CA3178519A1 - System and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events - Google Patents
System and method for providing emergency response at large-scale eventsInfo
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- CA3178519A1 CA3178519A1 CA3178519A CA3178519A CA3178519A1 CA 3178519 A1 CA3178519 A1 CA 3178519A1 CA 3178519 A CA3178519 A CA 3178519A CA 3178519 A CA3178519 A CA 3178519A CA 3178519 A1 CA3178519 A1 CA 3178519A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
- G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
- G08B25/10—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/10—Services
- G06Q50/26—Government or public services
- G06Q50/265—Personal security, identity or safety
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0272—System arrangements wherein the object is to detect exact location of child or item using triangulation other than GPS
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/04—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
- G08B21/0438—Sensor means for detecting
- G08B21/0446—Sensor means for detecting worn on the body to detect changes of posture, e.g. a fall, inclination, acceleration, gait
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B27/00—Alarm systems in which the alarm condition is signalled from a central station to a plurality of substations
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Educational Administration (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Primary Health Care (AREA)
- Alarm Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A system and a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event are provided. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station receives the wireless alert signal and provides information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal frorn the at least an alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has ernitted the alert signal, and displays the same in a hurnan comprehensible form.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY RESPONSE AT LARGE-SCALE EVENTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to event management, and more particularly to a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the size of outdoor events such as, for example, concerts and sports events, grows, the management becomes more difficult for event organizers. In addition to the basic organization of the event, organizers must also take public safety and security needs into consideration and be prepared to respond to anything that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the attendees and staff.
To minimize risks, organizers must maintain sufficient safety precautions which are appropriate for the number of people attending the event. The bigger the event, the larger the security needs.
Because of injuries and deaths which have occurred at various events in the past, event organizers are exposed to a new level of risk and liability. The ability to ensure safety and welfare of the attendees and staff at an event and, in particular, at a large-scale event is a make-or-break factor in event management.
At large-scale events numerous safety concerns need to be addressed from the individual level of a single attendee, for example, being in medical distress, a small group of attendees, for example, being involved in a physical altercation, to a large number of attendees, for example, being involved in a crowd surge.
Typically, staff members are placed at strategic locations in the crowd to observe and detect any situation of concern and, for example, direct emergency responders to an attendee in medical distress. Furthermore, CCTV cameras are employed for monitoring the audience and detecting any situation of concern which may be done manually by staff observing the audience on monitors or automatically using a computer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Unfortunately, using these methods a situation of concern is easily missed, and even when noticed, it typically takes a substantial amount of time to direct an emergency response team to the location where the situation of concern is occurring. Furthermore, these problems are even more likely to occur when lighting is poor, for example, at dusk and night.
It is desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least an alert receiving station receives the wireless alert signal and provides information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least an alert receiving station receives the wireless alert signal and provides information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each of the personal alert devices comprises: a user interface for enabling the respective attendee to trigger the emission of the alert signal; at least a motion sensor; and a processor. The processor receives motion sensor data, determines a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data;
and, initiates the emission of the alert signal if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern.
According the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least three alert receiving stations receive the wireless alert signal and provide information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least three alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal based on triangulation, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device continuously emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for continuously receiving the wireless alert signal and for continuously providing information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center continuously: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; displays the same in a human comprehensible form; and, provides via wireless communication information indicative of the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to a mobile device of an event responder.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. In case the emergency response center receives information of a plurality of alert signals, the emergency response center:
determines if the alert signals are emitted from a same area; determines if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold in case the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
generates alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold; and, displays an alarm message in dependence upon the alai It data. The emergency response center also determines data indicative of the area where the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold and displays the area in dependence thereupon.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 The emergency response center receives information regarding the situation of concern and provides the information regarding the situation of concern to the central computer system. The emergency response center receives the information regarding the situation of concern via the user interface or from a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system. Upon receipt of the identification the central computer system searches for information associated with the identification and if there is information associated with the identification retrieves the information and provides the same to the emergency response center. The emergency response center then provides the information to a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system. The central computer system flags the identification if there is information of concern with regard to the attendee associated therewith. The personal alert device associated with the flagged identification emits a position signal in predetermined time intervals with the position signal containing information indicative of the flagged identification. The emergency response center:
receives information indicative of the position signal; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal; and, displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal. The flagged identification is indicative of the information of concern and wherein emergency response center displays the information of concern together with the location.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure la is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a top view an event space with the system for providing emergency response according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure lb is a simplified block diagram illustrating an emergency response center of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 1 c is a simplified block diagram illustrating an emergency response center connected to a central computer system of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure ld is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a side view an alert receiving station of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figures 1 e and lf are simplified block diagrams illustrating in top view and a detailed view, respectively, a personal alert device of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2a is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method for providing emergency response according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Figure 2b to 2e are simplified flow diagrams illustrating additional functionalities of the method for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
Referring to Figures la to if a system 100 for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The system 100 is intended for use at large-scale events such as, for example, outdoor concerts and outdoor sports events, with at least a few thousand attendees and up to 100,000 attendees.
Figure la illustrates a preferred setup of the system 100 within event space 10. Audience space 12 is accessible for attendees 20 of the event while access to the remaining event space is only for event staff 16, event responders 18, and performers 14. Each attendee 20 is provided with a personal alert device 102 to be worn, preferably, on the attendee's 20 wrist. The personal alert device 102 is adapted for emitting - 200 - via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. For example, the personal alert device 102 is triggered by the wearer 20 of the same when feeling ill or threatened.
At least an alert receiving station 104 is placed inside or in proximity to the audience space 12 for receiving - 200 - the wireless alert signal and for providing - 204 -information indicative of the alert signal to emergency response center 106. Only one alert receiving station 104 may be employed if the personal alert device 102 provides location information such as, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) location information together with the alert signal.
Alternatively, at least three alert receiving stations 104 are employed in order to determine the location of the personal alert device 102 within the audience space 12 using triangulation in a conventional manner based on the locations of the alert receiving stations 104 with respect to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 each other and with respect to the audience space 12. Depending on the size of the audience space 12 and/or the structure of the audience space 12, for example, the audience space 12 having different levels, a larger number of alert receiving stations 104 may be employed.
Referring to Figure lb, the emergency response center 106 comprises a receiver 106A for receiving - 204 - the information indicative of the alert signal such as, for example, a conventional antenna for receiving a wireless Radio Frequency (RF) signal based on, for example, UltraWideBand (UWB) technology. The receiver 106A is connected to a computer 106B such as, for example, a conventional Personal Computer PC, and a user interface 106C
such as, for example, a conventional monitor and keyboard or a touchscreen.
Upon receipt, the computer 106B determines the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal. For example, the computer 106B determines the location using triangulation based on the information indicative of the alert signal received from at least three alert receiving stations 104, which is then displayed on the user interface 106C together with the alert message.
Alternatively, the computer 106B may retrieve the GPS location from the information indicative of the alert signal.
After noticing the displayed alert message together with the location of the situation of concern, event staff 16 instructs - 212 - one or more event responders 18 to respond to the situation of concern with the event responders 18 being guided to the location of concern -214.
If the event staff 16 is made aware of a situation of serious concern such as, for example, a crowd surge, the event staff 16 may instruct - 280 - the performer(s) 14 to stop the performance.
Additionally, the event staff 16 may also instruct a change of the lighting of the stage 15 and/or the audience space 12.
Preferably, the emergency response center 106 is connected to a central computer system 108 via a communications network 1 such as, for example, the Internet, as illustrated in Figure lc, and communicates therewith when in use. The central computer system 108 is operated, for example, by a trusted entity such as the event organizer or an organization for providing event security.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Referring to Figure ld, each alert receiving station 104 comprises a receiver 104A for receiving the alert signal from the personal alert device 102 and a transmitter for sending - 204 -information indicative of the alert signal to the emergency response center 106. Preferably, the personal alert device 102 emits the alert signal as a wireless RF signal based on, for example, UWB technology and the receiver 104A is an RF antenna. Alternatively, the personal alert device 102 may emit the alert signal as an infrared signal and the receiver 104A is an infrared sensor.
Further preferably, the transmitter 104B is adapted to communicate with the receiver 106A of the emergency response center 106 via wireless RF communication.
In order to ensure reliable communication the receiver 104A and the transmitter 104B are mounted to mast 104D with base 104C placed on ground 13 such that the same are placed at a predetermined height H above the ground 13. The height H is determined such that the receiver 104A and the transmitter 104B are placed above the height of attendees 20, for example, in the range between 2m and 3m.
Preferably, the alert receiving station 104 comprises a processor such as, for example, a conventional Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for:
receiving the alert signal;
timing receipt of the alert signal;
generating the information indicative of the alert signal with the information comprising: the alert signal; time of the emission of the alert signal; time of receipt of the alert signal; and an identification of the alert receiving station 104; and, providing the information to the transmitter 104B.
Further preferably, the alert receiving station 104 is powered via battery 104F, thus avoiding use of power cables over large distances. The battery 104F and the processor 104E
are, for example, disposed in a protective housing 104G mounted to the base 104C.
Referring to Figures le and lf, a preferred personal alert device 102 to be worn on the attendee's 20 wrist is provided. The personal alert device 102 comprises housing 102A and a wristband 102B. The housing 102A of the personal alert device 102 may be provided with the wristband 102B or, alternatively, is adapted for being mounted to an existing wristband such as, for Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 example, an event wristband provided by the event organizer. The housing 102A
is made of, for example, a plastic material in a conventional manner and designed to be substantially waterproof.
The personal alert device 102 comprises a microprocessor 102D such as, for example, a conventional FPGA, connected to:
a trigger mechanism such as, for example, push buttons 102C.1 and 102C.2;
an alert signal emitter 102E such as, for example, a wireless RF emitter or an infrared emitter;
and, a battery 102F such as, for example, a button cell.
Preferably, the trigger mechanism comprises a safety feature to prevent accidental triggering of the alert signal such as, for example, requiring simultaneous pressing of both push buttons 102C.1 and 102C.2 in order to trigger the alert. Alternatively, other safety features may be employed such as pressing a push button for a minimum amount of time or turning and pushing the push button.
When triggered, the microprocessor 102D generates an alert signal containing a time-stamp indicative of the time of emission and provides the same to the alert signal emitter 102E for emission therefrom. Preferably, the microprocessor 102D also adds an identification to the alert signal with the identification being, for example, a unique number or a combination of numbers and characters. The unique number may be provided to the processor 102D during initialization prior issuance of the personal alert device 102 to the attendee 20 using, for example, RF
technology, and stored in memory thereof Further preferably, the personal alert device 102 comprises a motion sensor 102G such as, for example, a conventional accelerometer, connected to the microprocessor 102D
for sensing the motion of the wearers wrist and providing motion sensor data indicative thereof. Upon receipt, the microprocessor 102D determines a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data, compares it with a motion pattern that is indicative of a situation of concern, and if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern generates an alert signal and provides the same to the alert signal emitter 102E. A typical motion pattern indicative of a situation of concern is, for example, a sudden acceleration of the wearer's motion followed by an abrupt stop and little or no motion for a certain period of time. Optionally, the microprocessor 102D
adds trigger Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 information to the alert signal with the trigger information indicating whether the trigger was manually initiated by the wearer or by the motion sensor.
Referring to Figure 2a a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. One of the personal alert devices 102 emits - 200 - an alert signal containing a time-stamp indicative of the time of emission. The alert signal is received - 202 - at three or more alert receiving stations 104. Each of the three or more alert receiving stations 104 transmits - 204 - information indicative of the alert signal to the emergency response center 106 with the information being indicative of the alert signal; time of the emission of the alert signal; time of receipt of the alert signal at the respective alert receiving station 104; and an identification of the alert receiving station 104. Upon receipt -206 - of the information indicative of the alert signal, the emergency response center 106 determines - 208 - a location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal based on the information indicative of the alert signal received from the three or more alert receiving stations 104 using triangulation and displays - 210 - the same on a graphical user interface illustrating, for example, the audience space 12 and the location therein together with an alert message.
After noticing the displayed alert message together with the location of the situation of concern, event staff 16 instructs - 212- one or more event responders 18 to respond to the situation of concern with the event responders 18 being guided to the location of concern -214.
Preferably, the emergency response center 106 provides - 214A - via wireless communication information indicative of the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to a mobile device such as, for example, a smart phone or tablet computer, of the event responder 18.
Further preferably, the personal alert device 102 continuously emits - 214B.1 -the alert signal once the emission of the same has been triggered. The emergency response center 106 then continuously:
receives - 214B.2 - information indicative of the alert signal;
determines - 214B.3 - a location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 displays - 214B.4 - the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, provides - 214B.5 - information indicative of the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to the mobile device of the event responder.
Optionally, the personal alert device 102 continuously emits the alert signal for a predetermined period of time or comprises a stop mechanism for manually stopping the emission of the alert signal. Alternatively, the personal alert device 102 may emit the alert signal in short predetermined time intervals.
Referring to Figure 2b an additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. In case the emergency response center 106 receives - 220 -information of a plurality of alert signals, the emergency response center 106 determines - 222 - if the alert signals are emitted from a same area. In case the alert signals are emitted from a same area, the emergency response center 106 determines - 224 - if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, generates - 226 - alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold, and displays - 228 - an alarm message in dependence upon the alarm data.
Optionally, the emergency response center 106 determines - 230 - data indicative of the area where the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold and displays the area in dependence thereupon 230.
Steps 220 to 230 of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention inform event staff 16 of a situation of serious concern such as, for example, a crowd surge. Once aware of such a situation of serious concern, the event staff 16 may instruct 280 the performer(s) 14 to stop the performance and, additionally, may also instruct a change of the lighting of the stage 15 and/or the audience space 12, for example, to calm the audience. Steps 220 to 230 can provide the information of a situation of serious concern at an early stage, giving event staff 16 time to react and take appropriate action before the situation further escalates.
Referring to Figure 2c another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 provided. Each personal alert device 102 is associated with a respective unique identification, as described hereinabove, and emits an alert signal containing information indicative of the identification - 240. The identification is associated with an attendee 20 and is stored - 242 - in the central computer system 108 which is in communication with the emergency response center 106.
For example, when an attendee 20 purchases a ticket for an event, the attendee is prompted to provide some information such as: name; address; date of birth; email address;
and phone number. Upon receipt, the central computer system 108 generates a unique identification and stores the identification together with the information in a database thereof such that the information is associated with the identification. The central computer system 108 then creates a ticket containing the identification in a bar code or Quick Response (QR) code. Optionally, the attendee 20 is enabled to voluntarily enter medical information that should be known to a responder in a medical emergency situation.
Prior to the event, the attendee 20 presents the ticket to an event staff member 16 who scans the ticket for retrieving the identification. The identification is then provided to the central computer system 108 for retrieving the information associated therewith and provides the same to the event response center 106. The event staff member 16 may check the identity of the attendee 20 to see if the identity corresponds to the stored information. If the identity does not correspond to the stored information, for example, in case the ticket has been re-sold, the event staff member 16 enters the new information corresponding to the identity for association with the identification and storage in the central computer system 108.
A personal alert device 102 is then initialized by providing the identification to the processor 102D thereof using, for example, RF technology, for storage in memory thereof After the initialization the personal alert device 102 is handed to the attendee 20 to be worn on the wrist.
After receipt of an alert signal, the emergency response center 106 provides -244 - the identification of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system 108. Upon receipt of the identification the central computer system 108 searches the database for medical information associated with the identification and if there is medical Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 information associated with the identification retrieves the information and provides - 246 - the same to the emergency response center 106. Preferably, the emergency response center 106 provides - 248 - the information to a mobile device of an event responder 18 in wireless communication therewith.
Referring to Figure 2d yet another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The emergency response center 106 receives - 250 - information regarding the situation of concern and provides - 252 - the same to the central computer system 108.
For example, the emergency response center 106 receives the information regarding the situation of concern via the user interface 106C or from a mobile device of an event responder 18 in wireless communication therewith. In case the information regarding the situation of concern comprises information associated with a personal alert device 102 other than the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal, the emergency response center 106 provides - 254 -the information associated with the personal alert device 102 other than the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal and the identification thereof to the central computer system 108. For example, when responding to an alert the emergency responder 18 verifies if the attendee 20 having the emergency has triggered the alert by reading the identification of the attendee's 20 personal alert device 102 and providing the same to the emergency response center 106. If the identification of the alert and the identification provided by the event responder 18 are different, the emergency response center 106 replaces the identification of the alert with the identification provided by the event responder 18.
The steps 250 to 254 enable creation of an event log for later evaluation which can be helpful in the planning of future events or in the investigation of an incident that happened at the event.
Referring to Figure 2e yet another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The central computer system 108 flags - 260 - the identification if there is information of concern with regard to the attendee 20 associated therewith. For example, the attendee 20 has been involved in one or more situations of concern at previous events related to, for example, drug use, drunkenness, or violence. The personal alert device 102 associated with the flagged Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 identification then emits - 262 - a position signal in predetermined time intervals with the position signal containing information indicative of the flagged identification. The emergency response center 106 receives - 264 - information indicative of the position signal, determines - 266 - a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal and displays - 268 - the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal.
The flagged identification is indicative of the information of concern and the emergency response center 106 displays - 270 - the information of concern together with the location.
Steps 260 to 270 provide event staff 16 with information of attendees 20 that might cause a situation of concern and their location within the audience space 12. For example, event staff 16 may send more event responders 18 to a situation of concern when its known that there are attendees 20 involved or nearby that are known to be violent.
The system and method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiments of the invention substantially reduce:
= the time event staff 16 is notified of a situation of concern;
= the time a location of a situation of concern is determined; and, = the time event responders 18 need to reach the location of the situation of concern.
Furthermore, the system and method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiments of the invention provide additional functionalities that:
= enable event staff 16 to more quickly react to situations of serious concern;
= can provide to an event responder 18 medical information that should be known to the responder in a medical emergency situation;
= enable creation of an event log for later evaluation which can be helpful in the planning of future events or in the investigation of an incident that happened at the event; and, = provide event staff 16 with information of attendees 20 that might cause a situation of concern and their location within the audience space 12.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event comprising:
a plurality of personal alert devices adapted to be worn by attendees of the event, each personal alert device for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern;
at least an alert receiving station for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal; and, an emergency response center comprising a computer and a user interface, the emergency response center for:
receiving the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, and for displaying the same in a human comprehensible form.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to event management, and more particularly to a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the size of outdoor events such as, for example, concerts and sports events, grows, the management becomes more difficult for event organizers. In addition to the basic organization of the event, organizers must also take public safety and security needs into consideration and be prepared to respond to anything that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the attendees and staff.
To minimize risks, organizers must maintain sufficient safety precautions which are appropriate for the number of people attending the event. The bigger the event, the larger the security needs.
Because of injuries and deaths which have occurred at various events in the past, event organizers are exposed to a new level of risk and liability. The ability to ensure safety and welfare of the attendees and staff at an event and, in particular, at a large-scale event is a make-or-break factor in event management.
At large-scale events numerous safety concerns need to be addressed from the individual level of a single attendee, for example, being in medical distress, a small group of attendees, for example, being involved in a physical altercation, to a large number of attendees, for example, being involved in a crowd surge.
Typically, staff members are placed at strategic locations in the crowd to observe and detect any situation of concern and, for example, direct emergency responders to an attendee in medical distress. Furthermore, CCTV cameras are employed for monitoring the audience and detecting any situation of concern which may be done manually by staff observing the audience on monitors or automatically using a computer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Unfortunately, using these methods a situation of concern is easily missed, and even when noticed, it typically takes a substantial amount of time to direct an emergency response team to the location where the situation of concern is occurring. Furthermore, these problems are even more likely to occur when lighting is poor, for example, at dusk and night.
It is desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
It is also desirable to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least an alert receiving station receives the wireless alert signal and provides information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least an alert receiving station receives the wireless alert signal and provides information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each of the personal alert devices comprises: a user interface for enabling the respective attendee to trigger the emission of the alert signal; at least a motion sensor; and a processor. The processor receives motion sensor data, determines a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data;
and, initiates the emission of the alert signal if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern.
According the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. The system comprises a plurality of personal alert devices to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device is adapted for emitting Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern.
At least three alert receiving stations receive the wireless alert signal and provide information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least three alert receiving station, determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal based on triangulation, and displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device continuously emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for continuously receiving the wireless alert signal and for continuously providing information indicative of the alert signal. An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center continuously: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; displays the same in a human comprehensible form; and, provides via wireless communication information indicative of the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to a mobile device of an event responder.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. In case the emergency response center receives information of a plurality of alert signals, the emergency response center:
determines if the alert signals are emitted from a same area; determines if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold in case the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
generates alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold; and, displays an alarm message in dependence upon the alai It data. The emergency response center also determines data indicative of the area where the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold and displays the area in dependence thereupon.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 The emergency response center receives information regarding the situation of concern and provides the information regarding the situation of concern to the central computer system. The emergency response center receives the information regarding the situation of concern via the user interface or from a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system. Upon receipt of the identification the central computer system searches for information associated with the identification and if there is information associated with the identification retrieves the information and provides the same to the emergency response center. The emergency response center then provides the information to a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
According the other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event. A plurality of personal alert devices is provided to be worn by attendees of the event. Each personal alert device emits via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. At least an alert receiving station is provided for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 An emergency response center comprises a computer and a user interface. The emergency response center: receives the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displays the same in a human comprehensible form. Each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification. The identification is associated with an attendee and information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center. The emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system. The central computer system flags the identification if there is information of concern with regard to the attendee associated therewith. The personal alert device associated with the flagged identification emits a position signal in predetermined time intervals with the position signal containing information indicative of the flagged identification. The emergency response center:
receives information indicative of the position signal; determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal; and, displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal. The flagged identification is indicative of the information of concern and wherein emergency response center displays the information of concern together with the location.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time event staff is notified of a situation of concern.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that substantially reduces the time a location of a situation of concern is determined.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that enables an attendee to notify event staff of a situation of concern.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a system and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events that continuously updates the location of a situation of concern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure la is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a top view an event space with the system for providing emergency response according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure lb is a simplified block diagram illustrating an emergency response center of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 1 c is a simplified block diagram illustrating an emergency response center connected to a central computer system of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure ld is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a side view an alert receiving station of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figures 1 e and lf are simplified block diagrams illustrating in top view and a detailed view, respectively, a personal alert device of the system for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2a is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method for providing emergency response according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Figure 2b to 2e are simplified flow diagrams illustrating additional functionalities of the method for providing emergency response according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
Referring to Figures la to if a system 100 for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The system 100 is intended for use at large-scale events such as, for example, outdoor concerts and outdoor sports events, with at least a few thousand attendees and up to 100,000 attendees.
Figure la illustrates a preferred setup of the system 100 within event space 10. Audience space 12 is accessible for attendees 20 of the event while access to the remaining event space is only for event staff 16, event responders 18, and performers 14. Each attendee 20 is provided with a personal alert device 102 to be worn, preferably, on the attendee's 20 wrist. The personal alert device 102 is adapted for emitting - 200 - via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern. For example, the personal alert device 102 is triggered by the wearer 20 of the same when feeling ill or threatened.
At least an alert receiving station 104 is placed inside or in proximity to the audience space 12 for receiving - 200 - the wireless alert signal and for providing - 204 -information indicative of the alert signal to emergency response center 106. Only one alert receiving station 104 may be employed if the personal alert device 102 provides location information such as, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) location information together with the alert signal.
Alternatively, at least three alert receiving stations 104 are employed in order to determine the location of the personal alert device 102 within the audience space 12 using triangulation in a conventional manner based on the locations of the alert receiving stations 104 with respect to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 each other and with respect to the audience space 12. Depending on the size of the audience space 12 and/or the structure of the audience space 12, for example, the audience space 12 having different levels, a larger number of alert receiving stations 104 may be employed.
Referring to Figure lb, the emergency response center 106 comprises a receiver 106A for receiving - 204 - the information indicative of the alert signal such as, for example, a conventional antenna for receiving a wireless Radio Frequency (RF) signal based on, for example, UltraWideBand (UWB) technology. The receiver 106A is connected to a computer 106B such as, for example, a conventional Personal Computer PC, and a user interface 106C
such as, for example, a conventional monitor and keyboard or a touchscreen.
Upon receipt, the computer 106B determines the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal. For example, the computer 106B determines the location using triangulation based on the information indicative of the alert signal received from at least three alert receiving stations 104, which is then displayed on the user interface 106C together with the alert message.
Alternatively, the computer 106B may retrieve the GPS location from the information indicative of the alert signal.
After noticing the displayed alert message together with the location of the situation of concern, event staff 16 instructs - 212 - one or more event responders 18 to respond to the situation of concern with the event responders 18 being guided to the location of concern -214.
If the event staff 16 is made aware of a situation of serious concern such as, for example, a crowd surge, the event staff 16 may instruct - 280 - the performer(s) 14 to stop the performance.
Additionally, the event staff 16 may also instruct a change of the lighting of the stage 15 and/or the audience space 12.
Preferably, the emergency response center 106 is connected to a central computer system 108 via a communications network 1 such as, for example, the Internet, as illustrated in Figure lc, and communicates therewith when in use. The central computer system 108 is operated, for example, by a trusted entity such as the event organizer or an organization for providing event security.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 Referring to Figure ld, each alert receiving station 104 comprises a receiver 104A for receiving the alert signal from the personal alert device 102 and a transmitter for sending - 204 -information indicative of the alert signal to the emergency response center 106. Preferably, the personal alert device 102 emits the alert signal as a wireless RF signal based on, for example, UWB technology and the receiver 104A is an RF antenna. Alternatively, the personal alert device 102 may emit the alert signal as an infrared signal and the receiver 104A is an infrared sensor.
Further preferably, the transmitter 104B is adapted to communicate with the receiver 106A of the emergency response center 106 via wireless RF communication.
In order to ensure reliable communication the receiver 104A and the transmitter 104B are mounted to mast 104D with base 104C placed on ground 13 such that the same are placed at a predetermined height H above the ground 13. The height H is determined such that the receiver 104A and the transmitter 104B are placed above the height of attendees 20, for example, in the range between 2m and 3m.
Preferably, the alert receiving station 104 comprises a processor such as, for example, a conventional Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for:
receiving the alert signal;
timing receipt of the alert signal;
generating the information indicative of the alert signal with the information comprising: the alert signal; time of the emission of the alert signal; time of receipt of the alert signal; and an identification of the alert receiving station 104; and, providing the information to the transmitter 104B.
Further preferably, the alert receiving station 104 is powered via battery 104F, thus avoiding use of power cables over large distances. The battery 104F and the processor 104E
are, for example, disposed in a protective housing 104G mounted to the base 104C.
Referring to Figures le and lf, a preferred personal alert device 102 to be worn on the attendee's 20 wrist is provided. The personal alert device 102 comprises housing 102A and a wristband 102B. The housing 102A of the personal alert device 102 may be provided with the wristband 102B or, alternatively, is adapted for being mounted to an existing wristband such as, for Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 example, an event wristband provided by the event organizer. The housing 102A
is made of, for example, a plastic material in a conventional manner and designed to be substantially waterproof.
The personal alert device 102 comprises a microprocessor 102D such as, for example, a conventional FPGA, connected to:
a trigger mechanism such as, for example, push buttons 102C.1 and 102C.2;
an alert signal emitter 102E such as, for example, a wireless RF emitter or an infrared emitter;
and, a battery 102F such as, for example, a button cell.
Preferably, the trigger mechanism comprises a safety feature to prevent accidental triggering of the alert signal such as, for example, requiring simultaneous pressing of both push buttons 102C.1 and 102C.2 in order to trigger the alert. Alternatively, other safety features may be employed such as pressing a push button for a minimum amount of time or turning and pushing the push button.
When triggered, the microprocessor 102D generates an alert signal containing a time-stamp indicative of the time of emission and provides the same to the alert signal emitter 102E for emission therefrom. Preferably, the microprocessor 102D also adds an identification to the alert signal with the identification being, for example, a unique number or a combination of numbers and characters. The unique number may be provided to the processor 102D during initialization prior issuance of the personal alert device 102 to the attendee 20 using, for example, RF
technology, and stored in memory thereof Further preferably, the personal alert device 102 comprises a motion sensor 102G such as, for example, a conventional accelerometer, connected to the microprocessor 102D
for sensing the motion of the wearers wrist and providing motion sensor data indicative thereof. Upon receipt, the microprocessor 102D determines a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data, compares it with a motion pattern that is indicative of a situation of concern, and if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern generates an alert signal and provides the same to the alert signal emitter 102E. A typical motion pattern indicative of a situation of concern is, for example, a sudden acceleration of the wearer's motion followed by an abrupt stop and little or no motion for a certain period of time. Optionally, the microprocessor 102D
adds trigger Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 information to the alert signal with the trigger information indicating whether the trigger was manually initiated by the wearer or by the motion sensor.
Referring to Figure 2a a method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. One of the personal alert devices 102 emits - 200 - an alert signal containing a time-stamp indicative of the time of emission. The alert signal is received - 202 - at three or more alert receiving stations 104. Each of the three or more alert receiving stations 104 transmits - 204 - information indicative of the alert signal to the emergency response center 106 with the information being indicative of the alert signal; time of the emission of the alert signal; time of receipt of the alert signal at the respective alert receiving station 104; and an identification of the alert receiving station 104. Upon receipt -206 - of the information indicative of the alert signal, the emergency response center 106 determines - 208 - a location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal based on the information indicative of the alert signal received from the three or more alert receiving stations 104 using triangulation and displays - 210 - the same on a graphical user interface illustrating, for example, the audience space 12 and the location therein together with an alert message.
After noticing the displayed alert message together with the location of the situation of concern, event staff 16 instructs - 212- one or more event responders 18 to respond to the situation of concern with the event responders 18 being guided to the location of concern -214.
Preferably, the emergency response center 106 provides - 214A - via wireless communication information indicative of the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to a mobile device such as, for example, a smart phone or tablet computer, of the event responder 18.
Further preferably, the personal alert device 102 continuously emits - 214B.1 -the alert signal once the emission of the same has been triggered. The emergency response center 106 then continuously:
receives - 214B.2 - information indicative of the alert signal;
determines - 214B.3 - a location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 displays - 214B.4 - the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, provides - 214B.5 - information indicative of the location of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to the mobile device of the event responder.
Optionally, the personal alert device 102 continuously emits the alert signal for a predetermined period of time or comprises a stop mechanism for manually stopping the emission of the alert signal. Alternatively, the personal alert device 102 may emit the alert signal in short predetermined time intervals.
Referring to Figure 2b an additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. In case the emergency response center 106 receives - 220 -information of a plurality of alert signals, the emergency response center 106 determines - 222 - if the alert signals are emitted from a same area. In case the alert signals are emitted from a same area, the emergency response center 106 determines - 224 - if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, generates - 226 - alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold, and displays - 228 - an alarm message in dependence upon the alarm data.
Optionally, the emergency response center 106 determines - 230 - data indicative of the area where the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold and displays the area in dependence thereupon 230.
Steps 220 to 230 of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention inform event staff 16 of a situation of serious concern such as, for example, a crowd surge. Once aware of such a situation of serious concern, the event staff 16 may instruct 280 the performer(s) 14 to stop the performance and, additionally, may also instruct a change of the lighting of the stage 15 and/or the audience space 12, for example, to calm the audience. Steps 220 to 230 can provide the information of a situation of serious concern at an early stage, giving event staff 16 time to react and take appropriate action before the situation further escalates.
Referring to Figure 2c another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 provided. Each personal alert device 102 is associated with a respective unique identification, as described hereinabove, and emits an alert signal containing information indicative of the identification - 240. The identification is associated with an attendee 20 and is stored - 242 - in the central computer system 108 which is in communication with the emergency response center 106.
For example, when an attendee 20 purchases a ticket for an event, the attendee is prompted to provide some information such as: name; address; date of birth; email address;
and phone number. Upon receipt, the central computer system 108 generates a unique identification and stores the identification together with the information in a database thereof such that the information is associated with the identification. The central computer system 108 then creates a ticket containing the identification in a bar code or Quick Response (QR) code. Optionally, the attendee 20 is enabled to voluntarily enter medical information that should be known to a responder in a medical emergency situation.
Prior to the event, the attendee 20 presents the ticket to an event staff member 16 who scans the ticket for retrieving the identification. The identification is then provided to the central computer system 108 for retrieving the information associated therewith and provides the same to the event response center 106. The event staff member 16 may check the identity of the attendee 20 to see if the identity corresponds to the stored information. If the identity does not correspond to the stored information, for example, in case the ticket has been re-sold, the event staff member 16 enters the new information corresponding to the identity for association with the identification and storage in the central computer system 108.
A personal alert device 102 is then initialized by providing the identification to the processor 102D thereof using, for example, RF technology, for storage in memory thereof After the initialization the personal alert device 102 is handed to the attendee 20 to be worn on the wrist.
After receipt of an alert signal, the emergency response center 106 provides -244 - the identification of the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system 108. Upon receipt of the identification the central computer system 108 searches the database for medical information associated with the identification and if there is medical Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 information associated with the identification retrieves the information and provides - 246 - the same to the emergency response center 106. Preferably, the emergency response center 106 provides - 248 - the information to a mobile device of an event responder 18 in wireless communication therewith.
Referring to Figure 2d yet another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The emergency response center 106 receives - 250 - information regarding the situation of concern and provides - 252 - the same to the central computer system 108.
For example, the emergency response center 106 receives the information regarding the situation of concern via the user interface 106C or from a mobile device of an event responder 18 in wireless communication therewith. In case the information regarding the situation of concern comprises information associated with a personal alert device 102 other than the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal, the emergency response center 106 provides - 254 -the information associated with the personal alert device 102 other than the personal alert device 102 that has emitted the alert signal and the identification thereof to the central computer system 108. For example, when responding to an alert the emergency responder 18 verifies if the attendee 20 having the emergency has triggered the alert by reading the identification of the attendee's 20 personal alert device 102 and providing the same to the emergency response center 106. If the identification of the alert and the identification provided by the event responder 18 are different, the emergency response center 106 replaces the identification of the alert with the identification provided by the event responder 18.
The steps 250 to 254 enable creation of an event log for later evaluation which can be helpful in the planning of future events or in the investigation of an incident that happened at the event.
Referring to Figure 2e yet another additional functionality of the method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The central computer system 108 flags - 260 - the identification if there is information of concern with regard to the attendee 20 associated therewith. For example, the attendee 20 has been involved in one or more situations of concern at previous events related to, for example, drug use, drunkenness, or violence. The personal alert device 102 associated with the flagged Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 identification then emits - 262 - a position signal in predetermined time intervals with the position signal containing information indicative of the flagged identification. The emergency response center 106 receives - 264 - information indicative of the position signal, determines - 266 - a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal and displays - 268 - the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal.
The flagged identification is indicative of the information of concern and the emergency response center 106 displays - 270 - the information of concern together with the location.
Steps 260 to 270 provide event staff 16 with information of attendees 20 that might cause a situation of concern and their location within the audience space 12. For example, event staff 16 may send more event responders 18 to a situation of concern when its known that there are attendees 20 involved or nearby that are known to be violent.
The system and method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiments of the invention substantially reduce:
= the time event staff 16 is notified of a situation of concern;
= the time a location of a situation of concern is determined; and, = the time event responders 18 need to reach the location of the situation of concern.
Furthermore, the system and method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event according to the preferred embodiments of the invention provide additional functionalities that:
= enable event staff 16 to more quickly react to situations of serious concern;
= can provide to an event responder 18 medical information that should be known to the responder in a medical emergency situation;
= enable creation of an event log for later evaluation which can be helpful in the planning of future events or in the investigation of an incident that happened at the event; and, = provide event staff 16 with information of attendees 20 that might cause a situation of concern and their location within the audience space 12.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for providing emergency response at a large-scale event comprising:
a plurality of personal alert devices adapted to be worn by attendees of the event, each personal alert device for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern;
at least an alert receiving station for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal; and, an emergency response center comprising a computer and a user interface, the emergency response center for:
receiving the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, and for displaying the same in a human comprehensible form.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein each of the personal alert devices comprises a user interface for enabling the respective attendee to trigger the emission of the alert signal.
3. The system according to claim 2 wherein each of the personal alert devices is mounted to a wristband.
4. The system according to claim 3 wherein each of the personal alert devices comprises at least a motion sensor and a processor, the processor for:
receiving motion sensor data;
determining a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data; and, initiate the emission of the alert signal if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern.
receiving motion sensor data;
determining a motion pattern in dependence upon the motion sensor data; and, initiate the emission of the alert signal if the motion pattern is indicative of a situation of concern.
5. The system according to claim 1 comprising at least three alert receiving stations and wherein the computer determines the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal based on triangulation.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
6. A method for providing emergency response at a large-scale event comprising:
providing a plurality of personal alert devices adapted to be worn by attendees of the event, each personal alert device for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern;
providing at least an alert receiving station for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal;
providing an emergency response center comprising a computer and a user interface, the emergency response center for:
receiving the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, and for displaying the same in a human comprehensible form;
at least one of the personal alert devices emitting an alert signal;
receiving at the emergency response center information indicative of the alert signal;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displaying the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal.
providing a plurality of personal alert devices adapted to be worn by attendees of the event, each personal alert device for emitting via wireless communication an alert signal in case of a situation of concern;
providing at least an alert receiving station for receiving the wireless alert signal and for providing information indicative of the alert signal;
providing an emergency response center comprising a computer and a user interface, the emergency response center for:
receiving the information indicative of the alert signal from the at least an alert receiving station;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, and for displaying the same in a human comprehensible form;
at least one of the personal alert devices emitting an alert signal;
receiving at the emergency response center information indicative of the alert signal;
determining a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, displaying the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the emergency response center provides via wireless communication information indicative of the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to a mobile device of an event responder.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein each personal alert device is adapted for continuously emitting the alert signal once the emission of the same has been triggered and wherein the emergency response center continuously:
receives information indicative of the alert signal;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal;
displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, provides information indicative of the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the mobile device of the event responder.
receives information indicative of the alert signal;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal;
displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal; and, provides information indicative of the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the mobile device of the event responder.
9. The method according to claim 8 wherein each personal alert device is adapted for continuously emitting the alert signal for a predetermined period of time.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
10. The method according to claim 9 wherein each personal alert device is adapted for enabling stopping of the emission of the alert signal.
11. The method according to claim 8 wherein the emergency response center:
receives information of a plurality of alert signals;
determines if the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
detei ___ nines if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold in case the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
generates alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold; and, displays an alarm message in dependence upon the alarm data.
receives information of a plurality of alert signals;
determines if the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
detei ___ nines if the number of alert signals exceeds a predetermined threshold in case the alert signals are emitted from a same area;
generates alarm data if the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold; and, displays an alarm message in dependence upon the alarm data.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the emergency response center determines data indicative of the area where the number of alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold and displays the area in dependence thereupon.
13. The method according to claim 6 wherein each personal alert device is associated with a respective unique identification and wherein the alert signal contains information indicative of the identification.
14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the identification is associated with an attendee and wherein information associated with the attendee is stored in a central computer system in communication with the emergency response center.
15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the emergency response center provides the identification of the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal to the central computer system.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the emergency response center receives information regarding the situation of concern and wherein the emergency response center provides the information regarding the situation of concern to the central computer system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the emergency response center receives the information regarding the situation of concern via the user interface or from a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the information regarding the situation of concern comprises information associated with a personal alert device other than the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal and wherein the emergency response center provides the information associated with the personal alert device other than the personal alert device that has emitted the alert signal and the identification thereof to the central computer system.
19. The method according to claim 15 wherein upon receipt of the identification the central computer system searches for information associated with the identification and if there is information associated with the identification retrieves the information and provides the same to the emergency response center.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the emergency response center provides the information to a mobile device of an event responder in wireless communication therewith.
21. The method according to claim 14 wherein the central computer system flags the identification if there is information of concern with regard to the attendee associated therewith, wherein the personal alert device associated with the flagged identification emits a position signal in predetermined time intervals with the position signal containing information indicative of the flagged identification and wherein the emergency response center:
receives information indicative of the position signal;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal; and, displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal.
receives information indicative of the position signal;
determines a location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal; and, displays the location of the personal alert device that has emitted the position signal.
22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the flagged identification is indicative of the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05 information of concern and wherein emergency response center displays the information of concern together with the location.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-05
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3178519A CA3178519A1 (en) | 2022-10-05 | 2022-10-05 | System and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3178519A CA3178519A1 (en) | 2022-10-05 | 2022-10-05 | System and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3178519A1 true CA3178519A1 (en) | 2024-04-05 |
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ID=90566561
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3178519A Pending CA3178519A1 (en) | 2022-10-05 | 2022-10-05 | System and method for providing emergency response at large-scale events |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3178519A1 (en) |
-
2022
- 2022-10-05 CA CA3178519A patent/CA3178519A1/en active Pending
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