GB2561328A

GB2561328A - Safety device

Info

Publication number: GB2561328A
Application number: GB1611225.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Murray James; Pombo Ricardo; Kumar Sanjeev; White Chris
Original assignee: Skyguard Ltd
Current assignee: Skyguard Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-28
Filing date: 2016-06-28
Publication date: 2018-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-28
Also published as: GB2561328B; GB201611225D0

Abstract

A portable personal safety device comprises a fall detector comprising an accelerometer and a timer, and configured to: detect free-fall 42 by comparing accelerometer signals to a threshold; determine and compare pre- and post-fall positions 45, 55; and determine a fall condition if free-fall time exceeds a threshold time 43 and the pre- and post-fall positions differ by more than a pre-set angle 55 (i.e. 45 degrees). The safety device further includes an alarm button, and a means for triggering a remote alarm 57 on determination of the fall condition or on activation of the alarm button. A time period after the free fall when no movement of the device is detected may also be monitored 51, 53, and the device may also detect a plurality of impacts. The safety device may vibrate when the alarm is triggered, and may further comprise a microphone, a loudspeaker, a unique identifier, GPS technology and/or a mode of communication (i.e. GPRS, SMS). The safety device may be re-chargeable via at least one charging pin/port.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Skyguard Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Skyguard House, 457 Kingston Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 0DB, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2014/147496 A1 WO 2010/023604 A1 CN 104408876 A US 20150269825 A1 US 20130307685 A1 US 20080129518 A1

WO 2010/032961 A2 WO 2008/129451 A1 US 20150269826 A1 US 20140276238 A1 US 20130054180 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

James Murray Ricardo Pombo Sanjeev Kumar Chris White (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A61B, G01C, G08B

Other: WPI, EPODOC; Patent Fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Venner Shipley LLP

200 Aldersgate, LONDON, EC1A 4HD,

United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Safety device

Abstract Title: Wearable fall detector with remote alert and emergency button (57) A portable personal safety device comprises a fall detector comprising an accelerometer and a timer, and configured to: detect free-fall 42 by comparing accelerometer signals to a threshold; determine and compare pre- and post-fall positions 45, 55; and determine a fall condition if free-fall time exceeds a threshold time 43 and the pre- and post-fall positions differ by more than a pre-set angle 55 (i.e. 45 degrees). The safety device further includes an alarm button, and a means for triggering a remote alarm 57 on determination of the fall condition or on activation of the alarm button. A time period after the free fall when no movement of the device is detected may also be monitored 51,53, and the device may also detect a plurality of impacts. The safety device may vibrate when the alarm is triggered, and may further comprise a microphone, a loudspeaker, a unique identifier, GPS technology and/or a mode of communication (i.e. GPRS, SMS). The safety device may be re-chargeable via at least one charging pin/port.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Application No. GB1611225.2

RTM

Date :18 August 2016

Intellectual

Property

Office

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

“GSM” - page 7 (last line), page 12 (paragraph 1), page 13 (paragraph 3)

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

SAFETY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a safety device in particular to a safety device for use by lone workers or other vulnerable individuals.

Personal safety devices provide important protection to lone workers, such as hospitality workers, healthcare professionals and police; and other vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled. Known personal safety devices allow a user to activate an alarm in case of emergency and, in the case of the present applicant, to contact a remote monitoring centre with which a user can establish two-way voice communication. Typically, personal safety devices require a user to raise an alarm to request assistance. However, if the user has fallen or is knocked unconscious and unable to raise the alarm, the alarm may not be raised despite a user requiring assistance.

Existing safety devices use various means to raise an alarm in the event of any emergency; for example, a safety device can include a cord that the user is required to pull to request assistance, or an accelerometer incorporated into the device that is used to detect when the safety device is subjected to a sudden impact or when there is an abrupt movement. However, such fall detection features of known devices have been found to produce a very significant proportion of false alarms when the device mistakenly triggers an alarm. This results in a subsequent emergency response without a fall having taken place. False alarms are a significant limitation to the reliability of the device and waste time and resources to respond unnecessarily. Furthermore, false alarms can reduce the confidence a user has in the personal safety device.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems and provide a reliable personal safety device with a man down feature and an improved fall detection method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable personal safety device comprising:

an alarm button for triggering an alarm at a remote monitoring station when activated by a user;

a fall detector for detecting at least one free fall at or on the device, comprising:

at least one sensor for detecting the force of acceleration on the device ; at least one sensor for detecting movement; and a timer for monitoring time periods subsequent to a first detected free fall, wherein the fall detector triggers an alarm on detection of a fall.

The portable, personal safety device of the present invention allows a user to raise an alarm both by self-actuating the alarm, or automatically triggering an alarm in the event of a fall followed by a period of no movement, for example if the user falls unconscious; i.e. without requiring any intervention by the user. The personal safety device also ensures that false alarms are avoided so that a user can have increased confidence in the device and any wasted time or resources in responding unnecessarily to a false alarm are avoided.

Preferably, the or each sensor for detecting impact is an accelerometer.

By measuring the acceleration of the portable device of the present invention, it is possible to deduce the acceleration of a user holding/wearing the device and so detect a fall.

Preferably, the personal safety device is configured to vibrate; more preferably, the portable safety device is configured to vibrate at least once when an alarm is triggered.

By vibrating, the personal safety device provides a tactile indication to the user that an emergency alarm has been raised.

Preferably, the personal safety device further comprises a microphone.

Preferably, the personal safety device further comprises a loudspeaker.

Preferably, the personal safety device triggers an alarm at a remote monitoring centre.

The personal safety device of the present invention allows for a user to have two-way communication with a remote monitoring centre, even if the user is not directly next to the device; for example, if they have fallen and dropped the device. The remote monitoring centre will still be able to offer support and listen to the user in the event that the device is dropped.

Preferably, the personal safety device comprises a unique identifier.

Preferably, the personal safety device has GPS and a mode of communication via GPRS and/or SMS capability.

The personal safety device allows the geo-position of the device to be determined. Using the unique identifier of the device and aforementioned mode of communication (GPRS and/or SMS), the remote monitoring centre can request position information from the device.

Preferably, the personal safety device further comprises at least one charging pin and/or port.

Preferably, the personal safety device is re-chargeable.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fall detection method for a personal safety device comprising the steps of:

i) detecting at least one free fall at or on the device;

ii) analysing whether the force of acceleration from a first free fall on the device is greater than or equal to a pre-set force threshold;

iii) monitoring a time period after first free fall during which no force is exerted on the device;

iv) analysing whether the time period is equal to or greater than a pre-set time threshold; and

v) triggering an alarm cycle if both force and time thresholds are reached or exceeded.

Preferably, the method comprises monitoring a time period after first free-fall when no force is exerted on the device and/or no movement of the device is detected.

The method of the present invention avoids the risk of false alarms being raised, for example, when the device has simply been dropped by a user, rather than the user having fallen. By monitoring the time period during which no force is exerted on the device and/or no movement of the device is detected, the method of the present invention confirms that a fall is highly likely before triggering an alarm. This provides significant savings in terms of wasted time and resources in responding to false alarms, without risking non-response to a real fall having occurred.

Preferably, the fall detection method for a personal safety device further comprises the steps of;

vi) storing a pre-fall position;

vii) storing a post-fall position;

viii) comparing the pre-fall and post-fall positions;

ix) triggering an alarm at a monitoring station only if the pre-fall and postfall positions differ by a pre-set positional difference.

Preferably, the fall detection method for a personal safety device comprises the step of triggering an alarm at a monitoring station only if the pre-fall and postfall positions differ by a pre-set positional difference of 45-degrees.

Preferably, the fall detection method for a personal safety device comprises the step of detecting a plurality of impacts at the device.

Preferably, the fall detection method monitors the time interval between a plurality of impacts on the device. More preferably, the method triggers an alarm only in response to two or more (conditional) impacts occurring at a time period greater than or equal to a pre-set time interval.

It will be appreciated that reference to one or more includes reference to a plurality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figures 1 (a) - (g) show a first embodiment of a personal safety device in accordance with the present invention, wherein Figure 1 (a) is a view from a first side; Figure 1(b) is a view of the rear face; Figure 1(c) is a view of the front face; Figure 1(d) is a view from a second side; Figure 1(e) is a view from above; Figure 1(f) is a view from below; and Figure 1(g) is a perspective view;

Figures 2 (a) - (g) show a docking device for use with the personal safety device shown in Figure 1, wherein Figure 2 (a) is a view from above; Figure 2(b) is a perspective view; Figure 2(c) is a view from a first side; Figure 2(d) is a view from a second side; Figure 2(e) is a view from the front; Figure 2(f) is a view from the rear; and Figure 2(g) is a view from below;

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the fall down/ fall detection feature of the personal safety device of the present invention illustrating the method of detecting a fall;

Figures 4 (a) to (g) show a second embodiment of a personal safety device in accordance with the present invention, wherein Figure 4 (a) is a view from a first side; Figure 4(b) is a view of the rear face; Figure 4(c) is a view of the front face; Figure 4(d) is a view from a second side; Figure 4(e) is a view from below; Figure 4(f) is a view from above; and Figure 4(g) is a perspective view; and

Figures 5 (a) to (g) show a third embodiment of a personal safety device in accordance with the present invention, wherein Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view from above; Figure 5(b) is a view of the rear face; Figure 5(c) is a view of a first side; Figure 5(d) is a view from a second side; Figure 5(e) is a view from below; Figure 5(f) is a view from above; and Figure 5(g) is a view from the front.

The present invention relates to a personal safety device 1 incorporating GPS and GPRS technologies; and a fall down function. The personal safety device 1 is used for lone worker protection, and to provide safety support to the elderly and vulnerable.

As shown in Figures 1(a), (c), (f) and (d), in a first embodiment the device is substantially rectangular with a size comparable to that of a USB pen drive device, which allows the device to be conveniently and discretely carried. In the embodiment shown, the device has a length of about 59.55mm; a width of about 23.50mm and a thickness of about 12.79mm. The size of the device 1 allows the device to be portable; for example the device is worn clipped to a user's belt or to a holster. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 (d) and 1(e), the device also comprises a loop 15 through which a lanyard (not shown) is inserted to allow a user to wear the device 1 around their neck.

Referring to Figure 1 (a), the personal safety device 1 comprises a power button 3, allowing a user to switch the device on and off. The power button 3 is positioned on the side of the device together with a call button 5, which allows a user to initiate two-way audio communication to a pre-defined pre-programed telephone number.

Referring to Figure 1(b), the device 1 comprises a microphone 7, and a loudspeaker 9. The device also includes a product label 11a on which written information can be displayed and charging pins lib, which are used to charge the device using the docking device, shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1(c), an SOS emergency button is centrally positioned on the front face of the device 13. In use, an alarm is activated at the remote monitoring centre by a user holding down the prominent button for a predefined time period. Following activation, the device 1 will vibrate discretely to provide a tactile indication to a user that the alarm has been initiated and will vibrate again when the device has been connected to the remote monitoring centre. The personal safety device of the present invention is used to provide assistance to a user in case of emergency; for example, by deploying a vehicle to the location of the incident or by directly contacting police control rooms, paramedic or fire response.

Referring to Figure 1(d), a SIM tray 4 is provided into which a SIM card (not shown) is inserted. The SIM card provides a unique identifier for the device that can be matched to device position information. The remote monitoring centre can request position information from the device by sending an GPRS I SMS text message to generate a reply comprising an internet link to a map showing the device's position. The position information can be viewed at the remote monitoring centre or on an internet-enabled mobile telephone or computer. It is also envisaged that the device can be used to produce position reports, recording the location of the safety device 1 at specified dates and times. The location data can be sent automatically at regular, pre-determined intervals or can be sent manually as needed.

Referring to Figure 1(g), the upper face of the device 1 further comprises LED indicators 17, 19, 21 to provide a visual indication to the user regarding GPS/manual position information communication (17); battery power (19), and GSM/GPRS communication (21).

Referring to Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b), the personal safety device 1 is chargeable using a docking device 23. The shape and size of the docking device 23 is configured to receive the safety device 1 within a recess 25a. The docking device 23 (referring to outer dimensions) has a length of about 70.30mm a width of about 33.20mm and a height of about 18.60mm. The recess 25a comprises a rectangular retention magnet 25b. In use, the personal safety device 1 is retained in the recess 25a whilst charging, by the retention magnet 25b. The recess 25a further comprises pins 27 for charging the personal safety device 1. The docking device further comprises LED indicators 29, 31 for indicating (29) that the docking device is charging and (31) that the personal safety device 1 is charging.

Referring to Figure 2(c), Figure 2(d), Figures 2(e), Figure 2(f), the longer side walls 33 of the docking device 23 have a central portion 34 at a lower height than the remainder of the wall to allow the personal safety device to be easily placed into and removed from the recess 25a of the docking device 23. The shorter side walls 35 of the docking device 23 are a uniform height along their length.

Referring to Figure 2(g), the base 37 of the docking device 23 comprises a product label 38 on which written information can be displayed and foot pads 39 to support the docking device 23.

Referring to Figure 3, the personal safety device 1 of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 comprises a fall down alarm, which enables the device to automatically send an alarm to the remote monitoring centre in the event of a fall or sudden impact. The fall down alarm can be enabled or disabled as required. The personal safety device 1 comprises at least one accelerometer. The accelerometer constantly monitors any force of acceleration- applied to the device 1, 1' and is a low-g acceleration sensor that allows low-noise measurement of acceleration.

Referring to Figure 3, the method of fall down/fall detection of the present invention is described in more detail. At step 40 the method starts and the personal safety device/sensor 1, 1' starts a counter, recording (connector A) the number of fall downs detected at step 41. As shown at step 42, in response to a fall down/fall detection the device 1, 1' detects free fall at step 42. In the context of this invention, free fall is understood to mean that only force acting on the device is the force of acceleration, without any contact supporting force acting on the device. If the acceleration detected is less than the threshold of acceleration set (<X), then no free fall is detected and the counter is reset at 0 (step 41). If the acceleration detected is greater than or equal to the threshold of acceleration set (>X) then the method proceeds to record the time during which free fall has been detected, at step 43.

At step 43, the free fall time is a user defined length of time during which the force applied to the sensor indicates that the only force acting on the device is the force of acceleration, that is, without any contact force acting on the device. The sensor of the personal safety device 1, 1' detects free-fall based on the comparison of acceleration data against a low-g threshold. The pre-set values for the defined time threshold (Y) at or above which the force detected is classified as a first fall down. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the free fall time allowed for is 2 < Y < 256 milliseconds. At step 43, if the free fall time is less than 2ms, the method does not register the measurement or trigger an alarm, but resets the counter at step 41 and continues to wait for information from the personal safety device 1, 1'. However, at step 44, if the free-fall time is greater than or equal to the pre-set time Y, the personal safety device 1, 1' sends a message indicating fall down to the mobile control unit (MCU) to instruct the firmware that a fall has been detected and, at step 45, the pre-fall position (in degrees) is stored, using the accelerometer capability to detect the orientation of the personal safety device 1, 1'.

Following detection of a fall, the method proceeds to register the detection from the sensor as a fall and continues to increment the counter, at step 47. The mobile control unit of the personal safety device 1, 1' will then wait for the next detection of free fall, indicating a further fall down event. If, at step 49, a second fall down event is detected within a 650ms period of the initial fall, the firmware resets the counter to A (step 41) and awaits an initial input for the next possible fall down event that can be detected. These steps will continue until no further events have been detected by the sensor within the 650ms false alarm period.

If, at step 49, the sensor has not detected another possible fall down event within a pre-set period of time; for example within 650ms, the personal safety device firmware will proceed to step 51 and ask whether movement is detected or movement above the threshold of acceleration that has been set (X).

If movement is detected by the sensor of the personal safety device at step 51, then the firmware detects a false fall down detection and is re-set at step 52, so that the method returns to detect free fall at step 42.

If no movement is detected by the sensor of the personal safety device at step 51 and the time from the initial fall is greater than or equal to 650ms at step 53, the method at step 55 analyses the post-fall position with respect to the pre-fall position stored at step 45. If the pre-fall and post-fall positions that are detected by the personal safety device are substantially the same; that is within about 45° of each other, the firmware will indicate a false alarm (step 52) and proceed back to step 42 to reset the firmware and await new free fall detection.

If the pre-fall and post-fall positions that are detected by the personal safety device at step 55 are different from each other by more than about 45° the fall down alarm will be raised at step 57. The counter will be reset (A) following this step and the firmware will await a new detection of an impact at step 41. This will allow the remote monitoring centre to provide necessary assistance to the fallen user.

Referring to Figures 4(b), (c), and (g), in a second embodiment the portable personal safety device 1' has a length of about 69mm; a width of about

42.5mm; and a thickness of about 19.96mm. As shown in Figure 4(c) and Figure 4(f), the device also comprises a loop 15' through which a lanyard (not shown) is inserted to allow a user to wear the device 1' around their neck.

Referring to Figure 4 (d), the personal safety device 1' comprises a power button 3', allowing a user to switch the device on and off. The power button 3' is positioned on the side ofthe device together with a SIM tray 4', into which a SIM card (not shown) is inserted. The SIM card provides a unique identifier for the device 1' that can be matched to device position information. Referring to Figure 4(c) the device 1' comprises a microphone 7' and a loudspeaker 9', shown on Figure 4(d).

Referring to Figure 4(b), the device 1' also includes a product label Ila' on which written information can be displayed and foot grips 39'. Referring to Figure 4(a), the device 1' comprises a micro USB charging port 32'.

Referring to Figure 4(g), an SOS emergency button 13' is centrally positioned on the front face of the device 1'. In use, an alarm is activated at the remote monitoring centre by a user holding down the prominent emergency button 13' for about 4 seconds. Following activation, the device 1' will vibrate discretely to provide a tactile indication to a user that the alarm has been initiated and will vibrate again when the device has been connected to the remote monitoring centre. The device further comprises two call buttons 14' that are preprogrammed to predefined telephone numbers. As previously described, the remote monitoring centre can request position information from the device 1' to generate a reply comprising an internet link to a map showing the device's position. The positional information can be viewed at the remote monitoring centre or on an internet-enabled mobile telephone or computer. It is also envisaged that the device can be used to produce position reports, recording the location of the safety device 1 at specified dates and times. The location data can be sent automatically at regular, pre-determined intervals or can be sent manually as needed.

Referring to Figure 4(g) the upper face of the device 1' further comprises LED indicators 17', 19', 21' to provide a visual indication to the user regarding GPS/manual position information communication (17'); battery power (19'), and GSM/GPRS communication (21').

Referring to Figures 5 (a), (b), (c), and (g), with like reference numerals referring to like parts, in a third embodiment the portable personal safety device 1' has a length of about 66.37mm; a width of about 40.26mm and a thickness of about 18.03mm. As shown in Figure 5(b) the device comprises a loop 15' through which a lanyard (not shown) is inserted to allow a user to wear the device 1' around their neck.

Referring to Figure 5(d), the personal safety device 1' comprises a power button 3', allowing a user to switch the device on and off. The power button 3' is positioned on the side of the device together with a first and second call button 14' and a USB charging port 45'. Adjacent to the power button 3' are two call buttons 14', each of which are pre-programmed to predefined telephone numbers. As previously described, the remote monitoring centre can request position information from the device 1' to generate a reply comprising an internet link to a map showing the device's position. The positional information can be viewed at the remote monitoring centre or on an internet-enabled mobile telephone or computer. It is also envisaged that the device can be used to produce position reports, recording the location of the safety device 1 at specified dates and times. The location data can be sent automatically at regular, pre-determined intervals or can be sent manually as needed.

Referring to Figure 5c, on the opposite side of the device to that having the power button 3' the personal safety device 1' comprises a SIM tray 4', into which a SIM card (not shown) is inserted. The SIM card provides a unique identifier for the device 1' that can be matched to device position information.

Referring to Figure 5(a) the device 1' comprises a microphone 7' and a loudspeaker 9'. The device 1' also has an SOS emergency button 13' that is centrally positioned on the front face of the device 1'. In use, an alarm is activated at the remote monitoring centre by a user holding down the prominent emergency button 13' for about 4 seconds. Following activation, the device 1' can vibrate discretely to provide a tactile indication to a user that the alarm has been initiated and will vibrate again when the device has been connected to the remote monitoring centre.

Referring to Figure 5(b), the device 1' also includes a product label Ila' on which written information can be displayed. The device 1' has curved corners, as shown in Figures 5(e) and 5(f).

Referring to Figure 5(g) the upper face of the device 1' comprises the SOS call button 13' and further comprises LED indicators 17', 17a' 19', 21' to provide a visual indication to the user regarding GPS position information communication (17'); manual position information communication (17a'); battery power (19'), and GSM/GPRS communication (21').

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

Within this specification, the term about means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable personal safety device comprising:

a fall detector for detecting one or more falls, comprising:

at least one sensor for detecting impact;

at least one sensor for detecting movement; and a timer for monitoring time periods subsequent to a first detected fall, wherein the fall detector triggers an alarm at a remote monitoring station on detection of a fall.

2. A personal safety device according to claim 1 wherein the or each sensor for detecting impact is an accelerometer.

3. A personal safety device according to claim 1 or claim 2 which is vibratable.

4. A personal safety device according to claim 3 wherein the portable safety device is configured to vibrate at least once when an alarm is triggered.

5. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising a microphone.

6. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising a loudspeaker.

7. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising a unique identifier.

8. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising GPS technology and a mode of communication via GPRS and/or SMS capability.

9. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one charging pin and/or port.

10. A personal safety device according to any preceding claim further wherein the personal safety device is re-chargeable.

11. A fall detection method for a personal safety device comprising the steps of:

i) detecting at least one free fall at or on the device;

iii) monitoring a time period after a first free fall during which no force is exerted on the device;

iv) analysing whether the time period is equal to or greater than a preset time threshold; and

12. A fall detection method according to claim 1 further comprising monitoring a time period after first free fall when no force is exerted on the device and/or no movement of the device is detected.

13. A fall detection method according to claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising the steps of;

vi) storing a pre-fall position;

vii) storing a post-fall position;

viii) comparing the pre-fall and post-fall positions;

ix) triggering an alarm at a monitoring station only if the pre-fall and post-fall positions differ by a pre-set positional difference.

14. A fall detection method according to any of claims 11 to 13 further comprising the step of detecting a plurality of impacts at the device.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1611225.2 Examiner: Miss Samantha Henry

14. A fall detection method according to claim 13 further comprising the step of triggering an alarm at a monitoring station only if the pre-fall and post-fall positions differ by a pre-set positional difference of about 45-degrees.

15. A fall detection method according to any of claims 11 to 14 further comprising the step of detecting a plurality of impacts at the device.

16. A fall detection method according to any of claims 11 to 15 further comprising monitoring the time interval between a plurality of impacts on the device.

17. A fall detection method according to any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the method triggers an alarm only in response to two or more impacts occurring at a time period greater than or equal to a pre-set time interval.

18. A personal safety device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.

19. A fall detection method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

Claims

06 09 18

1. A portable personal safety device comprising: an alarm button;

5 a fall detector comprising an accelerometer and a timer and configured to perform:

detecting free fall by comparing accelerometer signals to a threshold;; determining a pre-fall position; determining a post fall position;

io comparing the pre-fall and post-fall positions; and determining a fall condition only if free fall time exceeds a threshold time and the pre-fall and post-fall positions differ by more than a pre-set angle; and means for triggering an alarm at a remote monitoring station on determination 15 of the fall condition or on activation of the alarm button by a user.

2. A portable personal safety device according to claim l which is vibratable.

3. A portable personal safety device according to claim 2 wherein the portable

20 personal safety device is configured to vibrate at least once when the alarm is triggered.

4. A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising a microphone.

25 5- A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a loudspeaker.

6. A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising a unique identifier.

7. A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising GPS technology and a mode of communication via GPRS and/or SMS capability.

35 8. A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one charging pin and/or port.

9- A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the portable personal safety device is re-chargeable.

5 io. A portable personal safety device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pre-set angle is 45 degrees.

06 09 18

i) storing a pre-fall position;

ii) detecting free fall of the device by comparing accelerometer signals to a threshold;

iii) storing a post-fall position;

iv) comparing the pre-fall and post-fall positions;

v) determining a fall condition if free fall time exceeds a threshold time and if the pre-fall and post-fall positions differ by a pre-set angle; and vi) triggering an alarm at a remote monitoring station on determination of the fall condition or on activation of an alarm button by a user.

12. A fall detection method according to claim 11 further comprising monitoring a 20 time period after the free fall when no movement of the device is detected.

13. A fall detection method according to any of claims 11 or 12 further comprising the step of triggering the alarm at the remote monitoring station if the pre-fall and post-fall positions differ by a pre-set angle of greater than 45 degrees.