GB1589212A - Communications apparatus - Google Patents

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO COMMUNICATION APPARATUS (71) We, CARES (COMMUNICATIONS) LIMITED, a British Company of, Rutland House, 148 Edmund Street, Birmingham B3 2JR, West Midlands, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to electrical communiction apparatus. The apparatus is a development of that which is the subject of our Patent No. 1.528,349.

In Patent No. 1,528,349 we have described and claimed a communication apparatus comprising (1) a plurality of electrical signalling units (herein called residents' units) installed, or adapted for installation at respective residences of a group of residents and each including means for generating at least a primary call signal, and a reassurance indicator means and (2) a transponder-indicator unit installed, or adapted for installation at a station (herein called the substation) in the locality of the group and connected, or adapted for connection to the residents' units, such transponder-indicator unit including (a) means for generating, in response to a primary cell signal received from any of said residents' units, at least a secondary call signal for transmission to a guardian's unit and (b) indicator means for identifying the source of the primary call signal, the secondary call signal being of a form to be sensed by the guardian's unit to alert the guardian to the requirement to attend or procure the attendance at the calling resident's premises, the reassurance indicator means of each residents' unit being responsive to operation of the transponder-indicator unit by a primary call signal from said resident's unit, to indicate to the resident that such operation has taken place.

The term "resident" was used in the earlier Patent No. 1,528,349 and is used herein to denote a person resident in a dwelling house. flat, room or rooms. The term "guidance" was used in the said Patent and is used herein in the singular but is to be deemed to include more than one guardian where the circumstances so require. It was contemplated that such guardian might be an appropriate member of an existing organisation such as the Fire Service, the Post Office, the Police, Age Concern. Voluntary Service Organisations such as, but not restricted to, the Samaritans, or a person employed privately for carrying out guardians duties.

It was contemplated that in the use of the apparatus described and claimed in the earlier Patent the guardian would normally be situated within travelling distance of the group of residents but not necessarily in their immediate locality and would inspect the transponderindicator unit with a view to identifying a resident requiring attendance when alerted to do so by response of the guardian's unit to a secondary call signal from the transponderindicator unit, although, of course, it would still be possible for the guardian to visit and inspect the transponder-indicator unit routinely as a supplment to this mode of use.

It was further disclosed in the earlier Patent that the residents' units could include activity switches which were opened by a timing device once in a given period, for example 24 hours, but were reset to the beginning of the timing period when operated by the resident concerned. Such switches would not produce a primary call signal if operated at the required frequency, e.g. once every 24 hours (or once in a smaller basic period if desired).

It was disclosed that such activity switches might be placed beneath a piece of flooring, or floorm covering, or mat so as to be operated regularly or, as a minimum, once every 24 hours by a resident walking in or from a room of the premises.

The present invention is based on appreciation of the fact that activity switches of this form would require some form of timing means to be provided in association therewith, i.e.

in each resident's unit in which an activity switch was included, and such provision would materially increase the cost of the overall installation if an appreciable number of the residents' units were to be equipped with activity switches, or in some cases more than one activity switch. Further, the present invention is bases upon appreciation of the fact that there is a requirement for a simplified but nevertheless beneficial and effective mode of monitoring the well being of residents by a person or persons (herein referred to as a "warden") who would routinely inspect the unit furnishing an indication as to the state of activity swtiches provided in resindents' units and then visit the residents according to the state of such switches, as distinct from the "guardian" referred to in the earlier Patent who would be alerted to this necessity through operation of the guardian's unit.

According to the present invention we provide a communication apparatus comprising a plurality of electrical signalling units (herein called resident's units) installed, or adapted for installation at respective residences of a group of residents and each including means for generating at least a primary call signal in response to some activity on the part of the resident, and a responder-indicator unit installed, or adapted for installation at a station (herein called the substation) in the locality of the group and connected. or adapted for connection to the residents' units, such responder-indicator unit including a combination of timing means and indicator means responsive to a said primary call signal to indicate the source of the primary call signal and to provide at the end of a time period determined by the timing means one indication in the event of a primary call signal having been received within said period and another, different indication in the event of no primary call signal having been received within said period. The timing means may be of a form such as to provide for adjustment of the beginning and/or the end of the timing period.

The means included in each resident's unit for generating a primary cell signal preferably comprises one or more activity switches responsive to some activity on the part of the resident. Such activity switch would be installed or arranged to be operated involuntarily by the resident concerned when such resident is performing a normal activity, e.g. walking from one room to another as aforesaid. although other activities such as sitting in a chair or opening a door could be arranged to operate the activity switch. It would, however, be within the scope of the invention for the primary call signal to be generated by manual operation of a switch.This would enable a resident merely to leave the switch unoperated within the time period so as to bring about a visit from the warden inspecting the responder-indicator unit, although normally such resident would be instructed to operate the switch within the given time period in the event of requiring no attendance.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of communication apparatus in accordance with the invention.

A group of residents to be served by the communication apparatus may reside in different types of premises as disclosed in Patent No. 1.528,349, and at each of such residences a resident's unit is provided, two of these being shown typically in houses at 10A and 10B.

For simplicity the means for generating a primary cell signal at each unit is shown as a single activity switch S1A, SIB shunted by an override switch S2A, S2B. It will, however be understood that a plurality of activity switches with shunt-connected override switches may be provided in each residence and other means for generating a primary call signal may be provided as generally disclosed in the earlier Patent.

The residents' units lOA and lOB are connected by conductors 11A, 12A, 11B, 12B to a warden's unit 13 forming one embodiment of the responder-indicator previously mentioned. Generally such responder-indicator includes a timing means 14 which can be set to provide a predetermined timing period. Ordinarily the timing periods would follow immediately on one another but could be of any duration. 24 hours would be a typical duration but a lesser period or a greater period might be selected having regard to the state of health and general requirements of the residents, or that one of them requires most frequent attention.

Adjustment means may be provided on the timing means 14 for varying the time period and varying the elasped time between successive timing periods if it were decided that the monitoring of residents should be continuous.

The unit 13 further includes indicator means in the form of an indicator circuit 15 including indicator elements such as lamps ALA, ALB which are either illuminated when a primary call signal has not been generated in the associated resident's unit within the timing period, or extinguished if such a call signal has been generated. The indicator means may also include an audible warning device SO for the purpose of alerting the warden when stationed near the unit 13 of the need to carry out an inspection for identifying the resident requiring attention.

It will be understood that the indicator elements such as lamps ALA, ALB would be positioned adjacent to identification panels bearing the names and addresses of the respective residents.

The unit 13 is energised from an alternating current mains supply at terminals T1, T2 and includes a power supply circuit 16 incorporating a relatively low voltage rechargeable battery B1, for example 24 volts, which is maintained in a charged state by a charging device 17, the arrangement being such that the unit would still be fully operative in the event of mains failure.

Further features of the apparatus are best understood by describing its manner of operation which is as follows.

The timing means 14 may be a 12 hour synchronous timer automatically reset at the end of each period and having two switches ETS1, ETS2 which operate at the end of the period, i.e. change from the positions shown in the circuit diagram. All the switches and relays are shown in positions corresponding to the beginning of a timing period. As a possible alternative a normal continuouly rotating (24 hour) time clock may be used with two settable "on" and "off" periods (each then corresponding to 12 hours or such proportions of 12 hours as may meet the residents' requirements). In either case the timer may be operated by a spring which is wound continuously or periodically by an electric motor energised on the terminals T2, T2 so that the timer continues in operation notwithstanding mains failure.Whatever form of timing means is employed, is preferably one which also includes an indicator giving a visual.indication of elapsed time from the beginning of any timing period.

When the resident associated with residents' unit 10A operates the activity switch S1A which may be placed under a mat, the associated mat relay MR/A is energised and latches in the operated position by closure of its maintaining contact MR1/A and also causes the associated indicator lamp ILA (termed the reassurance lamp) to be illuminated, this being mounted externally of the housing of the unit 13 or visible through a window therein.

Closure of contacts MR2/A energises alert relay AR/R which is then maintained energised for closure of contacts AR1/A and end-of-time switch contacts ETR1 (closed during running of the timing period), alert relay contacts AR2/A open and the previously illuminated indicator lamp ALA is extinguished thereby indicating normal activity in respect of resident's unit 10A.

The same mode of operation would occur if override switch S2A had been closed, as would be the case were the resident known to be absent from the residence concerned.

Assuming now that for the resident's unit lOB the override switch S2B has not been closed and at the end of the timing period the mat swich S1B has not been operated, end-of-time switch ETS1 will close energising end-of-time relay ETR and cause contacts ETR1 to open and de-energise any alert relays such as AR/B which are not maintained energised through associated switch relay contacts such as MR2/A.

De-energisation of alert relay AR/B will bring about closure of contacts AR2/B illuminating indicator lamp ALB placed against the name and address of the resident using unit lOB. Contacts AR2/B are connected in series with a diode D1B and a ballast resistor R1B, and consequently the opening of these contacts causes the voltage at the junction between C1B and D1B to rise to the full positive value of the battery and a positive pulse is transmitted through C1B to the base of transistor TR1. The latter, previously non conducting, is caused to conduct and energise alarm relay AAR.

Contacts AAR2 close causing an audible alarm AA1 to be energised and direct the attention of the warden (assumed to be within hearing distance) to a possible emergency condition arising through failure of the resident using unit lOB to have operated the activity switch within the timing period.

Alarm relay AAR is maintained energised through mute sounder switch S and contacts AAR1 (transistor TR1 having passed a current pulse only for the purpose of initially energising relay AAR) and the warden can de-energise relay AAR and hence mute the audible alarm AA1 by opening normally closed push-button switch S3 before attending at the address of the resident giving rise to the emergency condition.

The timer 14 has a second end-of-time switch ETS2 which operates a short time after the first end-of-time switch ETS1, and the opening of ETS2 causes relay ETR to drop out and reset relay RR to pull in. Contacts RR1 of the reset relay open and cause the timer 14 to be reset. For example, the timer may have a clutch which is de-energised by the opening of RR1 and the timer may reset itself upon the disengagement of this clutch by spring or other biasing means.

The further end-of-time relay contact ETR2 is interlocked in the reset relay RR circuit so that reset relay RR cannot pull in until end-of-time relay ETR has dropped out.

The pulling in of reset relay RR opens normally closed contacts RR2 which de-energise all of the mat relays such as MR/A, MR/B, and indicator lamps ILA, ILB are extinguished.

Reset relay contact RR3 which will be open at this stage ensures that the end-of-time relay ETR does no re-energise as the timer undergoes resetting, e.g. by reversion of contact ETS2 to its initial position as shown in the circuit diagram before ETS1 has opened. .When resetting is complete reversion of ETS2 to the position shown in the circuit diagram de-energises end-of-time relay RR.

The indicator lamp ALB will remain illuminated until operation takes place either of the associated mat switch S1B or the override switch S2B. Other indicator lamps such as ALA (but not reassurance lamps such as ILA, ILB) will also be illuminated and remain so until extinguished by operation of associated mat switches or override switches.

In cases where the warden is not permanently stationed within visual or audible distance of the unit 13, the audible alarm AA1 may be replaced.or have connected in parallel with it an emergency automatic telephone machine connected by telephone line to a telephone instrument at the warden's address or at the address of a guardian as hereinbefore defined.

Such emergency automatic telephone machine may be provided with means for sending a pre-recorded message to the warden or guardian. The indicator lamp associated with. the non-operated mat switch would be illuminated as before so as to identify the resident giving rise to the emergency upon arrival of the warden or some other person.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Communication apparatus comprising a plurality of electrical signalling units (herein called residents' units) installed, or adapted for installation at respective residences of a group of residents and each including means for generating at least a primary call signal in response to some activity on the part of the resident, and a responder-indicator unit installed, or adapted for installation at a station (herein called the substation) in the locality of the group and connected. or adapted for connection to the residents' units, such responder-indicator unit including a combination of timing means and indicator means.

responsive to a said primary call signal to indicate the source of the primary call signal and to provide at the end of a time period determined by the timing means one indication in the event of a primary call signal having been received within said period and.another, different indication in the event of no primary call signal having been received within said period.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the timing means is of a form such as to provide for adjustment of the beginning.and/or end of the timing period, 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means included in each resident's unit for generating a primary call signal comprises one or more activity switches responsive to some activity on the part of the resident.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the or each activity switch of each resident's unit has an associated override switch operable to render the activity switch ineffective, for example in the absence of the resident concerned.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the.or each activity switch included in each resident's unit is installed or arranged to be operated involuntarily by the resident concerned when such resident is performing a normal activity, e.g. walking from one room to another, sitting in a chair or opening a door.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means included in each resident's unit for generating a primary -call signal comprises one or more manually operable switches arranged. if unoperated within the time period determined by the timing means, to send a said signal to the responder-indicator unit.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the indicator means of the responder-indicator unit comprises lamps associated one with each resident's unit and each arranged to be illuminated when no primary call signal has been received from the associated resident's unit within the said time period, but.to be extinguished when such a signal has been received.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the timing means is operable automatically to provide a succession of said time periods.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of.the preceding claims wherein the responderindicator unit includes an audible alarm device operable in the event of no primary call signal being received from any one of the resident's units within the time period determined by the timing means.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the responderindicator unit comprises an automatic telephon machine connected by a telephone line to a telephone at a location remote from the said unit and operable to transmit a pre-recorded message or other signal in the even of no primary call signal being generated by any one of the residents' units within the time period determined by the timing means.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (11)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. relay ETR does no re-energise as the timer undergoes resetting, e.g. by reversion of contact ETS2 to its initial position as shown in the circuit diagram before ETS1 has opened. .When resetting is complete reversion of ETS2 to the position shown in the circuit diagram de-energises end-of-time relay RR. The indicator lamp ALB will remain illuminated until operation takes place either of the associated mat switch S1B or the override switch S2B. Other indicator lamps such as ALA (but not reassurance lamps such as ILA, ILB) will also be illuminated and remain so until extinguished by operation of associated mat switches or override switches. In cases where the warden is not permanently stationed within visual or audible distance of the unit 13, the audible alarm AA1 may be replaced.or have connected in parallel with it an emergency automatic telephone machine connected by telephone line to a telephone instrument at the warden's address or at the address of a guardian as hereinbefore defined. Such emergency automatic telephone machine may be provided with means for sending a pre-recorded message to the warden or guardian. The indicator lamp associated with. the non-operated mat switch would be illuminated as before so as to identify the resident giving rise to the emergency upon arrival of the warden or some other person. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Communication apparatus comprising a plurality of electrical signalling units (herein called residents' units) installed, or adapted for installation at respective residences of a group of residents and each including means for generating at least a primary call signal in response to some activity on the part of the resident, and a responder-indicator unit installed, or adapted for installation at a station (herein called the substation) in the locality of the group and connected. or adapted for connection to the residents' units, such responder-indicator unit including a combination of timing means and indicator means.

responsive to a said primary call signal to indicate the source of the primary call signal and to provide at the end of a time period determined by the timing means one indication in the event of a primary call signal having been received within said period and.another, different indication in the event of no primary call signal having been received within said period.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the timing means is of a form such as to provide for adjustment of the beginning.and/or end of the timing period,

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means included in each resident's unit for generating a primary call signal comprises one or more activity switches responsive to some activity on the part of the resident.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the or each activity switch of each resident's unit has an associated override switch operable to render the activity switch ineffective, for example in the absence of the resident concerned.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the.or each activity switch included in each resident's unit is installed or arranged to be operated involuntarily by the resident concerned when such resident is performing a normal activity, e.g. walking from one room to another, sitting in a chair or opening a door.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means included in each resident's unit for generating a primary -call signal comprises one or more manually operable switches arranged. if unoperated within the time period determined by the timing means, to send a said signal to the responder-indicator unit.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the indicator means of the responder-indicator unit comprises lamps associated one with each resident's unit and each arranged to be illuminated when no primary call signal has been received from the associated resident's unit within the said time period, but.to be extinguished when such a signal has been received.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the timing means is operable automatically to provide a succession of said time periods.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of.the preceding claims wherein the responderindicator unit includes an audible alarm device operable in the event of no primary call signal being received from any one of the resident's units within the time period determined by the timing means.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the responderindicator unit comprises an automatic telephon machine connected by a telephone line to a telephone at a location remote from the said unit and operable to transmit a pre-recorded message or other signal in the even of no primary call signal being generated by any one of the residents' units within the time period determined by the timing means.

11. Communication apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to

and as shown in the accompanying drawing.