United States Patent 19
`Lemelson et al.
`
`54
`
`76
`
`PERSONAL EMERGENCY, SAFETY
`WARNING SYSTEMAND METHOD
`
`Inventors: Jerome H. Lemelson, deceased, late of
`Incline Village, Nev.; Robert D.
`Pedersen, 7808 Glenneagle, Dallas,
`Tex. 75248; by Dorothy Lemelson,
`executrix, Unit 802, Suite 286,930
`Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, Nev.
`89.451
`
`Appl. No.: 09/183,361
`Filed:
`Oct. 30, 1998
`Int. Cl." ............................. G08B 1708; G08B 5/22
`U.S. Cl. ................. 340/539; 340/573.1; 340/825.36;
`340/825.49; 128/903; 600/300; 342/357;
`379/38
`Field of Search ..................................... 340/539, 531,
`340/825.36, 825.49, 573.1; 128/903, 904;
`600/300; 342/357, 457; 379/37, 38; 702/19
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,662,544 5/1987 Bially et al. ............................ 340/636
`4,887,291 12/1989 Stillwell .................................... 379/39
`4,956.857 9/1990 Kurosaki .......
`... 378/110
`4,993,059 2/1991 Smith et al. .............................. 379/39
`5,119,102 6/1992 Barnard ................................... 342/357
`5,119,504 6/1992 Durboraw, III ...
`... 455/54.1
`5,182,566
`1/1993 Ferguson et al. .
`... 342/357
`5,187,805 2/1993 Bertiger et al. ...
`... 455/12.1
`5,202,829 4/1993 Geir ..............
`... 364/449
`5,223,844 6/1993 Mansell et al.
`... 342/357
`5,225,842 7/1993 Brown et al. .....
`... 342/357
`5,243,652 9/1993 Teare et al. ............................... 380/21
`5,247,440 9/1993 Capurka et al. ..
`... 364/424.05
`5,278.539
`1/1994 Lauterbach et al.
`... 340/539
`5,311,197 5/1994 Sorden et al. ...
`... 342/457
`5,323,322 6/1994 Mueller et al. ...
`... 364/449
`5,334,974 8/1994 Simms et al. .....
`... 340/990
`5,345,244 9/1994 Gildea et al. .....
`... 342/357
`5,359,332 10/1994 Allison et al. ...
`... 342/357
`5,379,224
`1/1995 Brown et al. .
`... 364/449
`5,382,958
`1/1995 FitzGerald ...
`... 342/386
`5,389,934 2/1995 Kass ........................................ 342/357
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`US0060285.14A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,028,514
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Bezdek, Jim, “Fuzzy Models-What Are They, and Why?",
`IEEE Technology Update Series, Fuzzy Logic Technology
`and Applications, (1992), pp. 3-7.
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Donnie L. Crosland
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Steve G. Lisa
`57
`ABSTRACT
`A comprehensive System and method for monitoring a
`geographic perSon location, periodically warning a perSon of
`emergency situations in the geographic location, and trans
`mitting requests for assistance in emergency situations. The
`System comprises a warning unit 12 that is carried by the
`person or that is located in mobile units 20 or in buildings
`or houses 19. The warning unit 12 includes a geographic
`satellite receiver 38, a receiver circuit that receives broadcast
`warning Signals defining dangerous situations and geo
`graphic locations of the situations, a computer controller
`including a processor 42 and a memory 44, an alarm
`indicator 64 or 66 that indicates when the person is in
`danger, and a transmission circuit that generates and trans
`mits signals requesting assistance and Signals warning of the
`dangerous situations in a vicinity of the perSon carrying the
`portable warning unit 12 along with the current geographic
`location of the perSon. The System further comprises a
`command center 10. The command center 10 includes a
`database computer 102 having a database Storage unit 104,
`a transmitter for broadcasting signals to the unit(s) 12, a
`receiver for receiving Signals, a transmitter for transmitting
`Signals to emergency response units and centers, and other
`Such communication devices. The System uses the unit(s) 12
`to monitor and communicate with the person using it. The
`unit(s) 12 interfacingly communicate with the command
`center 10. Signals indicative of a dangerous situation and a
`geographic Situation location are transmitted from the com
`mand center 10 to the unit(s) 12. The geographic person
`location is compared with the geographic Situation location
`indicated in the received signal from the command center
`10. Expert System rules are used to determine the dangerous
`Situation and a degree(s) of danger index for the person(s)
`near or at the geographic Situation location.
`
`43 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`GPS
`Satellite
`16
`
`Telecommunications
`and Paging Satellite
`14
`
`GPS
`Satetile
`6
`
`
`
`Telecommunications
`and Paging Satellite
`14
`
`GPS
`Satellite
`16
`
`Stationary Units
`
`Mobile Units
`
`
`
`elecommunications and
`Paging Ground Station
`
`Central Alarm and Warning
`Monitor/Response Center
`
`-R
`Y-
`Telecommunications and
`Paging Ground Station
`
`10
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 01 of 23
`
`

`

`6,028,514
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,390,125 2/1995 Sennott et al. .......................... 364/449
`5,396,540 3/1995 Gooch ....................................... 379/59
`5,408.238 4/1995 Smith ............
`... 342/357
`5,414,432 5/1995 Penny, Jr. et al.
`... 342/357
`5,415,167 5/1995 Wilk..............
`128/653.1
`5,418,537 5/1995 Bird ..................
`... 342/357
`5,422,813
`6/1995 Schuchman et al. ................... 364/449
`5,422,816
`6/1995 Sprague et al. ......................... 364/449
`5,430,656
`7/1995 Dekel et al. ......
`... 364/449
`5,434,787 7/1995 Okamoto et al. .
`... 364/449
`5,438,337 8/1995 Aguado .............
`... 342/357
`5,576,952 11/1996 Stutman et al. ................... 364/413.02
`5,636,245 6/1997 Ernst et al. ............................. 375/359
`5,652,570 7/1997 Lepkofker ...
`... 340/573
`5,705,980
`1/1998 Shapiro .....
`... 340/539
`5,712,619
`1/1998 Simkin ......
`... 340/539
`5,731,757 3/1998 Layson, Jr. ...
`... 340/573
`5,742,233 4/1998 Hoffman et al. ........................ 340/573
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Brubaker, “Fuzzy Operators”, EDN, Nov. 9, 1995, pp.
`239-241.
`Gottwald, Siegred, Fuzzy Sets cc Fuzzy Logic. The Foun
`dation of Application- Froma Mathematical Point of View,
`Vrueg & Sohn, Braunschweig Wiesboden (1993), ISBN
`3-528–05311-9. pp. 133–168.
`
`Hurn, Jeff, GPS A Guide to the Next Utility, Trimble
`Navigation (1989), pp. 7-12.
`Hurn, Jeff, Differential GPS Explained, Trimble Navigation
`(1993), Chapters 2-3, pp. 5-15.
`Jang, Jyh-Shing Roger, Sun,Chen-tsai, “Neuro-Fuzzy
`Modeling and Control', Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 83,
`No. 3, Mar. 1995, pp. 378–406.
`Kosko, Isaka, “Fuzzy Logic', Scientific American, Jul. 1993,
`pp. 76-81.
`Mendel, Jerry M., “Fuzzy Logic Systems for Engineering: A
`Tutorial”, Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 83, No. 3, Mar.
`1995, pp. 345–377.
`Schwartz, Klir, “Fuzzy Logic Flowers in Japan', IEEE
`Spectrum, Jul. 1992, pp. 32-35.
`Logsdon, Tom, The NavStar Global Positioning System,
`International Thomson Publishing (1992), Chapter 2, pp.
`18-33.
`Leick, Alfred, GPS Satellite Surveying, John Wiley & Sons,
`Inc. (1995), Chapter 3, pp. 58-92.
`Cox, “Fuzzy Fundamentals”, IEEE Spectrum, Oct. 1992, pp.
`58-61.
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 02 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`6,028,514
`
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`
`uonelspunosBulbeg
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`
`
`pueSUOHPOIUNWWODaa]
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`Exhibit 1009
`
`Page 03 of 23
`
`hh
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`| |
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`
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`Exhibit 1009
`Page 03 of 23
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`On / Off
`
`'S
`
`32 Battery O) 34
`
`30
`
`40
`
`GPS Antenna
`
`N/
`
`
`
`
`
`D
`
`60 Microphone
`
`D
`
`62 Speaker
`
`(o)
`58 Disable
`
`64 Audible
`Alarm
`
`O
`
`Visual
`66 Warning
`Light
`
`36
`
`38
`
`44
`
`GPS
`Processor
`
`GPS
`Receiver
`
`Microprocessor
`
`Control
`
`O
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`e
`3
`5
`E
`C)
`2
`2
`s
`O
`c
`5.
`CO
`
`
`
`
`
`Speech / Sound
`Recognition
`
`Memory
`
`46
`
`TX/RX Radio
`
`1
`N
`50
`Antenna
`
`48
`
`
`
`-1
`Telecommunications
`Paging Radio N
`52
`54
`
`Antenna
`
`Medical Sensor
`
`Motion Detector
`
`51
`
`53
`
`Alarm Button
`
`56
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 04 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`Oct
`
`ponent
`
`S|BUIWNA|Aeidsiq
`
`wsbuyjoquy
`
`aseqeied
`
`abeiois
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`
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`
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`96
`
`88
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`86
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`
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`
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`
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`
`Exhibit 1009
`
`Page 05 of 23
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 05 of 23
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`Calculate GPS
`Coordinates
`
`Learned
`Norna
`Travel
`Update Travel E.
`Behavior Database
`aaS
`
`Generate Warning
`Based On Frequented
`Location?
`
`
`
`
`
`Activate
`Warning
`
`Generate Warning
`Based On Present
`location?
`
`Activate
`Warning
`
`Activate
`Alarm
`
`
`
`Library Memory
`
`Compare
`Speech Library
`
`Activate
`Warning
`
`Emergency
`
`
`
`Unusua
`Motion/
`Location
`
`Database learns
`Safe Coordiniates
`
`166
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 06 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`6,028,514
`
`ogcB
`
`Z8
`
`|
`
`ZZiSd5Dpesy
`
`sa}euIpsoog
`
`QZ}
`
`eBessow-1AejaqUeWwSURdBI
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`
`
`Exhibit 1009
`
`Page 07 of 23
`
`jUsWoUNnOoUUY
`
`olpny
`
`esl
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 07 of 23
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`190
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Receive Alarm
`Message?
`
`Yes
`
`192
`
`Decode Message
`and GPS
`COOrdinates
`
`194
`
`195
`
`Yes
`
`193
`
`
`
`Transmit Paging
`Danger Warning
`Message
`
`Pager
`Warning?
`
`No
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 08 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`
`
`Page Warning Unit 12
`With Confirmation of
`Assistance
`
`216
`
`
`
`Dispatch
`Assistance
`
`198
`
`196
`
`RX
`Response
`Message
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Broadcast
`Emergency Assistance
`Page
`
`21 O
`
`NO
`
`2O8
`
`Pages = M?
`
`212
`
`Dispatch Back-up
`Assistance
`
`RX
`Response
`Message
`
`
`
`RX
`Response
`Message2
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 09 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`
`Antennas - GPS,
`Telecommunications,
`TX/RX
`
`220
`
`Microphone
`222
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Panic / Alarm Button
`224
`
`
`
`226
`Disable Button
`
`12
`
`,
`
`Visual Warning Light
`234
`
`On / Off Switch
`232
`
`227
`P.I.N./Control Entry Keys
`
`Speaker
`228
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 10 of 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`6,028,514
`6,028,514
`
`10
`
`1,000
`
`100
`
`10
`
`100
`
`100
`
`
`
`1
`
`4
`
`Exhibit 1009
`
`Page 11 of 23
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 11 of 23
`
`

`

`1
`PERSONAL EMERGENCY, SAFETY
`WARNING SYSTEMAND METHOD
`
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`These inventions relate to emergency warning Systems
`and methods, and, in particular, to Systems and methods that
`have the capability to automatically warn individuals of a
`variety of types of emergencies in their immediate vicinity.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Personal Safety is a problem of increasing concern in our
`Society. Individuals face danger and emergency situations in
`their homes, at their places of work and while traveling in
`automobiles, trains, airplanes and other forms of transpor
`tation. Dangerous situations exist in our cities and on our
`roadway.S. Citizens are frequently victims of crime and
`placed in dangerous situations caused by riots and other civil
`unrest. Violent weather conditions, earthquakes, pollution
`hazards, fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other natu
`ral disasters cause dangerous situations. In addition to these
`dangerous situations, individuals may require emergency
`assistance for medical reasons, personal injuries,
`abandonment, or other personal crises. All these situations
`give rise to the need for improved personal warning and
`emergency Safety Systems not only to alert citizens as they
`move about in their daily activities but also to provide the
`capability for individuals to call for emergency assistance
`when they are in potentially dangerous Situations, So that
`they may avoid or avert dangerous Situations.
`In our co-pending application, U.S. patent application Ser.
`No. 08/844,029 filed on Apr. 17, 1997, incorporated herein
`by reference, applicants describe a danger warning emer
`gency response System and method for warning citizens of
`dangerous situations that may exist within certain geo
`graphic areas as determined by, among other things, the
`G.P.S. coordinates of those areas. In that system, individuals
`carry emergency warning units complete with G.P.S. receiv
`ers to receive location Signals from G.P.S. Satellites and
`telecommunication receivers to receive Signals transmitted
`by a paging or other communication networks from central
`emergency warning centers. The individual warning units
`carried by perSons throughout the area receive the transmit
`ted danger warning Signals. Based on an individual’s present
`G.P.S. coordinates, the warning unit computes whether or
`not the individual is currently within a dangerous area. The
`portable emergency warning unit generates appropriate
`warning Signals and messages to alert the perSon or perSons
`asSociated with that unit of the dangerous situations and the
`degree of danger. Fuzzy logic, expert Systems and other
`methods are described in our co-pending application to
`characterize dangerous situations and formulate appropriate
`messages for transmission.
`Several prior art patents address different aspects of
`tracking individuals using G.P.S. and warning individuals of
`danger. For example, it is known to use G.P.S. technology to
`track individuals. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,742,233; 5,712,
`619; 5,731,757. These prior art patents are incorporated
`herein by reference. It is also known to use G.P.S. technol
`ogy and personal warning devices to request help when an
`individual is in distress. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,742,233;
`5,712,619. These prior art patents are incorporated herein by
`reference.
`It is also known to use G.P.S. technology and personal
`warning devices to warn individuals that Specific criminal
`offenders are in the area. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,757.
`This prior art patent is incorporated herein by reference. U.S.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6,028,514
`
`2
`Pat. No. 5,731,757 does not, however, create a comprehen
`Sive Safety warning System by warning users of varying
`dangers, Such as fires, tornadoes, or police chases.
`Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,757 is not capable of
`learning a user's normal behavior.
`It is further known to selectively distribute information
`via radio communications based on location, Velocity, and/or
`time. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,245. This prior art patent
`is incorporated herein by reference. However, U.S. Pat. No.
`5,636,245 does not use fuzzy logic or expert Systems to
`classify dangerous situations with varying degrees of
`danger, Such as, for example, classifying the degree of
`danger based on distance from danger and nature of dan
`gerous situations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,245 also does not
`Selectively distribute radio communications based upon
`individual user characteristics, Such as a need for a perSon
`having a heart condition or problem to be close to a heart
`trauma center. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,245 does
`not warn individuals of varying dangerous situations (i.e.,
`shootings, fires, riots, chemical hazards, etc.).
`It is known to determine location and to request police
`assistance via a paging or radio network. See, e.g., U.S. Pat.
`Nos. 5,705,980; 5,652,570. These prior art patents are incor
`porated herein by reference. However, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,705,
`980 and 5,652,570 do not use G.P.S. technology to locate
`individuals.
`It is further known to monitor an individual's medical
`information (i.e., blood pressure, blood chemistry, etc.) and
`report that information via radio communication to a central
`control center. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,952; 5,415,
`167; 5,652,570. These prior art patents are incorporated
`herein by reference. However, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,952;
`5,415,167; 5,652,570 do not use G.P.S. technology to locate
`individuals in medical distreSS.
`Each of the patents and articles discussed above is incor
`porated herein by reference.
`A significant drawback to all of the inventions discussed
`above is that they do not create a comprehensive warning
`System by collecting information from users and distributing
`that information to other selected users. The above inven
`tions distribute information that is obtained from already
`existing Sources (i.e., weather reports, police radio, etc.).
`The present invention not only distributes information that it
`receives from already existing information Sources, but it
`also distributes information that it receives from individual
`users to other Specific users. In addition to creating a System
`of Selectively distributing information, the present invention
`also creates a new Source of information to distribute.
`Importantly, none of the above inventions make use of
`fuzzy logic or expert Systems to develop calculated degree
`of danger indications to further assist perSons using the
`System to better understand the peril and nature of danger
`that may exist. The use of the fuzzy logic/expert System and
`methods of applicant's incorporated co-pending application,
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/844,029 cited above,
`with the two-way communication and other unique features
`of the present application, provides a more comprehensive
`warning System and method.
`Another significant drawback of the above prior art inven
`tions is that they are not capable of learning the behavior of
`the individual users.
`Therefore, the need exists for a personal emergency,
`Safety warning System and method that creates a more
`comprehensive, intelligent warning and response System for
`individual users.
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`The present invention includes a System for monitoring a
`perSon's geographic location. The System periodically warns
`
`Exhibit 1009
`Page 12 of 23
`
`

`

`6,028,514
`
`25
`
`35
`
`15
`
`3
`the perSon of emergency situations in Specific geographic
`locations. The System also allows people to request assis
`tance while in emergency situations.
`The System includes a portable warning unit that is carried
`by a perSon. The portable warning unit includes a Satellite
`receiver that receives and analyzes communication signals
`from a Satellite positioning System and determines the
`current geographic location of the perSon. The portable
`warning unit also includes a receiver circuit that receives
`broadcasted warning messages defining dangerous Situa
`tions and the geographic locations of those situations. The
`portable warning unit also includes a computer controller
`including a processor and a memory. The processor is
`configured to monitor and Store in memory data defining the
`geographic location of the perSon as the perSon moves from
`location to location over a period of time. The processor also
`compares the geographic location of the perSon with the
`location information in the received warning Signals to
`determine the degree of danger for the person carrying the
`portable warning unit. The portable warning unit also
`includes an alarm indicator that indicates when the perSon is
`in danger. In addition, the portable warning unit includes a
`transmission circuit that generates and transmits signals
`requesting assistance and Signals Warning of dangerous
`Situations in the vicinity of the perSon carrying the portable
`warning unit along with the current geographic location of
`the perSon.
`The present invention also includes a command center.
`The command center includes a database computer that has
`a database Storage unit. The database computer is configured
`to monitor and track the existence and Status of emergency
`Situations. The database computer is also configured to
`monitor the locations of emergency response centers and
`units in a geographic region. The command center also
`includes a transmitter for broadcasting emergency warning
`Signals corresponding to dangerous Situations along with the
`geographic locations of those situations. The command
`center also includes a receiver for receiving emergency
`assistance requests and Signals indicating the existence of
`dangerous situations. The command center also includes a
`transmitter for transmitting Signals to emergency response
`units and centers.
`During operation of the present invention, the receiving
`circuit of the portable warning unit carried by the perSon
`receives the Signals transmitted from the command center
`that are indicative of a dangerous situation and the geo
`graphic location. The computer controller of the portable
`warning unit compares the geographic location of the perSon
`carrying the unit with the location of the dangerous situation
`indicated in the received signal from the command control
`center. Using expert System rules, the computer controller of
`the warning unit determines a degree of danger indeX for the
`perSon carrying the portable warning unit. If necessary, the
`computer controller generates a warning Signal for the
`perSon carrying the warning unit. The portable warning unit
`generates and transmits signals requesting emergency assis
`tance and warning of emergency Situations along with
`Signals indicating the location of the portable warning unit.
`The present invention includes a plurality of portable
`60
`warning units carried by a plurality of perSons. The com
`mand center is configured to broadcast warning Signals that
`are Simultaneously received by all portable warning units
`within radio signal range of the command control center.
`The present invention uses a Satellite positioning System
`which may be a Global Positioning System (G.P.S.). The
`Satellite receiver of the warning unit is compatible with the
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`4
`Global Positioning System and the current geographic posi
`tion of the person is defined by the person's G.P.S. coordi
`nateS.
`The computer controller of the portable warning unit
`generates and Stores data defining the normal behavior
`patterns of the person wearing the unit in the memory of the
`computer controller. The computer controller of the portable
`warning unit compares the data Stored in memory defining
`the normal behavior patterns to the data defining the current
`geographic location of the perSon wearing the warning unit,
`and if a predefined variance exists between the current
`geographic location and normal behavior patterns, an alarm
`Signal is generated and transmitted to the command control
`Center.
`The controller of the warning unit generates and Stores
`data defining dangerous areas for perSons to travel. The
`computer controller of the warning unit compares the data
`Stored in memory defining the dangerous areas to the data
`defining the current geographic location of the person wear
`ing the warning unit, and if the perSon is in a dangerous area,
`an alarm Signal is generated and a request for assistance is
`transmitted to the command control center. In addition, the
`computer controller of the warning unit compares the data
`Stored in memory defining the dangerous areas to the data
`defining geographic locations that the person wearing the
`warning unit frequently visits. If it is probable that the
`person will visit dangerous areas, an alarm Signal is gener
`ated for the perSon wearing the warning unit.
`The warning unit carried by the perSon further includes a
`medical monitoring System that monitors and generates
`Signals defining Selected current medical conditions of the
`person wearing the warning unit. The portable warning unit
`computer controller memory includes data defining abnor
`mal medical conditions. The computer is programmed to
`compare the Signals generated by the medical monitoring
`System to the data Stored in memory defining abnormal
`medical conditions. If a variance of predefined degree exists
`between the person’s current and normal medical
`conditions, the computer generates and causes the transmis
`Sion circuit to transmit Signals defining the variance to the
`command control center. The medical monitoring System
`detects abnormal medical conditions in the blood, circula
`tory System, respiratory System, and nervous System. If the
`medical monitoring System detects abnormal conditions in
`the user's blood, circulatory System, respiratory System, or
`nervous System, the medical monitoring System alerts the
`command control center of the user's location and condition.
`The command control center determines the severity of the
`emergency and dispatches the proper emergency assistance.
`The portable warning unit carried by the person further
`includes a Sound recognition System configured to recognize
`and generate electrical Signals defining Selected Sounds. The
`computer controller memory includes data defining Select
`emergency conditions based on Sounds. The computer is
`programmed to compare the Signals generated by the Sound
`recognition System to the data Stored in memory defining
`Select emergency conditions based on Sounds. If a Select
`emergency condition exists, the computer generates and
`causes the transmission circuit to transmit Signals defining
`the emergency condition to the command control center. The
`Sound recognition System contains a speech recognition
`circuit. The Sound recognition System detects Specific pre
`programmed speech. If pre-programmed Speech is detected,
`the warning unit alerts the central command center that the
`individual may be or is in distreSS. The central command
`center then dispatches appropriate assistance to the indi
`vidual in distreSS. The Sound recognition System detects loud
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`Exhibit 1009
`Page 13 of 23
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`S
`noises, riot Sounds, gunshots, and other Such noises. If Such
`noises are detected, the warning unit alerts the central
`command center, and the central command center dispatches
`the appropriate assistance to the individual in distreSS. The
`command control center receives the transmitted Signals
`from the portable warning unit and uses fuzzy logic to define
`the emergency condition. The command control centergen
`erates and transmits signals to an emergency response unit
`defining the type of emergency, the fuzzy logic degree of
`danger and the current geographic location of the user. The
`command center also transmits warning messages based on
`information received from weather reports, police radio, and
`other auxiliary information Sources. In addition, the com
`mand center transmits warning messages to perSons carrying
`warning units based on information received from other
`perSons carrying portable warning units.
`The controller of the warning unit generates and Stores
`data defining dangerous types of motion based on received
`G.P.S. Signals. The dangerous motion recognition System
`detects dangerous acceleration, elevation, Speed, and decel
`eration. If dangerous acceleration, elevation, Speed, or decel
`eration is detected, the warning unit alerts the central com
`mand center, and the central command center dispatches
`appropriate assistance to the individual that may be or is in
`distreSS.
`The computer controller of the portable warning units
`expert System comprises fuzzy logic inference rules and a
`fuZZy logic controller to compute a degree of danger indeX
`for the perSon carrying the portable warning unit. The fuzzy
`logic inference rules include fuzzy variables defining the
`distance between the portable warning unit and the danger
`ous situation, Vulnerability of the perSon carrying the por
`table warning unit to the dangerous Situation, and the
`relative Velocity between the portable warning unit and the
`dangerous situation. The fuzzy logic controller derives a
`fuZZy variable defining the degree of danger of the perSon
`carrying the portable warning unit and defuZZifies that
`variable to derive a singular degree of danger.
`It is therefore an object of this invention to provide new
`and useful personal emergency Safety warning Systems and
`methods that provide a compact, electronic personal emer
`gency Safety warning unit to be carried by perSons or
`provided in homes, buildings, automobiles or the like to
`warn users of dangerous situations in Surrounding areas and
`to permit transmission of requests for assistance when
`dangerous or emergency conditions are encountered.
`It is a further object of this invention to incorporate G.P.S.
`location technology in a personal emergency Safety warning
`unit to permit calculation of exact location of the unit on the
`earth, compare that location to broadcast danger warning
`messages, and based on that comparison, warn the user of a
`dangerous situation or situations in the vicinity.
`It is a further object of this invention to incorporate G.P.S.
`location technology in a personal emergency Safety warning
`unit to permit calculation of exact location of the unit on the
`earth, compare that location to locations that the user of the
`warning unit frequently visits, and based on that
`comparison, warn the user of a dangerous situation or
`Situations in those area or areas.
`It is a further object of this invention to incorporate G.P.S.
`location technology in a personal emergency Safety warning
`unit to permit calculation of exact location of the unit on the
`earth, compare that location to the location of emergency
`medical centers, and based on that comparison, warn the
`user that he/she is dangerously far away from an emergency
`medical center that may be necessary for that user's par
`ticular condition.
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`6,028,514
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`It is another object of this invention to incorporate G.P.S.
`location technology in a personal emergency Safety warning
`unit to permit calculation of exact location of the unit on the
`earth and Save that location to an intelligent database; thus,
`enabling the System to learn the traveling behavior of the
`user of the warning unit.
`It is a further object to provide Sensor technology in a
`personal emergency Safety warning unit to permit detection
`and analysis of medical emergencies for the user, Such as
`heart attacks, Strokes, respiratory problems, low blood
`preSSure, etc., and to broadcast requests for assistance based
`on that emergency or emergencies and the respective G.P.S.
`coordinates.
`It is a further object of this invention to provide sensor
`technology in a personal emergency Safety warning unit to
`permit detection, analysis and recognition of Spoken words
`with transmission of requests for responses or for assistance
`when Selected words or commands are detected.
`It is yet a further object to provide Sensor technology in
`a personal emergency Safety warning unit to permit
`detection, analysis, and recognition of unusual or predeter
`mined Sounds, Such as riot Sounds, gunshots, loud noises,
`etc. and to transmit a request for assistance when Such
`Sounds are detected.
`It is yet another object to provide sensor and/or G.P.S.
`coordinates calculation technology in a personal emergency
`Safety warning unit to permit detection, analysis and recog
`nition of dangerous types of motion Such as unusual or
`unexpected changes in location, Velocity, acceleration, or
`deceleration of the warning unit and to transmit requests for
`assistance when Such events are detected.
`It is still another object of this invention to provide the
`above detection and analysis of motion dynamicS combined
`with the Speech and Sound analysis to detect combinations of
`events requiring the generation of requests for responses or
`for assistance.
`It is a further object of this invention to combine the above
`capabilities in an integrated, unique personal emergency
`Safety warning unit using common implementations for
`Several operations, thereby reducing unit cost, Size and
`complexity while Still providing comprehensive warning
`and alarm capabilities.
`Further objects of the invention are apparent from review
`ing the Summary of the invention, detailed description, and
`claims set forth below.
`The above and other objects are achieved by adding an
`emergency response capability to the previous danger warn
`ing Systems and methods of applicant's co-pending U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 08/844,029 thereby enabling an
`individual to transmit requests for assistance when in a
`dangerous situation. Such transmissions may be independent
`of any received messages and provide the capabili