JP2001127914A - Emergency report system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an emergency report system, capable of reporting the occurrence of emergency by connecting a telephone line, even if a user is away from a telephone set body in an emergency and easily confirming the situation of a user by means of image by the called party. SOLUTION: A telephone set 1 is connected to an I/O box 5 through a signal cable and to a television telephone system 3 through a telephone code. A public telephone line is accommodated in the system 3. The system 3 is incorporate with a camera and can be connected to a television receiver 4. When the user depresses the emergency button, a radio emergency report instruction generation device 2 transmits an emergency report instruction which is a radio signal of a prescribed frequency to the set 1. The set 1 makes call to a nursing-care center, etc., in response to the emergency report instruction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an emergency call system for receiving an emergency call command from an emergency call command generation device, connecting a telephone line with a specific party, and notifying the connection destination of the occurrence of an emergency. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Telephones are used in various situations and are now an essential communication means. In addition, with the recent advance in communication technology, videophones that transmit and receive images as well as audio and video are becoming widespread.

[0003]

Incidentally, when a sudden physical disorder occurs, it is necessary to contact a family member, a hospital, a care center, or the like. However, when the degree of physical disorder is large, it is not rare that communication with a care center or the like becomes difficult. In particular, it may be difficult for an elderly person to move to the telephone even if the telephone is in the room where the person is. In an aging society, such situations often occur. In addition, this applies not only to the elderly but also to those who are treating for illness or the like.

[0004] In general, the user interface of a telephone is composed of a large number of buttons, and as the functions such as the videophone function increase, the button operation becomes complicated. In an emergency, it is desirable for the user to be able to communicate with the outside by a simple operation. In addition, it is preferable to have the other party contacted by telephone confirm the situation of the user. Further, it is desirable to notify the neighbors of the urgency and have them take emergency treatment until the person contacted by telephone takes some action.

Accordingly, the present invention can provide a simple operation to connect a telephone line to notify that an emergency has occurred, even when the user is away from the telephone body in an emergency.
The present invention is characterized in that an emergency call system is provided in which a situation of a user can be easily confirmed by a partner who makes a telephone call.

[0006]

An emergency call system according to the present invention comprises an emergency line connection means for connecting a line to a specific party via an attached device when a telephone receives an emergency call command from a transmitter. It is characterized by having.

[0007] The emergency notification system may be configured to include an I / O box for setting the attached device to an operable state when the emergency line connection means performs a line connection operation. According to such a configuration, when an emergency line connection is established, an accessory device having a videophone function is automatically started up, and an environment in which the other party of the connection destination remotely monitors the user is automatically prepared.

In the emergency call system, the telephone has an incoming signal output means for outputting an incoming signal when there is an incoming call, and the I / O is provided.
The box may be configured to set the accessory to an operable state in response to the incoming signal. According to such a configuration, an environment is provided in which the remote party can automatically remotely monitor the user when he / she wants to remotely monitor the user.

The emergency call command generation means is, for example, a wireless emergency call command generation device that can be carried by a user. According to such a wireless emergency call command generation device, a user can easily generate an emergency call command when an abnormality occurs.

[0010] The emergency call command generating means may be a switch or a sensor installed in a house or outdoors. If such a switch or sensor is provided,
The user can issue an emergency call command anywhere in the house or outdoors. Further, since the emergency notification command is output in response to the sensor output, the emergency notification system can be used not only for nursing care but also for security protection.

The emergency call command generating means may be an emergency call switch provided in the telephone. In such a configuration, the user can make an emergency line connection by one-touch operation.

The emergency notification system may have a configuration in which the accessory device has activation control means for starting operation in response to an activation command signal from the line side. According to such a configuration,
Auxiliary devices such as a videophone device can be remotely activated by a command from a care center or the like, to which the emergency line is connected, and the efficiency of remote monitoring can be improved.

In the emergency call system, an indicator light installed in a house or outdoors is connected to an I / O box, and when the emergency line connection means performs a line connection operation,
Alternatively, it may be configured to operate the indicator lamp when there is an incoming call. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the surroundings that the emergency line connection has been made by turning on the indicator light when the emergency line connection has been made. In addition, when there is an incoming call, the display lamp can be turned on to easily notify the user of the incoming call.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one configuration example of the emergency notification system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the telephone 1 is connected to an I / O box 5 by a signal cable, and is connected to a videophone device (accessory) 3 by a telephone cord. The public telephone line is accommodated in the videophone device 3. The videophone device 3 has a built-in camera and is connectable to the television receiver 4.

In this embodiment, an example in which the emergency call system uses a public telephone line will be described.
A dedicated line may be used. Alternatively, a line based on CATV or the like may be used. When a dedicated line or the like is used, the emergency call system may be connected one-to-one with the care center or the like, or the emergency call system and the care center may be connected via the Internet or the like. it can. Further, an emergency call system may be incorporated in the wide area communication network.

Although the video telephone 3 is described as having a built-in camera, the camera may be separate from the video telephone 3. That is, the videophone device 3 may be configured to include only a circuit portion such as a codec without including an imaging portion and a video display portion.

FIG. 1 also shows a pendant-type wireless emergency call command generator 2 having a built-in emergency button. When the user presses the emergency button, the wireless emergency report command generation device 2 sends an emergency report command, which is a radio signal of a predetermined frequency, to the telephone 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the videophone device 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ISDN line is connected to the switching unit 302 via the terminal adapter 301. The switching unit 302 switches the route of the input / output signal to either the switching unit 303 side or the codec (CODEC) 306 side according to the instruction of the control unit 304. Note that a switching signal detection unit 305 is also connected to a route from the switching unit 302 to the codec 306. And
The detection output of the switching signal detection unit 305 is input to the control unit 304.

Further, on the other route from the switching unit 302, a second switching unit 303 is provided. Switching unit 30
3 switches the route of the input / output signal to the switching unit 302 to either the telephone 1 or the voice input / output unit 309 in response to an instruction from the control unit 304.

The codec 306 reproduces an image signal and an audio signal from a signal input from the line via the switching unit 302 and supplies the image signal and the audio signal to the television receiver 4 via the TV interface circuit 307. . Further, the switching unit 30 captures and encodes an image signal captured by the camera unit 310 and converted into an electric signal.
Output to 2. Further, it encodes an audio signal from the audio signal input from telephone 1 via switching section 303 and outputs it to switching section 302.

The switching unit 302 is normally connected to the line side and the switching unit 3
03 is set so that a signal is input and output. Also, the setting is made so that signals are input and output between the line side and the switching unit 303 even when power is not supplied to the videophone device. Switching section 303 is normally set such that signals are input and output between telephone 1 and switching section 302. Further, even when the power is not supplied to the videophone device 3, the telephone 1 and the switching unit 302
Is set so that a signal is input and output between and.

Therefore, when the telephone 1 is used, the switching unit 3
The telephone 1 is connected to the line side via the switch 02 and the switching unit 303. When a videophone is used, the switching unit 302 is set so that signals are input and output between the line side and the codec 306 side. Also, the switching unit 303
Is set to connect the telephone 1 and the voice input / output unit 309.

The power supply circuit 321 generates each DC voltage from AC 100 V and supplies it to each block in the apparatus. As described later, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the video telephone 3
Of AC100V is started.

When the public telephone line is an analog line, the terminal adapter 301 is not connected. Then, for example, a modem is installed between the switching unit 302 and the codec 306.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the telephone 1. The signal circuit 101 is connected to a line via the videophone device 3 and transmits and receives a voice signal and a dial signal. When a digital signal is input / output to / from the video telephone 3, the signal circuit 101 also has a voice codec function. The transmitted voice signal from the transmitting unit 104 in the handset of the telephone 1 is transmitted to the signal circuit 10.
1 and the received voice signal from the signal circuit 101 is
It is supplied to the receiver 105 in the handset.

The control section 102 outputs a dial signal to the signal circuit 101 in response to a dial operation on the operation section 103. In addition, according to a predetermined input, an emergency outgoing signal and an incoming signal are output to the I / O box 5 via the output circuit 108. The emergency transmission signal to the I / O box 5 is a signal indicating that an emergency line connection has been made. The incoming signal is a signal indicating that there is an incoming call. In addition, I /
A signal from switches / sensors is input from the O box 5 via the switch / sensor interface unit 106, and an emergency notification command from the wireless emergency notification command generator 2 is input via the wireless interface unit 107.

The standards for a videophone connected to an analog line and the standards for a videophone connected to an ISDN line are defined in the ITU-T recommendation as international standards. In addition, the standards for videophones via the Internet are also defined in the ITU-T recommendations. This emergency call system also complies with ITU-T recommendations.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the I / O box 5 as an I / O box.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of devices connected to an O box. In the example shown in FIG. 4, three switches 505a, 505b, and 505c are used as switches / sensors.
Two sensors 506a, 506b are illustrated. Switches 505a, 505b, 505c and Sensor 50
6a and 506b are installed everywhere in a house. The switches 505a, 505b, 505c and the sensor 50
6a and 506b may be set outdoors such as a garden.

The signals from the switches 505a, 505b, 505c and the sensors 506a, 506b are
Output to the telephone 1 via the switch input circuit 503. When an emergency call signal or an incoming signal is output from the telephone 1, the signal is input to the AC supply switching unit 504 via the signal input circuit 502. When an emergency call signal or an incoming signal is input, AC switching section 504 starts supplying 100 V AC to videophone device 3. Also,
AC1 for emergency indicator light in response to input of emergency call signal
The supply of 00V is started. Then, in response to the input of the incoming signal, the supply of AC 100 V to the incoming indicator lamp is started. The AC supply switching unit 504 is realized by a relay circuit, a mechanical or electrical switch circuit, or the like.

The emergency indicator light and the incoming call indicator light are AC10
Lights when 0V is supplied. The emergency indicator light and the incoming call indicator light may be of a type in which a lighting unit rotates or blinks in response to supply of AC100V. Also,
A notification device that generates a sound simultaneously with lighting may be used.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the timing chart of FIG. When the user wants to make an emergency call to the care center or the like, the user presses the emergency button of the wireless emergency call command generator 2. Alternatively, the switch 50 installed in the house or outdoors
Press any one of 5a to 505c. Alternatively, the emergency button of the telephone 1 may be pressed.

When the emergency button of the radio emergency call command generation device 2 is pressed, an emergency call command is transmitted from the radio emergency call command generation device 2 to the telephone 1 by a radio signal. When the switches 505a to 505c are pressed, a signal indicating that the switches are pressed is transmitted via the I / O box 5 to the telephone 1
Is input to When the emergency button of the telephone 1 is pressed, the control unit 102 of the telephone 1 inputs button press information from the operation unit 103. In any case, the control unit 102 of the telephone 1 recognizes that the emergency call instruction has been input (step S11).

For example, when the user enters a key by entering a predetermined code into the telephone 1 when going out, the control unit 102 internally sets the information from the sensors 506a and 506b to be valid. In that state, the sensor 5
When the controller 06a or 506b detects a moving object, the controller 102
Recognizes that an emergency call instruction has been input.

When an emergency call instruction is input, the control unit 10
2 makes a call to a specific destination registered in advance (step S13). Then, an emergency transmission signal is output (step S14). The calling signal from the control unit 102 is
The signal is sent to the public telephone line via the signal circuit 101 and the I / O box 5. Therefore, a call is made to a specific partner such as a care center.

Here, the specific destination is not limited to a fixed station such as a nursing center, but may be a mobile object. For example,
It may be a mobile phone or a PHS terminal. If the specific destination is a mobile, for example, if the patrol member is provided with a service that patrols the area, the patrol member can be called and dispatched to the user's home as soon as possible. The effect that can be done can be expected.

With the above control, the user can easily call the nursing care center or the like when any abnormality is sensed. Further, when an intruder is present when the user is absent, a call is automatically made to a specific party such as a security company. Therefore, the emergency notification system according to the present invention is effective not only for nursing care but also for security. Furthermore, a specific telephone number corresponding to the generation of an emergency call instruction based on the emergency button or switch 505a, 505b, 505c, and a sensor 506.
a, 506b, if a specific telephone number corresponding to the occurrence of the emergency call instruction is registered as a different number, the abnormality is reported to the nursing care center when the user is abnormal, and the occurrence of an intruder when the user is absent is guarded. It can be used differently, such as reporting to the company.

When the emergency transmission signal is output, the AC supply switching unit 504 of the I / O box 5 is set to a state of supplying 100 V AC to the video telephone device 3. In addition, it is set to supply AC100V to the emergency indicator light. Accordingly, the videophone device 3 becomes operable, and the emergency indicator light is turned on. Therefore, when the emergency transmission signal is output, the occurrence of an abnormality can be notified around a nearby person or the like by the emergency display.

Next, when the control unit 102 confirms that the call destination has been connected (step S15), it sends out a voice message stored in advance (step S1).
6). The voice message is, for example, content indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the user. Thereafter, the telephone 1 is in a state in which the on-hook communication can be performed (step S17).
Therefore, the user can talk with the center personnel without lifting the handset of the telephone 1.

Note that the control unit 102 may output an activation code for putting the videophone device 3 into an operating state after transmitting the voice message. In this system, “#” + “*” + “1” is used as the activation code. If such an activation code is adopted, it is possible to cope with a videophone in which “#” + “1” or “*” + “1” is an activation code. In the videophone device 3, the activation code is input to the switching signal detection unit 305 via the switching unit 302.
When detecting the activation code, the switching signal detection unit 305 notifies the control unit 304 of the detection.

The control unit 102 is not limited to the above codes, and can store any combination of codes. Also, a pause time can be inserted. For example, the user or the like operates the operation unit 103 (numeric keypad) in advance.
When any key (including a key determined as a pause) is pressed after a key input determined for code setting is performed, the control unit 102 identifies and indicates each pressed key. The information is stored in the storage unit. Thereafter, for example, at the start code output timing, the codes of the stored keys (including the key determined as the pause) are sequentially output. At this time, a pause time (for example, 1
Seconds).

As shown in FIG. 6, the control section 304 outputs a switching signal to the switching sections 302 and 303 when the detection of the activation code is notified. The switching units 302 and 303 switch according to the switching signal such that a signal to and from the line is input to and output from the codec 306, and a signal to and from the codec 306 is input to and output from the telephone 1 (steps S21 and S2).
2).

A device equivalent to the video telephone device 3 is also installed in a center to which a report is sent from the telephone 1. The activation of the videophone device 3 can also be performed from the center side. That is, the center that has received the notification turns on the devices equivalent to the videophone device 3 and sends out an activation code. The activation code is also the switching unit 30
2 to the switching signal detection unit 305 via the control unit 30
4 switches the switching unit 30 in response to the detection of the detection of the activation code.
A switching signal is output to the signals 2303 and 303. As described above,
The video telephone 3 on the user side and the equivalent device on the center side can communicate with each other.

Accordingly, the personnel at the center can check the status of the user via the video telephone. In a situation where the system is used for security, the situation of the user's house can be observed via the videophone device.

Although the telephone 1 can be used as a normal telephone, when there is an incoming call (step S12 in FIG. 5), the telephone 1 outputs an incoming signal (step S18). After that, it becomes possible to perform an on-hook call (step S19).

When a signal is output from telephone 1, I / O
The AC supply switching unit 504 of the O box 5 sets a state of supplying 100 V AC to the videophone device 3. In addition, a state is set in which AC100V is supplied to the incoming call indicator light. Therefore, the videophone device 3 is in an operable state, and the incoming call indicator is turned on. Therefore, the user of the telephone 1 can be notified of the incoming call by displaying the incoming call. Further, when an activation code is sent from the center when an incoming call is received from the center to the telephone 1, the situation of the user can be observed by the video telephone 3 from the center.

The telephone 1 is provided with a videophone connection button. When the user presses the button, the telephone 1 immediately outputs an activation code. Therefore,
The user can also switch to a videophone with a single touch during a call.

FIG. 7 shows an emergency outgoing signal from the telephone 1, an incoming signal from the telephone 1, a videophone power supply (AC10).
0V) is a timing chart showing the relationship between the state, the emergency indicator light and the incoming call indicator light. As shown in FIG. 7, when an emergency connection request (emergency call instruction) is generated, the power of the videophone device 3 is automatically turned on, and the emergency indicator light is activated. In addition, when there is an incoming call to the telephone 1, the power of the videophone device 3 is automatically turned on, and the incoming call indicator lamp is activated. Note that the telephone 1 turns off the emergency transmission signal and the incoming signal when the line is disconnected. Therefore, the videophone device 3
Is automatically turned off, and the emergency indicator and the incoming indicator return to the stopped state.

The timer function may be incorporated in the AC supply switching unit 504 in the I / O box 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the emergency transmission signal or the incoming signal is turned off, the AC supply switching unit 504 keeps the on state of the emergency indicator light or the incoming indicator light for the time maintained by the timer.
When such a timer function is included, the indicator light is on for a while even after the line is disconnected, so that, for example, it is easy even after the called care center staff or patrol staff turns off the call. The user's house can be found at the same time.
If the time maintained by the timer is set to be programmable, the time maintained by the timer can be set to an arbitrary time.

The telephone 1 is also provided with some direct buttons. When the user presses the direct button, the telephone 1 reads out the telephone number of the close relative stored in correspondence with each direct button and makes a call to the telephone number.

The direct button can be used not only as a one-touch dial key but also as an operation key for the videophone device 3. For example, when a certain direct button is pressed, the control unit 102 of the telephone 1 determines that the videophone is switched back to the telephone, and notifies the videophone device 3 of the end. The control unit 304 of the videophone device 3 switches the switching units 302 and 30 in response to the notification.
2 is switched to the telephone 1 side. In addition, a direct button can be used as a button for outputting a signal for controlling the videophone device 3. It should be noted that whether the direct button of the telephone 1 is used as a one-touch dial key or an operation key for the videophone device 3 is determined as follows.
For example, it is determined by the user performing a key input operation determined for switching.

As described above, in this embodiment, the telephone 1 automatically operates in response to the pressing of the emergency button of the pendant type wireless emergency call command generator 2 which can be worn by the user at all times. Call a nursing care center, etc. At that time, the videophone function is also turned on. Therefore, the user can easily communicate with the care center or the like when an emergency occurs. Further, the state of the user can be easily visually recognized from the care center or the like.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the console on the center side. FIG. 9A shows a registration screen. FIG. 9B shows an emergency call history screen. These screens are displayed corresponding to personal data stored for each registered user. When the MAP button is selected with a mouse or the like on the emergency call history screen, a map related to the user is displayed.

The center system adds information to the emergency call history every time there is an emergency call from each user. And
Registration information and emergency call history information can also be displayed on the screen at any time.

Further, by combining with the CTI system, the services of the center can be enriched and the services can be speeded up. For example, when there is a report from the user, information can be searched using the user telephone number sent at the time of calling as a key, and the relevant information can be automatically displayed on the screen. Therefore, the center staff can immediately identify the user and can grasp the profile thereof. Therefore, it is possible to promptly respond to the emergency call, and it is also possible to perform a detailed response.

[0055]

According to the present invention, the emergency call system
When the phone detects an emergency call command, it has an emergency line connection means to connect a line with a specific partner via an attached device, even if the user suddenly experiences physical disorders that can not move to the phone , With a simple operation, a specific person and voice,
There is an effect that image communication can be performed. Further, the present system can be used as a security system.

Further, since the emergency line connection means includes an I / O box for setting an accessory device such as a video telephone device to an operable state when the line connection operation is performed, a video telephone function is provided when the emergency line connection is performed. Is automatically activated, and an environment in which the other party of the connection destination remotely monitors the user is automatically prepared.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of an emergency notification system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a videophone device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of the telephone.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an I / O box together with an example of devices connected to the I / O box.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the telephone.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a startup operation of the videophone device.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of a relationship among each signal, a videophone device power state, an emergency indicator light, and an incoming call indicator light.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing another example of the relationship between each signal, the videophone device power state, the emergency indicator light, and the incoming call indicator light.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on a console on the center side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Telephone 2 Radio emergency call command generation device 3 Video telephone device (attached device) 4 Television receiver 102 Control unit 103 Operation unit 106 Switch / sensor interface circuit 107 Wireless interface unit 304 Control unit 302, 302 Switching unit 305 Switching signal detection Unit 306 codec 503 switch / sensor input circuit 504 AC supply switching unit 505a, 505b, 505c switch 506a, 506b sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C064 AA06 AC01 AC04 AC11 AC12 AC22 AD08 5C087 AA09 AA10 AA11 AA23 AA24 AA25 AA37 BB03 BB12 BB14 BB16 BB20 BB74 DD05 DD25 EE05 EE16 EE18 FF01 FF12 FF02 FF04 FF04 FF05 FF04 FF05 GG30 GG38 GG46 GG56 GG57 GG67 GG69 GG70 GG71 GG83 5K060 DD01 HH39 LL04 5K101 KK14 LL01 LL06 LL11 MM06 MM07 NN03 NN14 NN17 NN18 NN21 PP07 RR12 RR27 UU19

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A telephone, an emergency notification command generating means for generating an emergency notification command, and an auxiliary device having a videophone function, wherein the telephone receives the emergency notification command from the transmitter and receives the emergency notification command. An emergency call system comprising an emergency line connection means for connecting a line with a specific party via a device. 2. The emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein said emergency line connection means includes an I / O box for setting an attached device to an operable state when a line connection operation is performed. 3. The telephone according to claim 2, wherein said telephone has an incoming signal output means for outputting an incoming signal when there is an incoming call, and said I / O box sets said attached device to an operable state in accordance with said incoming signal. Emergency call system. 4. The emergency notification system according to claim 1, wherein the emergency notification command generation means is a wireless emergency notification command generation device that can be carried by a user. 5. The emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein the emergency call command generation means is a switch or a sensor. 6. The emergency call command generating means is an emergency call switch provided in a telephone.
Emergency call system described. 7. The emergency notification system according to claim 1, wherein the accessory device has a start control unit that starts operation in response to a start command signal from the line side. 8. An I / O box connected to an I / O box, wherein the I / O box activates the indicator light when the emergency line connection means performs a line connection operation or when there is an incoming call. The emergency call system according to claim 1 to claim 7.