WO2017186658A1 - Method for presence detection - Google Patents

Method for presence detection Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017186658A1
WO2017186658A1 PCT/EP2017/059698 EP2017059698W WO2017186658A1 WO 2017186658 A1 WO2017186658 A1 WO 2017186658A1 EP 2017059698 W EP2017059698 W EP 2017059698W WO 2017186658 A1 WO2017186658 A1 WO 2017186658A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wireless transceiver
transceiver unit
check
acknowledgement
message
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/059698
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Johan Bolin
Martin Dahlstrand
Niklas LOVÉN
Petter WIRFÄLT
Original Assignee
Appalanche Ab
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Appalanche Ab filed Critical Appalanche Ab
Publication of WO2017186658A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017186658A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/20—Services signaling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/90—Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S3/00—Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received
    • G01S3/02—Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received using radio waves
    • G01S3/14—Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction
    • G01S3/38—Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using adjustment of real or effective orientation of directivity characteristic of an antenna or an antenna system to give a desired condition of signal derived from that antenna or antenna system, e.g. to give a maximum or minimum signal
    • G01S3/40—Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using adjustment of real or effective orientation of directivity characteristic of an antenna or an antenna system to give a desired condition of signal derived from that antenna or antenna system, e.g. to give a maximum or minimum signal adjusting orientation of a single directivity characteristic to produce maximum or minimum signal, e.g. rotatable loop antenna or equivalent goniometer system
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/025—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters
    • H04W4/027—Services making use of location information using location based information parameters using movement velocity, acceleration information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices
    • H04W88/04—Terminal devices adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/06—Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the technical field of presence detection using radio signaling between users of wireless transceivers.
  • One aim of the present invention is to provide a method for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units.
  • the wireless transceiver units comprise an initiating wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver and an additional wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver.
  • the method comprises a presence check comprising setting up, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit, a group list of wireless transceiver units specific to the status check application, comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit. Each wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID.
  • the method further comprises broadcasting an application specific presence check signal including a command message, from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, receiving the broadcast presence check signal including the command message, at the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, and transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
  • the method further comprises listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit using the local network transceiver, and upon receipt, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
  • the method further comprising a status check.
  • the status check comprises sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, to at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, and prompting a user of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status.
  • the additional wireless transceiver unit Upon receipt of a positive status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver, or in the absence of a status input, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a negative status check message acknowledgement.
  • the method further comprises the step of listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
  • the status check method makes it possible to determine the status of the present wireless transceiver units using broadcasting signaling, which for example means that the method can be performed without the wireless transceiver units having cell phone coverage.
  • the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the search procedure comprising listening, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, for signaling from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
  • the search procedure enables the searching to be performed by all of the present wireless transceiver units, which makes it possible to search an area a lot quicker.
  • the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal.
  • the method of relaying further comprises, based on the command message received at the additional wireless transceiver unit, broadcasting the presence check signal including a second command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, and listening for presence check acknowledgements from another additional wireless transceiver unit, at the additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method further comprises, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the other additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting the presence check acknowledgement of the other additional wireless transceiver unit from the additional wireless transceiver unit to the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
  • the relay method makes it possible to extend the reach of the presence and/or status check and thereby makes it possible to cover a much larger area with the search.
  • a method in a wireless transceiver unit is further provided.
  • the wireless transceiver comprises a local network transceiver, for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units.
  • the method comprises a presence check comprising setting up a group list specific to the status check application comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, each wireless transceiver unit on the group list having a group list ID, and transmitting an application specific presence check broadcast, including the group list ID and a command message, using the local network transceiver.
  • the method further comprises listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, using the local network transceiver, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
  • the method further comprises a status check.
  • the status check comprises sending a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit, listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
  • the status check may be an integrated part of the presence check.
  • the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the search procedure comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the method further comprises using the determined signal strength for calculating a search pattern, which may be provided to another wireless transceiver unit. By providing a calculated search pattern to additional wireless transceivers, the search may be coordinated such that a larger area can be covered much faster.
  • the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the search procedure comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and connecting to at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok.
  • the method further comprises receiving information regarding the received signal strength of at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok, using the determined signal strength and the received information for calculating a search pattern, and transmitting data based on the calculated search pattern to the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok.
  • the presence check acknowledgement may comprise location information.
  • a method in a wireless transceiver unit for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units is further provided.
  • the wireless transceiver unit being part of an application specific group list on which each wireless transceiver unit has a group list ID, the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver.
  • the method comprises a presence check comprising receiving a broadcast presence check, using the local network transceiver, the broadcast presence check including a command message, and transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID of the wireless transceiver unit, on the basis of the command message, using the local network transceiver.
  • the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal.
  • the method further comprises, based on the received command message, broadcasting the presence check signal including a second command message, and listening for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit transmitting the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
  • the method further comprises a status check comprising receiving a status check message, using the local network transceiver, prompting a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status, upon receipt of a positive status input, transmitting a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting a negative status check message acknowledgement.
  • the status check is an integrated part of the presence check.
  • the command message further comprises instructions to transmit a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method further comprising broadcasting a status check message to at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, listening for a status check message acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method further comprises receiving a further command message to initiate a search procedure.
  • the command message includes the group list ID of a wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the method further comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and transmitting data related to the determined signal strength to the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method further comprises using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • receiving the further command message further comprises receiving a calculated search pattern, and providing the calculated search pattern to a user of the wireless transceiver unit.
  • at least one of the steps of transmitting a presence check acknowledgement and transmitting a status check message comprises transmitting location information related to the location of the wireless transceiver unit.
  • receiving a broadcasted presence check signal comprises receiving an invite message to join a group list and wherein the step of transmitting a presence acknowledgement comprises the step of accepting the invite.
  • the method further comprises automatically repeating the step of broadcasting the presence check signal including a command message.
  • a method in a transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver, for checking the status of at least one wireless transceiver unit, is further provided.
  • the method comprises a presence check comprising broadcasting a presence check signal, using the local network transceiver, listening for a broadcasted presence check acknowledgement from at least one wireless transceiver unit.
  • a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional capable wireless transceiver unit, creating a group list of present wireless transceiver units, sending a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit, listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit.
  • a wireless transceiver unit configured to run a status check application is further provided.
  • the wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID and being part of a group list specific to the status check application.
  • the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver.
  • the wireless transceiver unit comprises a local network receiving unit, configured to receive a broadcast presence check signal including the group list ID and a command message with instructions to perform presence verification, and a local network transmitting unit, configured to a transmit a presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message.
  • the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal and wherein:
  • the local network transmitting unit is further configured to broadcast, based on the received command message, the presence check signal including a second command message.
  • the local network receiving unit is further configured to listen for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmit the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
  • the local network receiving unit is further configured to receive a status check message, using a local network receiver for which the wireless transceiver unit further comprises a prompting unit configured to prompt a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status and for which the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a positive status input, transmit a positive status check message acknowledgement.
  • the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmit a negative status check message acknowledgement.
  • the local network transmitting unit is configured to broadcast the status check as integrated part of the presence check.
  • a computer program product comprising a computer-readable non- transitory storage medium with instructions adapted to carry out the method of any one of the embodiments herein when executed by a device having processing capability, is further provided.
  • FIG. 1 A' and 1 A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 1 B is a flow chart of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for status check between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 3A', 3A" and 3A'" shows a schematic view of a method of performing and relaying a presence check procedure between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 3B is a flow chart of a method for relaying a presence check procedure between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 4A', 4A" and 4 A'" shows a schematic view of a method for performing a search and rescue operation between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 4B is a flow chart of a method for performing a search and rescue operation between users of wireless transceiver units.
  • Fig. 5A' and 5A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units and additional infrastructure.
  • Fig. 5B is a flow chart of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units and additional infrastructure. Detailed description
  • a method, system and associated devices are provided for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units.
  • At least one participating wireless transceiver unit running the status check application is an initiating wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver and at least one participating wireless transceiver unit running the status check application is an additional wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit is configured to initiate a presence check comprising setting up, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit, a group list of participating wireless transceiver units.
  • the group list is specific to the status check application and comprises at least one additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • Each participating wireless transceiver unit has a group list ID linking the group list to the specific participating wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method is initiated by the initiating wireless transceiver unit broadcasting an application specific presence check signal, which includes a command message using the local network transceiver of the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
  • An additional wireless transceiver unit which is in range of the transmission receives the broadcast presence check signal including the command message, using the local network transceiver of the additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • the additional wireless transceiver unit Upon receipt of the broadcast presence check signal, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a broadcast presence check acknowledgement which comprises the group list ID of the additional wireless transceiver unit, on the basis of the command message, using the local network transceiver.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit listens for the broadcast presence check acknowledgement, using the local network transceiver. Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, the initiating wireless transceiver unit updates the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
  • the above method is preceded by a procedure in which the group linked by means of the application specific group list is defined and the users of participating wireless transceiver units have opted in.
  • the step of setting up the group and creating the closed group list can be overridden in cases of emergency and by those authorized to do so (typically emergency response agencies), which means that such super users can create groups in which all wireless transceiver units present on a particular geographical area will participate.
  • a unique group identity is created, which is a part of the signaling message used by any group member when a check for other group member's local presence is activated.
  • the presence check configured to disclose which group members are locally present is performed by the initiating device using a standard local network radio technology broadcast message (e.g. using the Wi-Fi standard), composed in such way it includes the group identity, the command message (e.g. incorporating instructions with regards to how to respond to the presence check message), and optionally also parameters representing the current location (e.g. GNSS (e.g. GPS) coordinates). It may also include other information about the group, such as information concerning the location of other members and/or information about other members.
  • the presence check procedure described above may be succeeded by, or have integrated in, a procedure for status check.
  • the procedure for status check comprises sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, to at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • the additional wireless transceiver then, e.g. on the basis of an included command message, prompts the user of the additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status (e.g. if the user is ok or in need of any form of assistance).
  • the additional wireless transceiver unit Upon receipt of a positive status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, transmits a positive status check message acknowledgement to the initiating device.
  • the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a negative status check message acknowledgement.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit listens for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the group list is updated by the marking of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit is updated by the marking of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
  • the application automatically switches to a "rescue me" mode and is marked in the group list by the initiating device as a "lost device”.
  • the presence and/or status check procedures described above are typically executed in scenarios such as emergency situations where some members in the group tries to locate other members.
  • Example applications are avalanche rescue applications, and locating children or construction workers not answering when called upon.
  • the same principles and procedures as described among users can be applied also for machine- to-machine or man-to-machine application where one or several of the users and devices are replaced by machines that are mobile or fixed installations.
  • a standard mobile phone which is a wireless transceiver unit, is equipped with both multiple means and technologies for cellular and local wireless communication and internet access. They are also equipped with multiple sensors and high resolution touch screens. The features of a mobile phone thus make it possible to implement applications used to identify, locate and track users of other wireless transceiver units.
  • a mobile phone can be used to keep track of people and/or equipment in a way such that applications which are today implemented in dedicated tools and equipment can be replaced.
  • Broadcast is to be understood as public radio communication transmitted by a local network transceiver and receivable by any local network transceiver of same or similar type.
  • Local network transceiver is to be understood as a radio transceiver of the wireless transceiver unit capable of creating a local network.
  • Wi-Fi wireless local area network technology based on the IEEE 802.1 1 standards is used.
  • other radio standards such as Wi-Fi Direct, may be used for the local network transceiver as long as they are capable of transmitting and receiving open broadcast communication.
  • Command message is to be understood as any message which could contain information which could be interpreted as instructions.
  • a command message may be part of the name of a network, such as SSID, or device name.
  • FIG. 1 A' and 1 A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver devices running a status check application.
  • a group is created by a user of an initiating device A which runs a status check application.
  • the initial group list creation step is shown as step SA of fig. 1 B.
  • the user of the initiating device A becomes the owner and administrator of the status check application specific group which initially is empty. Even if the initiating device A is the owner and administrator of the group, the group can later be transferred to another member and/or multiple users may be assigned as administrators for the group.
  • a user with administrator authorities can invite members to the group, remove members and change group common settings in the status check application.
  • the owner of the group can delete the entire group.
  • a user can be owner, but not administrator. This means that the owner can remove the group, but cannot change the group or the group settings.
  • a user can have an account type that is a pure administrator account, meaning this user does not have a device that can be used for presence and/or status verification and/or location determination.
  • the owner and administrator starts to invite other users of wireless transceiver units, B1, B2 and C1 to the group.
  • Invites may be sent as e.g. text or e-mail messages and may include instructions for, or a link for, downloading the status check application.
  • the users B1, B2 and C1 can be requested to accept the invitation to be added to the group list specific to the status check application.
  • Each member, i.e. each wireless transceiver unit, of the group list is assigned a specific group list ID, which can be used to identify each user.
  • a member in the group of users B1 , B2 and C1 are either activated or deactivated. Activated means that the user will be included in procedures to verify presence or determine location, while deactivated means it will not be included.
  • the group administrators sets the policies for whether or not the user can set status them self in the status check application.
  • a number of fundamental signaling messages and policies are defined and provisioned in all members devices and in the status check application. The main principle behind the presence and status check procedure which may be performed using the status check application is using a wireless network broadcast signal, e.g.
  • policies for what to do when the SSID is received by the application of an active user are set.
  • Example of policies are when and for what reasons the user of the wireless transceiver unity should be prompted and requested to confirm, how long the status check application should wait for such confirmation, and what happens when confirmation is received or not received.
  • Other example of policies is if and how confirmation can be accepted also after the time has passed and to what extent the application and members of the status check application group list can access position information provided by the wireless transceiver unit.
  • the method for verifying the presence of the users running the status check application on their wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 is shown.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A in the embodiment shown in figs. 1 A' - 1 B is user A, i.e. user A would like to verify presence of additional wireless transceiver units. However, it may be any of the users A, B1 , B2 or C1 , which are the initiating device.
  • Each of the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver.
  • the initiating device A broadcasts an application specific presence check signal which includes a command message, i.e. instructions about how the receiving wireless transceiver unit shall act.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver uses the local network transceiver, being method step SB of fig. 1 B.
  • the broadcast presence check signal is received by the local network transceivers of the additional wireless transceiver units B1 and B2, schematically shown in fig. 1A", which are within the range of the wireless broadcast, this being shown as method step SC in fig. 1 B.
  • the additional wireless transceiver units B1 and B2 responds to the presence check signal on the basis of the command message which instructs the additional wireless transceivers to broadcast a presence check acknowledgement which includes their individual group list ID, using their respective local network transceiver, this being shown as method step SD in fig. 1 B.
  • the acknowledgement is sent using broadcast signal (SSID).
  • SSID broadcast signal
  • the initiating device A starts to listen for broadcast presence check acknowledgements using the local network transceiver, which is shown as method step SE in fig. 1 B.
  • the initiating device updates the group list specific to the status check application, by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present, which is shown as method step SF in fig. 1 B.
  • the initiating device may also mark additional wireless transceiver units as not present, e.g. if no acknowledgement is received after a defined time.
  • the presence check acknowledgement provided by the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 may comprise location information, which for example may be GNSS (e.g. GPS) information.
  • location information for example may be GNSS (e.g. GPS) information.
  • the invitation to join a group may be performed by means of a text message or an email.
  • the invite message and/or application download and/or installation information is integrated in the presence check signal, in which case the step of transmitting a presence acknowledgement may comprises the step of accepting the invite.
  • the method explained above may be used to verify the presence of group members within a limited range.
  • the presence check method may be manually triggered or performed automatically by the wireless transceiver units, e.g. on the basis of a defined time interval between checks.
  • An example of cases in which manually triggered presence checks may be called for is in cases of a rescue operation, such as e.g. after an avalanche, earthquakes or fire.
  • Examples of cases in which continuous polling may be called for could be to keep track of groups of users that are supposed to stay within a defined distance, and/or cases in which it is crucial that a group leader continuously is aware of the group member's location.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method of performing the status check using the status check application previously described with reference to figs. 1A' - 1 B. The method comprises sending, SG, a status check comprising sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit (A of figs.
  • the method further comprises prompting, SH, a user of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status.
  • the step of prompting may comprise displaying a prompt on the display of the additional users wireless transceiver unit and receiving input from the user.
  • the prompt may e.g. be the question "are you ok” and comprise two alternative response buttons on a touch panel of the wireless transceiver unit, "ok” and "not ok".
  • the method further comprises upon receipt of a positive status input, e.g. an "ok” input, in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting, SI2, a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input, e.g. a "not ok” input, in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting, SI1 , a negative status check message acknowledgement.
  • a positive status input e.g. an "ok” input
  • a positive status check message acknowledgement e.g. a positive status check message acknowledgement
  • a negative status input e.g. a "not ok” input
  • the absens of a "ok" responce within a defined time period may also be interpreted as a "Not ok” responce", meaning that an alternative is to have only one alternative answer button beeing ok and if the user have not activly confirmed using that button user is assumed as "Not ok”.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver switches form transmitting the status check signal to listening for status check message acknowledgements.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit When the initiating wireless transceiver unit receives a positive status check message acknowledgement from an additional wireless transceiver unit, the initiating wireless transceiver updates the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and when the initiating wireless transceiver unit receives a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, the initiating wireless transceiver unit updates the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as "not ok". It is also conceivable that the wireless transceiver unit transmits a "not ok" message on the basis of the wireless transceiver unit not receiving confirmation from the user of the wireless transceiver unit.
  • the application may have a feature that makes the wireless transceiver unit respond with a negative status acknowledgement in the case that it takes too long for the user of the wireless transceiver unit to respond if prompted with the "are you ok?" question.
  • the status check method is an integrated part of the presence check described earliera and the user may be asked to provide status information befor the wireless tranceiver unit acknowledgs a presens check signal.
  • an additional wireless transceiver may be configured to constantly broadcast a signal containing e.g. "I'm here" + ID and optionally location information. If the additional wireless transceiver knows that it has lost the group, the additional wireless transceiver may switch to broadcasting "I'm lost" + ID and optionally location information, e.g. the switch may occur if no other member of the group list is being detected, too few other member of the group list are being detected, or one or several out of a "must-see" members are not present. The switch may further occur if the wireless transceiver unit senses that it is in a distressed situation, e.g. using accelerometer input.
  • Fig. 3A' - fig. 4 shows an implementation of a presence check application being similar to the implementation disclosed with reference to figs. 1A' - 2.
  • the basic idea to the check if and how many of the members in a group list are located in the direct vicinity of the initiating wireless transceiver unit (A).
  • the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 automatically respond by acknowledging the presence check but do not repeat or relay the message.
  • the presence check range is limited by the range of the broadcast signal from the local network transceiver of the initiating wireless transceiver 1A.
  • the presence check performed in the embodiment described in fig. 1 A' - fig. 2 is the same with regards to the part of the method shown in fig. 3A'.
  • the range of presence check signal may be extended using a repeater principle.
  • the command message of such a broadcast includes an instruction to repeat the signal.
  • the wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 repeats the signal received from the initiating wireless transceiver 1A such that the repeated broadcast signal can reach further, and in the embodiment shown in fig. 3A'" reach the wireless transceiver 1 C1.
  • the repeating devices B1 and B2 may in this case, based on the command message received from the initiating wireless transceiver and/or on application settings, add additional information to the transmitted signal, which may include information such as which device have repeated the signal and possibly information about the repeating device, e.g. the location of said device.
  • the devices When the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 receives the presence check signal, the devices will, after the signal is received, also go to transmitting mode and 1 B1 will transmit a presence check signal + a second command and/or information signal which may include parameters added by 1 B1 , while 1 B2 will transmit a presence check signal + a second command and/or information signal which may include parameters added by 1 B2.
  • FIG. 3B shows the method performed by an additional wireless transceiver unit, also described by the schematic figures 3A' - 3A" ⁇ as a flow chart. The method described includes the steps of, based on the command message received, SA', at the additional wireless transceiver unit, broadcasting, SB', the presence check signal including a second command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit. After having transmitted the presence check signal including the second command message for e.g. a defined time, the additional wireless transceiver units (1 B1 , 1 B2 of figs.
  • 3A' - 3A' switches to listening SC, for presence check acknowledgements from other additional wireless transceiver unit.
  • the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from another additional wireless transceiver unit (1 C1 of figs. 3A' - 3A'"), the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 transmits the presence check acknowledgement of the other additional wireless transceiver unit 1C1 from the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A1 , using the local network transceiver.
  • the repeating of the broadcast of the presence check signal may in the embodiments described above be performed automatically or on the basis of a manual input from the user of the additional wireless transceiver.
  • the presence check signal may be used as a continuous "heartbeat" function within the group of users being part of the group list.
  • the continuous "heartbeat" function can be implemented by all wireless transceiver units in a group frequently transmitting a presence check signal to verify the presence of other wireless transceiver units in the group, or it may be implemented as one, or more, wireless transceiver units being the initiating wireless transceiver unit or master and continuously or according to a schedule or scheduling principle transmitting the presence check signal.
  • the procedure may also include an acknowledge signal transmitted by wireless transceiver units that receive the heart beat signal.
  • a wireless transceiver unit in the group loses the contact with the other members, detected as a non-received heart beat or a non- acknowledged heartbeat, the wireless transceiver unit turns on the "I'm lost” signal.
  • This signal can also be manually triggered by the lost user of the wireless transceiver unit.
  • Turning on the "I'm lost” signal means first of all that all other members of the group list will immediately detect and report the user with the wireless transceiver unit transmitting the "I'm lost" signal.
  • users not part of the group may also detect the "I'm lost” signal and act on that, e.g. by reporting back to a server including the location of where the user is detected.
  • the "I'm lost” signal may be triggered by a lack of heart beat or lack of other wireless transceiver units on the group list responding on a presence check signal, the "I'm lost” signal is however also considered as a presence check signal.
  • the additional wireless transceiver units of the group list including the lost wireless transceiver unit may also receive information about via whom and when it was reported. Such information may be received from a server in communication with the lost wireless transceiver unit, and in the alternative, users which are not members of the group detecting the "I am lost” signal, may add a parameter to their broadcast heart-beat signal including relevant information (such as group list ID, location, time etc.) of the received "I am lost" signal.
  • the information regarding the lost device may also be picked up by a third party wireless transceiver unit, which is a considerable advantage with using the open broadcast layer.
  • the third party wireless transceiver unit may in turn repeat the procedure.
  • all users may pick up and transfers further the information, which means that once a user who has picked up this information passes a group member of the lost user, the information is received and may be acted on.
  • the identity of the lost user may be unknown to the repeating third party, who may only get the information that it is important to repeat the message, without knowing why.
  • Fig. 4A' - 4B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a search and rescue procedure using the wireless transceiver units running the status check application previously described.
  • the search and rescue procedure is similar to the scenarios described in figs. 1A'- 1A" and 3A' - 3A'", with the difference that the presence and status check is followed by a search and rescue procedure if the presence check reveals that one or more user, who should have been present, is missing and/or in case that the status check reveals that the status of one or more user is not ok.
  • the example of a rescue operation following an avalanche will be used, however, the method may just as well be used in any other situation in which a search for a missing wireless transceiver unit needs to be performed, e.g. the search of a lost child in an amusement park, the search of a lost construction worker following an accident or in the search of trapped residents in a burning building or when rescuing people in a cave in which there is no cell phone coverage.
  • the application specific group list comprises five present users A, B1 , B2, C1 , and C2, each having a wireless transceiver unit 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2, 1 C1 , 1 C2 each having a local network transceiver in the form of a Wi-Fi transceiver capable of broadcasting an SSID.
  • the five present users are one initiating user A, two additional present users with "ok" status B1 , B2 and two lost users C1 , C2 with unknown or "not ok" status.
  • the initiating user A initiates search mode on the initiating users wireless transceiver unit. Search mode can be initiated manually, or as an action triggered by the application based on other decision criteria or configurations.
  • the search procedure is initiated by the initiating user A transmitting a search mode signaling, as a broadcast SSID using the local network transceiver of the wireless transceiver unit 1A, instructing the additional users in the group list to switch to search mode (fig. 4A').
  • a search mode signaling as a broadcast SSID using the local network transceiver of the wireless transceiver unit 1A, instructing the additional users in the group list to switch to search mode (fig. 4A').
  • the wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 receives the instructions
  • the wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 switches to search mode and acknowledges the receipt (fig. 4A") of the instructions to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A.
  • the wireless transceiver units marked as ok, 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 all starts to listen for signaling from at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as "not ok".
  • the application may intermittently switch the wireless transceiver units to presence check mode for the purpose of incorporating further additional wireless transceiver units which may have arrived at the location at a later stage.
  • the searching wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 When the searching wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 receives the broadcasted signals from the lost wireless transceiver units, the searching units will determine the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
  • the signal strength may be determined as for example RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and/or as RCPI (Received Channel Power Indicator).
  • RSSI Receiveived Signal Strength Indication
  • RCPI Receiveived Channel Power Indicator
  • a searching wireless transceiver unit may connect and create a session with a lost wireless transceiver unit when the signal is sufficiently strong.
  • the signaling from a lost wireless transceiver unit may be relayed by the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B1 , 1 B2 being closest to the lost device, but may however also by directed and understood directly by the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A.
  • One disadvantage with creating a private signaling session between an additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 and a lost wireless transceiver unit 1 C2 is that the initiating device 1A will then not understand that private signaling, which will make a search and rescue operation dependant on the connection between the units 1 B2, 1 C2 having the private session.
  • all participating wireless transceiver units may participate in the searching and locating of a wireless transceiver unit, which enables the creation of efficient search patterns.
  • a search pattern i.e. a map and/or instructions for how the searching users should move to search as large of an area as possible and/or to arrive at the lost user as quickly as possible.
  • the determined signal strength at each of the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 are relayed to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1 A which comprises a calculating unit configured to calculate the search pattern and provide the calculated search pattern to the additional wireless transceivers 1 B1 , 1 B2.
  • the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1 A which comprises a calculating unit configured to calculate the search pattern and provide the calculated search pattern to the additional wireless transceivers 1 B1 , 1 B2.
  • the calculation of the search algorithm may be performed and/or supervised by a remote server, which may be a server which is part of a search and rescue organization.
  • the determining of the signal strength may be combined with various positioning means such as GPS or other GNSS.
  • the lost device may include the last available positioning data in the transmitted SSID, which may significantly shorten the time it takes to locate the position lost wireless transceiver unit. It is also conceivable that the initiating wireless transceiver uses positing data of the additional searching wireless transceiver units for the purpose of calculating the search pattern.
  • a search and rescue application may include several other features apart from the actual search related functionally, such as general instructions on how to proceed, numbers to call to PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) or local security organizations, check-lists what to do after rescue, integration with various information systems to retrieve maps, weather information as well as reporting back data to be used to produce information and tune models.
  • PSAP Public Safety Answering Point
  • the embodiment of figs. 4A' - 4A'" may be combined with the relay embodiment of figs. 3A' - 3A'", such as an invitation to join the searching group list and/or the search procedure may be relayed by all participating wireless transceiver units, notably the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2.
  • How and by whom the signals are relayed depends on policy settings set by the application and/or the users.
  • Another example of a setting is that any one receiving the invite may be set to relay the signal, but receivers who are not already members of the group list may not be allowed or able to decode the message.
  • additional means for engaging additional searchers may be used, i.e. extending the search group.
  • additional search invites may be sent to wireless transceiver units in the area, coordinated by a server, by means of the telephony network, e.g. by means of a text message service.
  • Wireless transceiver units being added to the search group can either be added as a standalone searcher, meaning it is not included in the cooperative search but performs standalone search, or added to the cooperative search group. In the latter case, the new device to be added receives information from the received presence check signal.
  • Fig. 4B is a flow chart of the method of performing the search and rescue operation described above using signaling in accordance with what has been described in relation to figs. 4A' - 4A'", in which the steps SD" and SE" are dotted as an indication of these steps being optional.
  • Figs. 5A' and 5A" shows an embodiment of the procedure involving a super user, which in this embodiment is a super user with access to fixed infrastructure in the form of a Wi-Fi access point 1 X.
  • the super user may be the initiating device or may become involved as a result of an initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A initiating a presence check and/or status check and/or search and rescue operation.
  • the methods involving a super user may function in the same way as the methods which do not involve a super user, i.e. any of the procedures or methods described in here may have a super user as initiating device or as a device assisting in the search procedure.
  • 5B shows a flow chart of a method involving a super user, in which the super user being a user connected to a Wi-Fi access point broadcasts a Wi-Fi SSID presence check signal SA'", using the local network Wi-Fi transceiver. After a period of broadcasts, the super user switches to listening SD'" for a broadcasted presence check acknowledgement from at least one wireless transceiver unit.
  • a wireless transceiver unit running the application and thus understanding the SSID signal transmitted by the super user receives the broadcast presence check signal SB'" and responds to the presence check signal by transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement SC" comprising the group list ID using the local network transceiver.
  • the super user Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the wireless transceiver unit, the super user updates the group list by marking that wireless transceiver unit as present.
  • the signalling for the status checks and search and rescue procedures are basically the same as described above for groups not including a super user. However, one significant difference is that a group having a super user may have the capabilities of inviting further participants and using all available infrastructure, such as WiFi acccess points and to some extent mobile phone base stations.

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Abstract

A method for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units is provided. The method comprises a presence check comprising setting up a group list of wireless transceiver units specific to the status check application. Each wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID. The method further comprises broadcasting an application specific presence check signal including a command message, from the initiating wireless transceiver unit and receiving the broadcast presence check signal including the command message, at the additional wireless transceiver unit. The method further comprises listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit using the local network transceiver, and upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present.

Description

METHOD FOR PRESENCE DETECTION
Field of the invention
[0001 ] The invention relates to the technical field of presence detection using radio signaling between users of wireless transceivers.
Technical Background
[0002] There are numerous of situations and contexts where there is a great value to autonomously and fast verify if members in a group are locally present and if needed locate the members in relation to the one verifying.
[0003] Traditionally this has been implemented either by manually counting and orally and visually verifying if members are presence, while for some scenarios there are dedicated technical equipment that can be used for this purpose.
[0004] Especially in situations of more critical character, various purpose built technological solutions has been developed to enhance or enable the detection and location. Example of such application is avalanche rescue equipment, various military applications and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) (e.g. GPS (Global Positioning System)) based solutions for keeping track and locating e.g. pets or children.
[0005] Today, mobile phone platforms enable these applications to be implemented as software. This software approach on the advanced mobile platforms of today enables improved usability. When combined with the connected ability of a mobile phone, opportunities arise from both connecting the application with the Internet (or other services), as well as from a distributed model making the application instantly available to large and broad user segments. Summary of the invention
[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a method for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units. The wireless transceiver units comprise an initiating wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver and an additional wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver. The method comprises a presence check comprising setting up, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit, a group list of wireless transceiver units specific to the status check application, comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit. Each wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID. The method further comprises broadcasting an application specific presence check signal including a command message, from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, receiving the broadcast presence check signal including the command message, at the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, and transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver. The method further comprises listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit using the local network transceiver, and upon receipt, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
[0007] One advantage with the presence check method is that a presence check can be performed using only broadcast signaling, which makes it possible to receive a presence check signal from all wireless transceiver units within the range of the local network transceiver. The presence check may also be possible without any input from the user and even if the wireless transceiver unit is buried in e.g. snow. [0008] According to one embodiment the method further comprising a status check. The status check comprises sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, to at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, and prompting a user of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status. Upon receipt of a positive status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver, or in the absence of a status input, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a negative status check message acknowledgement. The method further comprises the step of listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok. [0009] The status check method makes it possible to determine the status of the present wireless transceiver units using broadcasting signaling, which for example means that the method can be performed without the wireless transceiver units having cell phone coverage. [00010] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. The search procedure comprising listening, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, for signaling from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
[0001 1 ] The search procedure enables the searching to be performed by all of the present wireless transceiver units, which makes it possible to search an area a lot quicker.
[00012] According to one embodiment, the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal. The method of relaying further comprises, based on the command message received at the additional wireless transceiver unit, broadcasting the presence check signal including a second command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, and listening for presence check acknowledgements from another additional wireless transceiver unit, at the additional wireless transceiver unit. The method further comprises, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the other additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting the presence check acknowledgement of the other additional wireless transceiver unit from the additional wireless transceiver unit to the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
[00013] The relay method makes it possible to extend the reach of the presence and/or status check and thereby makes it possible to cover a much larger area with the search. [00014] A method in a wireless transceiver unit is further provided. The wireless transceiver comprises a local network transceiver, for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units. The method comprises a presence check comprising setting up a group list specific to the status check application comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, each wireless transceiver unit on the group list having a group list ID, and transmitting an application specific presence check broadcast, including the group list ID and a command message, using the local network transceiver. The method further comprises listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, using the local network transceiver, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
[00015] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a status check. The status check comprises sending a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit, listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok. The status check may be an integrated part of the presence check.
[00016] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. The search procedure comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. [00017] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises using the determined signal strength for calculating a search pattern, which may be provided to another wireless transceiver unit. By providing a calculated search pattern to additional wireless transceivers, the search may be coordinated such that a larger area can be covered much faster.
[00018] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. The search procedure comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and connecting to at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok. The method further comprises receiving information regarding the received signal strength of at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok, using the determined signal strength and the received information for calculating a search pattern, and transmitting data based on the calculated search pattern to the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok. [00019] By constantly receiving information about signal strength from a lost device the lost device can be positioned in an efficient way.
[00020] According to one embodiment, the presence check acknowledgement may comprise location information.
[00021 ] A method in a wireless transceiver unit for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units is further provided. The wireless transceiver unit being part of an application specific group list on which each wireless transceiver unit has a group list ID, the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver. The method comprises a presence check comprising receiving a broadcast presence check, using the local network transceiver, the broadcast presence check including a command message, and transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID of the wireless transceiver unit, on the basis of the command message, using the local network transceiver.
[00022] According to one embodiment, the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal. The method further comprises, based on the received command message, broadcasting the presence check signal including a second command message, and listening for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
[00023] According to one embodiment the method further comprises a status check comprising receiving a status check message, using the local network transceiver, prompting a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status, upon receipt of a positive status input, transmitting a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting a negative status check message acknowledgement. [00024] According to one embodiment, the status check is an integrated part of the presence check. [00025] According to one embodiment the command message further comprises instructions to transmit a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit. The method further comprising broadcasting a status check message to at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, listening for a status check message acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting a second positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, transmitting a second negative status check message acknowledgement.
[00026] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving a further command message to initiate a search procedure. The command message includes the group list ID of a wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. The method further comprises listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and transmitting data related to the determined signal strength to the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
[00027] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
[00028] According to one embodiment, receiving the further command message further comprises receiving a calculated search pattern, and providing the calculated search pattern to a user of the wireless transceiver unit. [00029] According to one embodiment, at least one of the steps of transmitting a presence check acknowledgement and transmitting a status check message comprises transmitting location information related to the location of the wireless transceiver unit.
[00030] According to one embodiment receiving a broadcasted presence check signal comprises receiving an invite message to join a group list and wherein the step of transmitting a presence acknowledgement comprises the step of accepting the invite.
[00031 ] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises automatically repeating the step of broadcasting the presence check signal including a command message.
[00032] A method in a transceiver unit, comprising a local network transceiver, for checking the status of at least one wireless transceiver unit, is further provided. The method comprises a presence check comprising broadcasting a presence check signal, using the local network transceiver, listening for a broadcasted presence check acknowledgement from at least one wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional capable wireless transceiver unit, creating a group list of present wireless transceiver units, sending a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit, listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
[00033] A wireless transceiver unit configured to run a status check application is further provided. The wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID and being part of a group list specific to the status check application. The wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver. The wireless transceiver unit comprises a local network receiving unit, configured to receive a broadcast presence check signal including the group list ID and a command message with instructions to perform presence verification, and a local network transmitting unit, configured to a transmit a presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message. [00034] According to one embodiment of the wireless transceiver unit, the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal and wherein:
[00035] a. the local network transmitting unit is further configured to broadcast, based on the received command message, the presence check signal including a second command message. The local network receiving unit is further configured to listen for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmit the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
[00036] According to one embodiment, the local network receiving unit is further configured to receive a status check message, using a local network receiver for which the wireless transceiver unit further comprises a prompting unit configured to prompt a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status and for which the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a positive status input, transmit a positive status check message acknowledgement. The local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmit a negative status check message acknowledgement.
[00037] According to one embodiment, the local network transmitting unit is configured to broadcast the status check as integrated part of the presence check.
[00038] A computer program product comprising a computer-readable non- transitory storage medium with instructions adapted to carry out the method of any one of the embodiments herein when executed by a device having processing capability, is further provided.
[00039] Please note that the embodiments above can be combined within the scope of the appended claims unless such combinations are clearly contradictory.
Brief description of the drawings
[00040] Fig. 1 A' and 1 A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00041 ] Fig. 1 B is a flow chart of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00042] Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for status check between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00043] Fig. 3A', 3A" and 3A'" shows a schematic view of a method of performing and relaying a presence check procedure between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00044] Fig. 3B is a flow chart of a method for relaying a presence check procedure between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00045] Fig. 4A', 4A" and 4 A'" shows a schematic view of a method for performing a search and rescue operation between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00046] Fig. 4B is a flow chart of a method for performing a search and rescue operation between users of wireless transceiver units.
[00047] Fig. 5A' and 5A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units and additional infrastructure.
[00048] Fig. 5B is a flow chart of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver units and additional infrastructure. Detailed description
[00050] The method, devices and system presented in this disclosure enabling autonomous presence check and thereafter optionally locating group members relatively the one(s) searching using mobile phones with cellular and local network capacities, e.g. Wi-Fi.
[00051 ] A method, system and associated devices are provided for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units. At least one participating wireless transceiver unit running the status check application is an initiating wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver and at least one participating wireless transceiver unit running the status check application is an additional wireless transceiver unit having a local network transceiver. The initiating wireless transceiver unit is configured to initiate a presence check comprising setting up, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit, a group list of participating wireless transceiver units. The group list is specific to the status check application and comprises at least one additional wireless transceiver unit. Each participating wireless transceiver unit has a group list ID linking the group list to the specific participating wireless transceiver unit.
[00052] The method is initiated by the initiating wireless transceiver unit broadcasting an application specific presence check signal, which includes a command message using the local network transceiver of the initiating wireless transceiver unit. An additional wireless transceiver unit which is in range of the transmission receives the broadcast presence check signal including the command message, using the local network transceiver of the additional wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of the broadcast presence check signal, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a broadcast presence check acknowledgement which comprises the group list ID of the additional wireless transceiver unit, on the basis of the command message, using the local network transceiver. [00053] In the meantime, the initiating wireless transceiver unit listens for the broadcast presence check acknowledgement, using the local network transceiver. Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, the initiating wireless transceiver unit updates the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present.
[00054] In a first embodiment, the above method is preceded by a procedure in which the group linked by means of the application specific group list is defined and the users of participating wireless transceiver units have opted in. However, in one embodiment, the step of setting up the group and creating the closed group list can be overridden in cases of emergency and by those authorized to do so (typically emergency response agencies), which means that such super users can create groups in which all wireless transceiver units present on a particular geographical area will participate.
[00055] In one exemplifying embodiment of the procedure of creating the group defined by the application specific group list, a unique group identity is created, which is a part of the signaling message used by any group member when a check for other group member's local presence is activated.
[00056] In one exemplifying embodiment, the presence check configured to disclose which group members are locally present is performed by the initiating device using a standard local network radio technology broadcast message (e.g. using the Wi-Fi standard), composed in such way it includes the group identity, the command message (e.g. incorporating instructions with regards to how to respond to the presence check message), and optionally also parameters representing the current location (e.g. GNSS (e.g. GPS) coordinates). It may also include other information about the group, such as information concerning the location of other members and/or information about other members. [00057] The presence check procedure described above may be succeeded by, or have integrated in, a procedure for status check. According to one embodiment, the procedure for status check comprises sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, to at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit. The additional wireless transceiver then, e.g. on the basis of an included command message, prompts the user of the additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status (e.g. if the user is ok or in need of any form of assistance). Upon receipt of a positive status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a positive status check message acknowledgement to the initiating device. In the contrary, upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, the additional wireless transceiver unit transmits a negative status check message acknowledgement. In the meantime, the initiating wireless transceiver unit listens for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, and upon receipt of a positive status check message acknowledgement, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the group list is updated by the marking of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and upon receipt of a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit is updated by the marking of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
[00058] In one exemplifying embodiment, if the user has not transmitted a positive status check message or if the user has transmitted a negative status check message acknowledgement, the application automatically switches to a "rescue me" mode and is marked in the group list by the initiating device as a "lost device". [00059] The presence and/or status check procedures described above are typically executed in scenarios such as emergency situations where some members in the group tries to locate other members. Example applications are avalanche rescue applications, and locating children or construction workers not answering when called upon. Obviously, the same principles and procedures as described among users can be applied also for machine- to-machine or man-to-machine application where one or several of the users and devices are replaced by machines that are mobile or fixed installations.
[00060] Today, a standard mobile phone, which is a wireless transceiver unit, is equipped with both multiple means and technologies for cellular and local wireless communication and internet access. They are also equipped with multiple sensors and high resolution touch screens. The features of a mobile phone thus make it possible to implement applications used to identify, locate and track users of other wireless transceiver units. When combined with integrity protecting hard and/or software, a mobile phone can be used to keep track of people and/or equipment in a way such that applications which are today implemented in dedicated tools and equipment can be replaced.
[00061 ] Broadcast is to be understood as public radio communication transmitted by a local network transceiver and receivable by any local network transceiver of same or similar type.
[00062] Local network transceiver is to be understood as a radio transceiver of the wireless transceiver unit capable of creating a local network. In the exemplifying embodiments described with reference to the accompanying figures, Wi-Fi, wireless local area network technology based on the IEEE 802.1 1 standards is used. However, it is conceivable that other radio standards, such as Wi-Fi Direct, may be used for the local network transceiver as long as they are capable of transmitting and receiving open broadcast communication.
[00063] Command message is to be understood as any message which could contain information which could be interpreted as instructions. A command message may be part of the name of a network, such as SSID, or device name.
[00064] Below, specific embodiments of the present invention are described. It will be appreciated that the drawings are for illustration only and are not in any way restricting the scope of the invention. Thus, any references to directions, such as "up" or "down", are only referring to the directions shown in the figures. It should be noted that the features having the same reference numerals have the same function, a feature in one embodiment could thus be exchanged for a feature from another embodiment having the same reference numeral unless clearly contradictory. The descriptions of the features having the same reference numerals should thus be seen as complementing each other in describing the fundamental idea of the feature and thereby showing the features versatility.
[00065] FIG. 1 A' and 1 A" shows a schematic view of a method for presence check between users of wireless transceiver devices running a status check application. According to the embodiment of fig. 1A' - 1 B, a group is created by a user of an initiating device A which runs a status check application. The initial group list creation step is shown as step SA of fig. 1 B. The user of the initiating device A becomes the owner and administrator of the status check application specific group which initially is empty. Even if the initiating device A is the owner and administrator of the group, the group can later be transferred to another member and/or multiple users may be assigned as administrators for the group. [00066] In one exemplifying embodiment, a user with administrator authorities can invite members to the group, remove members and change group common settings in the status check application. The owner of the group can delete the entire group. It is further more conceivable that a user can be owner, but not administrator. This means that the owner can remove the group, but cannot change the group or the group settings. It is further more conceivable that a user can have an account type that is a pure administrator account, meaning this user does not have a device that can be used for presence and/or status verification and/or location determination.
[00067] As a next step in a procedure to set up an group list specific to the status check application, the owner and administrator starts to invite other users of wireless transceiver units, B1, B2 and C1 to the group. Invites may be sent as e.g. text or e-mail messages and may include instructions for, or a link for, downloading the status check application. When being invited, the users B1, B2 and C1 can be requested to accept the invitation to be added to the group list specific to the status check application. Each member, i.e. each wireless transceiver unit, of the group list is assigned a specific group list ID, which can be used to identify each user.
[00068] Members in the group of users B1, B2 and C1 , in the embodiment shown in fig. 1A' and fig. 1A", become members with the default user type "member", which means that they do not receive administrator rights. However, this may be changed by the initiating device being group owner and/or administrator.
[00069] A member in the group of users B1 , B2 and C1 are either activated or deactivated. Activated means that the user will be included in procedures to verify presence or determine location, while deactivated means it will not be included. In the embodiment shown in figs. 1A' - fig. 1 B, the group administrators sets the policies for whether or not the user can set status them self in the status check application. [00070] In the group creation and set-up of the embodiment of fig. 1 A' - fig. 1 B, a number of fundamental signaling messages and policies are defined and provisioned in all members devices and in the status check application. The main principle behind the presence and status check procedure which may be performed using the status check application is using a wireless network broadcast signal, e.g. the Wi-Fi SSID message. An application and/or group unique SSID is generated. Also, policies for what to do when the SSID is received by the application of an active user are set. Example of policies are when and for what reasons the user of the wireless transceiver unity should be prompted and requested to confirm, how long the status check application should wait for such confirmation, and what happens when confirmation is received or not received. Other example of policies is if and how confirmation can be accepted also after the time has passed and to what extent the application and members of the status check application group list can access position information provided by the wireless transceiver unit.
[00071 ] Once the status check application group is created, and the first users of wireless transceiver units are added, the status check application is ready to be used.
[00072] In the embodiment shown in figs. 1A' - 1 B, the method for verifying the presence of the users running the status check application on their wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 is shown. The initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A in the embodiment shown in figs. 1 A' - 1 B is user A, i.e. user A would like to verify presence of additional wireless transceiver units. However, it may be any of the users A, B1 , B2 or C1 , which are the initiating device. Each of the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver.
[00073] The initiating device A, broadcasts an application specific presence check signal which includes a command message, i.e. instructions about how the receiving wireless transceiver unit shall act. The initiating wireless transceiver uses the local network transceiver, being method step SB of fig. 1 B. The broadcast presence check signal is received by the local network transceivers of the additional wireless transceiver units B1 and B2, schematically shown in fig. 1A", which are within the range of the wireless broadcast, this being shown as method step SC in fig. 1 B.
[00074] The additional wireless transceiver units B1 and B2 responds to the presence check signal on the basis of the command message which instructs the additional wireless transceivers to broadcast a presence check acknowledgement which includes their individual group list ID, using their respective local network transceiver, this being shown as method step SD in fig. 1 B. In the embodiment of figs. 1A" - 1 B, the acknowledgement is sent using broadcast signal (SSID). [00075] In the meantime, after having transmitted the application specific presence check signal for e.g. a defined time, the initiating device A starts to listen for broadcast presence check acknowledgements using the local network transceiver, which is shown as method step SE in fig. 1 B. [00076] When the initiating user A receives a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, the initiating device updates the group list specific to the status check application, by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present, which is shown as method step SF in fig. 1 B. The initiating device may also mark additional wireless transceiver units as not present, e.g. if no acknowledgement is received after a defined time.
[00077] In the embodiment of figs. 1A' - B the presence check acknowledgement provided by the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 may comprise location information, which for example may be GNSS (e.g. GPS) information.
[00078] As explained above, the invitation to join a group may be performed by means of a text message or an email. However, it is equally conceivable that the invite message and/or application download and/or installation information is integrated in the presence check signal, in which case the step of transmitting a presence acknowledgement may comprises the step of accepting the invite.
[00079] The method explained above may be used to verify the presence of group members within a limited range. The presence check method may be manually triggered or performed automatically by the wireless transceiver units, e.g. on the basis of a defined time interval between checks. An example of cases in which manually triggered presence checks may be called for is in cases of a rescue operation, such as e.g. after an avalanche, earthquakes or fire. Examples of cases in which continuous polling may be called for could be to keep track of groups of users that are supposed to stay within a defined distance, and/or cases in which it is crucial that a group leader continuously is aware of the group member's location.
[00080] The presence detection method in any of the embodiments herein may be based on Wi-Fi signaling in which the SSID broadcast signal and the 32 bytes of characters are used for signaling messages and instruction parameters. Reponses to the broadcasted messages may be signaled either by establishing a connection (e.g. attach to the initiating parties network, or by establishing a new ad-hoc network) or by using broadcast means for this as well. [00081 ] Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method of performing the status check using the status check application previously described with reference to figs. 1A' - 1 B. The method comprises sending, SG, a status check comprising sending a status check message from the initiating wireless transceiver unit (A of figs. 1A' and fig. 1A"), using the local network transceiver, as an SSID broadcast signal to at least one additional wireless transceiver unit (B1 , B2 of figs. 1A' and fig. 1A") marked as present in the group list administered by the initiating device. The method further comprises prompting, SH, a user of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status. The step of prompting may comprise displaying a prompt on the display of the additional users wireless transceiver unit and receiving input from the user. The prompt may e.g. be the question "are you ok" and comprise two alternative response buttons on a touch panel of the wireless transceiver unit, "ok" and "not ok".
[00082] The method further comprises upon receipt of a positive status input, e.g. an "ok" input, in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting, SI2, a positive status check message acknowledgement, and upon receipt of a negative status input, e.g. a "not ok" input, in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting, SI1 , a negative status check message acknowledgement. The absens of a "ok" responce within a defined time period may also be interpreted as a "Not ok" responce", meaning that an alternative is to have only one alternative answer button beeing ok and if the user have not activly confirmed using that button user is assumed as "Not ok". [00083] In the meantime, the initiating wireless transceiver switches form transmitting the status check signal to listening for status check message acknowledgements. When the initiating wireless transceiver unit receives a positive status check message acknowledgement from an additional wireless transceiver unit, the initiating wireless transceiver updates the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and when the initiating wireless transceiver unit receives a negative status check message acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, the initiating wireless transceiver unit updates the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as "not ok". It is also conceivable that the wireless transceiver unit transmits a "not ok" message on the basis of the wireless transceiver unit not receiving confirmation from the user of the wireless transceiver unit. i.e. the application may have a feature that makes the wireless transceiver unit respond with a negative status acknowledgement in the case that it takes too long for the user of the wireless transceiver unit to respond if prompted with the "are you ok?" question.
[00084] In accordance with one embodiment, the status check method is an integrated part of the presence check described earliera and the user may be asked to provide status information befor the wireless tranceiver unit acknowledgs a presens check signal.
[00085] Just as in the case with the presence check, the status check may be manually or automatically triggered based e.g. on time of location information. [00086] In one embodiment, an additional wireless transceiver may be configured to constantly broadcast a signal containing e.g. "I'm here" + ID and optionally location information. If the additional wireless transceiver knows that it has lost the group, the additional wireless transceiver may switch to broadcasting "I'm lost" + ID and optionally location information, e.g. the switch may occur if no other member of the group list is being detected, too few other member of the group list are being detected, or one or several out of a "must-see" members are not present. The switch may further occur if the wireless transceiver unit senses that it is in a distressed situation, e.g. using accelerometer input.
[00087] Fig. 3A' - fig. 4 shows an implementation of a presence check application being similar to the implementation disclosed with reference to figs. 1A' - 2. However, in the embodiment disclosed in figs. 1A' - 2, the basic idea to the check if and how many of the members in a group list are located in the direct vicinity of the initiating wireless transceiver unit (A). For this basic purpose, the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 automatically respond by acknowledging the presence check but do not repeat or relay the message. This means that the presence check range is limited by the range of the broadcast signal from the local network transceiver of the initiating wireless transceiver 1A. In this regard, the presence check performed in the embodiment described in fig. 1 A' - fig. 2 is the same with regards to the part of the method shown in fig. 3A'.
[00088] However, in an alternative embodiment the range of presence check signal may be extended using a repeater principle. As shown in fig. 3A", when an additional wireless transceiver 1 B2 receives a broadcast from an initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A, the command message of such a broadcast includes an instruction to repeat the signal. As is shown in fig. 3A" the wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 repeats the signal received from the initiating wireless transceiver 1A such that the repeated broadcast signal can reach further, and in the embodiment shown in fig. 3A'" reach the wireless transceiver 1 C1.
[00089] The repeating devices B1 and B2 may in this case, based on the command message received from the initiating wireless transceiver and/or on application settings, add additional information to the transmitted signal, which may include information such as which device have repeated the signal and possibly information about the repeating device, e.g. the location of said device.
[00090] When the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 receives the presence check signal, the devices will, after the signal is received, also go to transmitting mode and 1 B1 will transmit a presence check signal + a second command and/or information signal which may include parameters added by 1 B1 , while 1 B2 will transmit a presence check signal + a second command and/or information signal which may include parameters added by 1 B2.
[00091 ] A device receiving a repeated signal may in the response include information about from where the signal was repeated. [00092] Fig. 3B shows the method performed by an additional wireless transceiver unit, also described by the schematic figures 3A' - 3A"\ as a flow chart. The method described includes the steps of, based on the command message received, SA', at the additional wireless transceiver unit, broadcasting, SB', the presence check signal including a second command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit. After having transmitted the presence check signal including the second command message for e.g. a defined time, the additional wireless transceiver units (1 B1 , 1 B2 of figs. 3A' - 3A'") switches to listening SC, for presence check acknowledgements from other additional wireless transceiver unit. Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from another additional wireless transceiver unit (1 C1 of figs. 3A' - 3A'"), the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 transmits the presence check acknowledgement of the other additional wireless transceiver unit 1C1 from the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A1 , using the local network transceiver.
[00093] The repeating of the broadcast of the presence check signal may in the embodiments described above be performed automatically or on the basis of a manual input from the user of the additional wireless transceiver.
[00094] In an alternative embodiment, the presence check signal may be used as a continuous "heartbeat" function within the group of users being part of the group list. The continuous "heartbeat" function can be implemented by all wireless transceiver units in a group frequently transmitting a presence check signal to verify the presence of other wireless transceiver units in the group, or it may be implemented as one, or more, wireless transceiver units being the initiating wireless transceiver unit or master and continuously or according to a schedule or scheduling principle transmitting the presence check signal. Depending on what principle is used, the procedure may also include an acknowledge signal transmitted by wireless transceiver units that receive the heart beat signal.
[00095] If a wireless transceiver unit in the group loses the contact with the other members, detected as a non-received heart beat or a non- acknowledged heartbeat, the wireless transceiver unit turns on the "I'm lost" signal. This signal can also be manually triggered by the lost user of the wireless transceiver unit. [00096] Turning on the "I'm lost" signal means first of all that all other members of the group list will immediately detect and report the user with the wireless transceiver unit transmitting the "I'm lost" signal. Also, depending on group policy setting, users not part of the group may also detect the "I'm lost" signal and act on that, e.g. by reporting back to a server including the location of where the user is detected.
[00097] While the "I'm lost" signal may be triggered by a lack of heart beat or lack of other wireless transceiver units on the group list responding on a presence check signal, the "I'm lost" signal is however also considered as a presence check signal.
[00098] When the additional wireless transceiver units of the group list including the lost wireless transceiver unit receives the "I am lost" signal, such group list members may also receive information about via whom and when it was reported. Such information may be received from a server in communication with the lost wireless transceiver unit, and in the alternative, users which are not members of the group detecting the "I am lost" signal, may add a parameter to their broadcast heart-beat signal including relevant information (such as group list ID, location, time etc.) of the received "I am lost" signal. The information regarding the lost device may also be picked up by a third party wireless transceiver unit, which is a considerable advantage with using the open broadcast layer. The third party wireless transceiver unit may in turn repeat the procedure. Hence, all users may pick up and transfers further the information, which means that once a user who has picked up this information passes a group member of the lost user, the information is received and may be acted on. For integrity purposes, the identity of the lost user may be unknown to the repeating third party, who may only get the information that it is important to repeat the message, without knowing why.
[00099] Fig. 4A' - 4B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a search and rescue procedure using the wireless transceiver units running the status check application previously described. The search and rescue procedure is similar to the scenarios described in figs. 1A'- 1A" and 3A' - 3A'", with the difference that the presence and status check is followed by a search and rescue procedure if the presence check reveals that one or more user, who should have been present, is missing and/or in case that the status check reveals that the status of one or more user is not ok.
[000100] In the embodiment disclosed with reference to figs. 4A' - 4B, the example of a rescue operation following an avalanche will be used, however, the method may just as well be used in any other situation in which a search for a missing wireless transceiver unit needs to be performed, e.g. the search of a lost child in an amusement park, the search of a lost construction worker following an accident or in the search of trapped residents in a burning building or when rescuing people in a cave in which there is no cell phone coverage.
[000101 ] In fig. 4A', the application specific group list comprises five present users A, B1 , B2, C1 , and C2, each having a wireless transceiver unit 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2, 1 C1 , 1 C2 each having a local network transceiver in the form of a Wi-Fi transceiver capable of broadcasting an SSID. The five present users are one initiating user A, two additional present users with "ok" status B1 , B2 and two lost users C1 , C2 with unknown or "not ok" status. To locate users in the application specific group list, the initiating user A initiates search mode on the initiating users wireless transceiver unit. Search mode can be initiated manually, or as an action triggered by the application based on other decision criteria or configurations.
[000102] The search procedure is initiated by the initiating user A transmitting a search mode signaling, as a broadcast SSID using the local network transceiver of the wireless transceiver unit 1A, instructing the additional users in the group list to switch to search mode (fig. 4A'). When the wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 receives the instructions, the wireless transceiver units 1 B1 and 1 B2 switches to search mode and acknowledges the receipt (fig. 4A") of the instructions to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A.
[000103] After the acknowledgement from the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2, the wireless transceiver units marked as ok, 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 all starts to listen for signaling from at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as "not ok".
[000104] When in search mode, the application may intermittently switch the wireless transceiver units to presence check mode for the purpose of incorporating further additional wireless transceiver units which may have arrived at the location at a later stage.
[000105] In the example of figs. 4A' - 4A"\ two users C1 , C2 and their wireless transceiver units 1 C1 , 1 C2 have been buried by an avalanche. As both the signals transmitted from the wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 of the searching members of the group list and the lost wireless transceiver units 1C1 , 1 C2, will be transmittals of an SSID using the broadcast of the local network transceiver, Wi-Fi transceiver, the wireless transceiver units will transmit at full effect, making the transmitted signals penetrating several meters of snow.
[000106] When the searching wireless transceiver units 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 receives the broadcasted signals from the lost wireless transceiver units, the searching units will determine the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok. The signal strength may be determined as for example RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and/or as RCPI (Received Channel Power Indicator). As the searching user A, B1 , B2 moves, the changes in signal strength may be used to determine the distance to and the direction of the location of the missing wireless transceiver units 1 C1 , 1 C2.
[000107] In an alternative embodiment, a searching wireless transceiver unit may connect and create a session with a lost wireless transceiver unit when the signal is sufficiently strong. Alternatively the signaling from a lost wireless transceiver unit may be relayed by the additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B1 , 1 B2 being closest to the lost device, but may however also by directed and understood directly by the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A. One disadvantage with creating a private signaling session between an additional wireless transceiver unit 1 B2 and a lost wireless transceiver unit 1 C2 is that the initiating device 1A will then not understand that private signaling, which will make a search and rescue operation dependant on the connection between the units 1 B2, 1 C2 having the private session. In the embodiment in which all responses are transmitted as open broadcasts, all participating wireless transceiver units may participate in the searching and locating of a wireless transceiver unit, which enables the creation of efficient search patterns. [000108] In the embodiment shown in figs. 4A' - 4A"\ the determined signal strength in all of the participating searching devices 1A, 1 B1 , 1 B2 are used to calculate a search pattern, i.e. a map and/or instructions for how the searching users should move to search as large of an area as possible and/or to arrive at the lost user as quickly as possible. In the embodiment shown in figs. 4A' - 4A'", the determined signal strength at each of the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2 are relayed to the initiating wireless transceiver unit 1 A which comprises a calculating unit configured to calculate the search pattern and provide the calculated search pattern to the additional wireless transceivers 1 B1 , 1 B2. This way. the users of the searching wireless transceiver units gets instructions on how to move throughout the search sequence, and the algorithm of the calculating unit may calculate not only estimated location of lost devices, but also an optimal route based on previous measurement and estimates.
[000109] In an alternative embodiment, the calculation of the search algorithm may be performed and/or supervised by a remote server, which may be a server which is part of a search and rescue organization.
[0001 10] The determining of the signal strength may be combined with various positioning means such as GPS or other GNSS. E.g. the lost device may include the last available positioning data in the transmitted SSID, which may significantly shorten the time it takes to locate the position lost wireless transceiver unit. It is also conceivable that the initiating wireless transceiver uses positing data of the additional searching wireless transceiver units for the purpose of calculating the search pattern.
[0001 1 1 ] When performing the measurements to determine signal strength, the uncertainty and how the uncertainty decreases can also be measured, hence it is possible to indicate to the user when further searching will not improve the accuracy and the user should use other means to locate the exact position. How big the uncertainty is and how it decreases depends on multiple aspects such as wireless technology used, device antenna characteristics, environment, weather etc..
[0001 12] A search and rescue application may include several other features apart from the actual search related functionally, such as general instructions on how to proceed, numbers to call to PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) or local security organizations, check-lists what to do after rescue, integration with various information systems to retrieve maps, weather information as well as reporting back data to be used to produce information and tune models. [0001 13] To further improve the reach and hence performance of the search procedure, the embodiment of figs. 4A' - 4A'" may be combined with the relay embodiment of figs. 3A' - 3A'", such as an invitation to join the searching group list and/or the search procedure may be relayed by all participating wireless transceiver units, notably the additional wireless transceiver units 1 B1 , 1 B2. How and by whom the signals are relayed depends on policy settings set by the application and/or the users. Another example of a setting is that any one receiving the invite may be set to relay the signal, but receivers who are not already members of the group list may not be allowed or able to decode the message.
[0001 14] It is furthermore conceivable that additional means for engaging additional searchers may be used, i.e. extending the search group. As an example, additional search invites may be sent to wireless transceiver units in the area, coordinated by a server, by means of the telephony network, e.g. by means of a text message service. Wireless transceiver units being added to the search group can either be added as a standalone searcher, meaning it is not included in the cooperative search but performs standalone search, or added to the cooperative search group. In the latter case, the new device to be added receives information from the received presence check signal.
[0001 15] Fig. 4B is a flow chart of the method of performing the search and rescue operation described above using signaling in accordance with what has been described in relation to figs. 4A' - 4A'", in which the steps SD" and SE" are dotted as an indication of these steps being optional.
[0001 16] In addition to the presence, status and search methods described above and performed between users of an application specific group list, there can be super groups created by super users, e.g. public safety functions or corporate functions. These super users can be used such that all created groups are integrated into the super group if needed, e.g. in emergency situations or when blue light organizations are involved in a search and rescue operation.
[0001 17] Figs. 5A' and 5A" shows an embodiment of the procedure involving a super user, which in this embodiment is a super user with access to fixed infrastructure in the form of a Wi-Fi access point 1 X. The super user may be the initiating device or may become involved as a result of an initiating wireless transceiver unit 1A initiating a presence check and/or status check and/or search and rescue operation. The methods involving a super user may function in the same way as the methods which do not involve a super user, i.e. any of the procedures or methods described in here may have a super user as initiating device or as a device assisting in the search procedure. [0001 18] Fig. 5B shows a flow chart of a method involving a super user, in which the super user being a user connected to a Wi-Fi access point broadcasts a Wi-Fi SSID presence check signal SA'", using the local network Wi-Fi transceiver. After a period of broadcasts, the super user switches to listening SD'" for a broadcasted presence check acknowledgement from at least one wireless transceiver unit. A wireless transceiver unit running the application and thus understanding the SSID signal transmitted by the super user, receives the broadcast presence check signal SB'" and responds to the presence check signal by transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement SC" comprising the group list ID using the local network transceiver.
[0001 19] Upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the wireless transceiver unit, the super user updates the group list by marking that wireless transceiver unit as present. The signalling for the status checks and search and rescue procedures are basically the same as described above for groups not including a super user. However, one significant difference is that a group having a super user may have the capabilities of inviting further participants and using all available infrastructure, such as WiFi acccess points and to some extent mobile phone base stations.
[000120] Please note that the embodiments above can be combined within the scope of the appended claims unless such combinations are clearly contradictory.

Claims

Claims A method for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units, the wireless transceiver units (1 A,1 B1 ,1 B2) comprising an initiating wireless transceiver unit
(1 A) having a local network transceiver and an additional wireless transceiver unit (1 B) having a local network transceiver, the method comprises a presence check comprising: a. setting up (SA), in the initiating wireless transceiver unit, a group list of wireless transceiver units specific to the status check application, comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, each wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID,
b. broadcasting (SB) an application specific presence check signal including a command message, from the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, the command message comprising instructions as to how to respond to the presence check signal,
c. receiving the broadcast (SC) presence check signal including the command message, at the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver,
d. transmitting (SD) a broadcast presence check
acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver,
e. listening (SE) for a broadcast presence check
acknowledgement, in the initiating wireless transceiver unit using the local network transceiver, and
f. upon receipt, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, of a
presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID from the additional wireless transceiver unit, updating (SF) the group list by marking the additional wireless transceiver unit as present, wherein the method further comprises a status check comprising: g. sending (SG) a status check message from the initiating
wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver, to at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, h. prompting (SH) a user of the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status, i. upon receipt of a positive status input in the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting (SI2) a positive status check message acknowledgement,
j. upon receipt of a negative status input in the at least one
present additional wireless transceiver, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting (SI1 ) a negative status check message acknowledgement,
k. listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit,
I. upon receipt of a positive status check message
acknowledgement, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating (SJ2) the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as ok, and
m. upon receipt of a negative status check message
acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit, updating (SJ1 ) the group list in the initiating wireless transceiver unit by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising initiating a search procedure for at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, the search procedure comprising:
a. listening (SA"), at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, for signaling from the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok,
b. determining (SB"), at the initiating wireless transceiver unit, the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and
c. using (SC") the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, at the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
The method according to any one of claims 1 - 2, wherein the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal, the method further comprising:
a. based on the command message received at the additional wireless transceiver unit, broadcasting (SB') the presence check signal including a second command message, from the additional wireless transceiver unit, the second command message comprising instructions as to how to respond to the presence check signal, and
b. listening for presence check acknowledgements (SC) from
another additional wireless transceiver unit, at the additional wireless transceiver unit, and
c. upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the other additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting (SD') the presence check acknowledgement of the other additional wireless transceiver unit from the additional wireless transceiver unit to the initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver. A method in a wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver, for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units, the method comprises a presence check comprising: a. setting up a group list specific to the status check application comprising at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, each wireless transceiver unit on the group list having a group list ID,
b. transmitting an application specific presence check broadcast, including the group list ID and a command message, using the local network transceiver,
c. listening for a broadcast presence check acknowledgement, using the local network transceiver, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and
d. upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement, including the group list ID, from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit as present, wherein the method further comprises a status check comprising: e. sending a status check message to at least one present
wireless transceiver unit,
f. listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit,
g. upon receipt of a positive status check message
acknowledgement from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present wireless transceiver unit as ok, and
h. upon receipt of a negative status check message
acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok.
The method according to claim 4, wherein the status check is an integrated part of the presence check.
The method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, further comprising initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, the search procedure comprising: a. listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok,
b. determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and c. using the determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
The method according to claim 6, further comprising using the determined signal strength for calculating a search pattern, the search pattern comprising instructions pertaining to how to find said at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
The method according to claim 7, further comprising providing the calculated search pattern to another wireless transceiver unit.
The method according to any one of claims 4 - 6 further comprising initiating a search procedure for at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, the search procedure comprising: a. listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok,
connecting to at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok,
receiving information regarding the received signal strength of at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok,
using the determined signal strength and the received information for calculating a search pattern, the search pattern comprising instructions pertaining to how to find said at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and transmitting data based on the calculated search pattern to the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as ok.
10. The method according to any one of claims 4 - 9, wherein the
presence check acknowledgement comprises location information.
1 1 .A method in a wireless transceiver unit, for verifying the presence of users running a status check application on their wireless transceiver units, the wireless transceiver unit being part of an application specific group list on which each wireless transceiver unit has a group list ID, the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver, the method comprises a presence check comprising:
a. receiving a broadcast presence check, using the local network transceiver, the broadcast presence check including a command message, the command message comprising instructions as to how to respond to the broadcast presence check, and
b. transmitting a broadcast presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID of the wireless transceiver unit, on the basis of the command message, using the local network transceiver, wherein the method further comprises a status check comprising c. receiving a status check message, using the local network
transceiver,
d. prompting a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status,
e. upon receipt of a positive status input, transmitting a positive status check message acknowledgement, and
f. upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmitting a negative status check message acknowledgement.
12. The method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal, the method further comprising
a. based on the received command message, broadcasting the presence check signal including a second command message, the second command message comprising instructions as to how to respond to the presence check signal, and
b. listening for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and
c. upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
13. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 -12, wherein the status check is an integrated part of the presence check.
14. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 - 13, wherein the command message further comprises instructions to transmit a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit, the method further comprising:
a. broadcasting a status check message to at least one additional wireless transceiver unit,
b. listening for a status check message acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit,
c. upon receipt of a positive status check message
acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmitting a second positive status check message acknowledgement, and
d. upon receipt of a negative status check message
acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, transmitting a second negative status check message acknowledgement.
15. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 - 14, further
comprising:
a. receiving a further command message to initiate a search
procedure, the command message including the group list ID of a wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok,
b. listening for signaling from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok,
c. determining the signal strength received from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok, and d. transmitting data related to the determined signal strength to the initiating wireless transceiver unit.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising using the
determined signal strength for determining the location of the at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the further command message further comprises:
a. receiving a calculated search pattern, the search pattern
comprising instructions pertaining to how to find said at least one present wireless transceiver unit marked as not ok and b. providing the calculated search pattern to a user of the wireless transceiver unit.
18. The method of any one of claims 1 1 - 17, wherein at least one of the steps of transmitting a presence check acknowledgement and transmitting a status check message comprises transmitting location information related to the location of the wireless transceiver unit.
19. The method of any one of claims 1 1 - 18, wherein receiving a
broadcasted presence check signal comprises receiving an invite message to join a group list and wherein the step of transmitting a presence acknowledgement comprises the step of accepting the invite.
20. The method of any one of claims 1 1 - 19, further comprising
automatically repeating the step of broadcasting the presence check signal including a command message.
21 .A method in a transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver, for checking the status of at least one wireless transceiver unit, the method comprises a presence check comprising: a. broadcasting a presence check signal, using the local network transceiver,
b. listening for a broadcasted presence check acknowledgement from at least one wireless transceiver unit, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional capable wireless transceiver unit, creating a group list of present wireless transceiver units,
sending a status check message to at least one present wireless transceiver unit,
listening for status check message acknowledgements from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit,
upon receipt of a positive status check message
acknowledgement from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present wireless transceiver unit as ok, and
upon receipt of a negative status check message
acknowledgement, or in the absence of a status check message acknowledgement, from the at least one present wireless transceiver unit, updating the group list by marking the at least one present additional wireless transceiver unit as not ok. A wireless transceiver unit configured to run a status check application, the wireless transceiver unit having a group list ID and being part of a group list specific to the status check application, the wireless transceiver unit comprising a local network transceiver, the wireless transceiver unit comprising:
a. a local network receiving unit, configured to receive a broadcast presence check signal including the group list ID and a command message with instructions to perform presence verification, and
b. a local network transmitting unit, configured to transmit a
presence check acknowledgement comprising the group list ID, on the basis of the command message wherein the local network receiving unit is further configured to receive a status check message, using a local network receiver, the wireless transceiver unit further comprising a prompting unit configured to prompt a user of the wireless transceiver unit for positive or negative status,
the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a positive status input, transmit a positive status check message acknowledgement, and wherein
the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a negative status input, or in the absence of a status input, transmit a negative status check message
acknowledgement.
23. The wireless transceiver unit according to claim 22, wherein the
command message further comprises instructions to relay the presence check signal and wherein:
a. the local network transmitting unit is further configured to
broadcast, based on the received command message, the presence check signal including a second command message, the second command message comprising instructions as to how to respond to the presence check signal,
b. the local network receiving unit is further configured to listen for presence check acknowledgements from at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, and wherein
c. the local network transmitting unit is further configured to, upon receipt of a presence check acknowledgement from the at least one additional wireless transceiver unit, transmit the presence check acknowledgement of the at least one additional wireless transceiver to an initiating wireless transceiver unit, using the local network transceiver.
24. The wireless transceiver unit according to any one of claims 22-23, wherein the local network transmitting unit is configured to broadcast the status check as an integrated part of the presence check. 25. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable non- transitory storage medium with instructions adapted to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 - 10, 1 1 -20 or 21 when executed by a device having processing capability.
PCT/EP2017/059698 2016-04-29 2017-04-25 Method for presence detection WO2017186658A1 (en)

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