequency.
    [8]
    An alarm sounding system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each signal of said multiple number has its own output.
    [9]
    An alarm sounding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said created signal has a frequency in the ultrasonic range.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP2827310A1|2015-01-21|
    BE1021994B1|2016-02-02|
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    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP13176591.9A|EP2827310A1|2013-07-16|2013-07-16|System for launching an alarm|
    EP131765919|2013-07-16|
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