WO2018130833A1

WO2018130833A1 - Monitoring system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2018130833A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/050071
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim Hughes; Edward LUMB
Original assignee: S & E Caretrade
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2018-01-11
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: GB201700624D0; GB2558645A

Abstract

A monitoring system (100) for monitoring the location of a vulnerable person (1000) is described, the system comprising a first wearable tag (120) for attachment to a vulnerable person, a reader (130) for detecting the presence of the first wearable tag, a sensor (140) for detecting the presence of a vulnerable person at a defined location, a transmitter (150) in communication with said first sensor and said reader, and a receiver (160) in communication with said transmitter, wherein the detection of said first wearable tag by said reader in combination with said sensor detecting the presence and subsequent absence of a vulnerable person at said defined location results in an alert signal being transmitted from said transmitter to said receiver. In this way, the movements of a vulnerable person can be more closely monitored and detected, increasing their safety.

Description

Monitoring System and Method

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a monitoring system, and more particularly to a system for monitoring the location of a vulnerable person.

Background to the Invention

It has long been known and understood that the elderly and other vulnerable people have an increased risk of suffering a fall during their day to day activities. Such falls are of significant concern, potentially resulting in serious injuries which may require a long period of recuperation. Additionally, even in the event no serious injury is incurred in a fall, any such fall may damage the confidence of the elderly or vulnerable person. In this situation, the elderly or vulnerable person may become reluctant to continue to undertake their usual activities without increased assistance from a carer or other third parties, potentially resulting in a reduced quality of life.

With this in mind, the prevention of falls is a priority in hospital, care homes and other locations with a large population of vulnerable people. Recent research has illustrated that up to 85% of all falls in a care facility may occur in toilet areas and, as such, much of the focus on preventing falls has focused on the bathroom setting.

Present approaches to safeguarding the vulnerable in a toilet setting have focused on the provision of pressure pads to monitor movements, or the installation of handrails, supports along with pullcord alarm activation to provide additional assistance to any person in their movements around the bathroom. However, such approaches can require significant modification of bathroom facilities, with any modification often tailored to the specific needs of a single individual. Additionally, the installation of pressure pads or similar present hygiene and infection control issues. Therefore, the modification of a bathroom facility to satisfy the wide-ranging requirements of varying patients in a hospital or care home may prove problematic. Furthermore, the provision of grab rails and pull cord alarm activation is limited to persons with the capability to use such devices.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a monitoring system for monitoring the location of a vulnerable person, the monitoring system comprising; a first wearable tag for attachment to a vulnerable person, a reader for detecting the presence of the first wearable tag, a sensor for detecting the presence of a vulnerable person at a defined location, a transmitter in communication with the first sensor and the reader, and a receiver in communication with the transmitter, wherein the detection of the first wearable tag by the reader in combination with the sensor detecting the presence and subsequent absence of a vulnerable person at the defined location results in an alert signal being transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver.

In this way, there is provided a monitoring system which allows for the improved monitoring of the movements of vulnerable people. Such a system is advantageous as it may be installed in a wide variety of environments. Additionally, such a system is beneficial as it is suitable for use with a large group of vulnerable people, each with their own specific and varying needs.

Preferably, the sensor comprises an infra-red sensor. More preferably, the sensor comprises a passive infra-red sensor.

Preferably, the first wearable tag comprises an RFI D tag. More preferably, the first wearable tag is a passive RFID tag. It may be preferable for the RFID tag to be incorporated into an item of clothing. Alternatively, the RFID tag may take the form of a bracelet, bangle, broach, badge, patch or sticker.

Preferably, the transmitter comprises a wireless transmitter. More preferably, the transmitter is a wi-fi transmitter. Preferably, the receiver comprises a wireless receiver. More preferably, the receiver is a wi-fi receiver.

Preferably, the monitoring system further comprises a second wearable tag for attachment to a carer, the second wearable tag being detectable by the reader and in communication with the transmitter, and wherein at a time the presence of the second wearable tag is detected by the reader, the transmission of the alert signal from the transmitter to the receiver is inhibited. Preferably, the presence of the second wearable tag will prevent the alert signal from being transmitted. It may also be preferable for the presence of the second wearable tag to cease the transmission of the alert signal.

Preferably, the second wearable tag comprises an RFID tag. More preferably, the second wearable tag is a passive RFID tag. It may be preferable for the RFID tag to be incorporated into an item of clothing. Alternatively, the RFI D tag may take the form of a bracelet, bangle, broach, badge, patch or sticker. Preferably the alert signal is visual, audible, or vibrational. More preferably, the alert signal may be a combination of audible, vibrational or visual signals. Preferably, the sensor detects the presence and subsequent absence of a vulnerable person at the defined location by monitoring the movement of the vulnerable person. Preferably the movement of the vulnerable person monitored by the sensor is from a sitting position to a standing position. Preferably the movement of the vulnerable person monitored by the sensor is from a lying position to a sitting or standing position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring the location of a vulnerable person, the method comprising; detecting the entry of the vulnerable person into an area, subsequently detecting the presence of the vulnerable person at a defined location within the area, subsequently detecting the absence of the vulnerable person from the defined location, and producing an alert signal when the absence of the vulnerable person from the defined location is detected.

Such a method is advantageous as it provides an improved method of monitoring the movements of vulnerable people.

Preferably, the detection of the vulnerable person's entry into an area is undertaken with a system comprising an RFID tag and reader. More preferably, the RFID tag is a passive RFID tag. Preferably, the detection of the presence and absence of the person at the defined location is undertaken with a system comprising an infra-red sensor. More preferably, the system comprises a active infra-red sensor.

Preferably, the step of producing an alert signal when the absence of the vulnerable person from the defined location is detected comprises a transmission of a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. Preferably, this transmission is wireless. More preferably, this transmission is via wi-fi.

Preferably, the method further comprises detecting the presence of a carer in the area, and inhibiting the production of the alert signal when the presence of the carer is detected. Preferably, the detection of the carer's presence in an area is undertaken with a system comprising an RFID tag.

Preferably the alert signal is visual, audible, or vibrational. More preferably, the alert signal may be a combination of audible, vibrational or visual signals.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a monitoring system in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a monitoring method in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is depicted a monitoring system 100 in accordance with the present invention. Here, the monitoring system 100 is installed in a room 1 10 and comprises a first wearable tag 120, and a reader 130 positioned within the room 1 10 to detect the first wearable tag 120. Here, the first wearable tag 120 comprises a passive RFID (radio frequency identification) chip, such that it is unnecessary for the first wearable tag 120 to comprise a battery or other source of power. However, the use of an active RFID chip is also envisaged. Where the first wearable tag 120 comprises a passive RFID chip, power is supplied to the chip by the reader 130.

The reader 130 may be mounted as a standalone module near an entrance into the room 1 10, or in a more open area of the room 1 10 to ensure an acceptable signal is received from all areas of the room 1 10. Additionally, the positioning of the reader 130 in the centre of the room may assist in ensuring that any signals transmitted from the reader 130 suffer from a minimal level of interference. The reader 130 may detect any wearable tag within two metres of the reader 130.

In use the first wearable tag 120 is attached to a vulnerable person 1000. To attach the first wearable tag 120 to the vulnerable person 1000, the first wearable tag 120 may take the form of an ID bracelet, broach, fob, bangle, patch or be attached to an item of the vulnerable person's 100 clothing. The monitoring system 100 further comprises a sensor 140 for detecting the presence of a vulnerable person 1000 in a defined location. Here, the sensor 140 is positioned to detect the presence of the vulnerable person 1000 on the toilet. The sensor 140 is an infra-red sensor, located such that it may detect the movement of the vulnerable person 1000 onto the toilet, and the subsequently detect the movement of the vulnerable person 1000 away from the toilet. To achieve this detection, the sensor 140 is sensitive to the movement of a person to within 500 mm of the sensor, and their subsequent retreat. Where the sensor 140 is used with a toilet, it can monitor the vulnerable person's 1000 movement to sit on the toilet, and their subsequent motions to stand up and move away from the toilet.

The sensor 140 may be powered directly from the mains, although the provision of a battery powered sensor 140 is also envisaged. If the sensor is to be battery powered, it is desirable for the battery to provide sufficient power to allow the sensor 140 to operate for a period of three to four months, assuming the sensor 140 is activated three of four times per day. If the sensor 140 is to be powered with a direct connection to the mains, it is preferable for the sensor 140 to be mountable in a single gang electrical socket (86 mm by 86 mm). The sensor 140 may be wall mounted using a magnetic back plate. Additionally, the sensor 140 may have a replaceable battery pack.

Whilst not the case in the embodiment of the invention depicted in figure 1 , the sensor 140 and the reader 130 may be in a single housing.

The monitoring system still further comprises a transmitter 150. This transmitter will be in the same housing as the sensor 140 and/or the reader 130, although in figure 1 the transmitter 150 is depicted as a stand-alone component. The transmitter 150 is in communication with the sensor 140 via a wire 151 , and further in communication with the reader 130 via a wireless connection. The transmitter 150 is additionally in wireless communication with a receiver 160. This receiver 160 is located at a position remote from the room 1 10, where it may provide information regarding the movements of the vulnerable person 1000 alongside an audible, visual or vibrational alert. The receiver 160 may further comprise an alarm transmitter. Any alarm transmitter may be used to transmit an alarm signal, and this alarm signal subsequently used to generate an audible, visual, or vibrational alarm alerting a carer 2000 to the movements of a vulnerable person 1000 within the room 1 10. For example, such alarms could be transmitted to a pager or another mobile communications device carried by the carer 2000. The monitoring system 100 also comprises a second wearable tag 170. The second wearable tag 170 is attached to a carer 2000. To attach the second wearable tag 170 to the carer 2000, the second wearable tag 170 may take the form of an ID bracelet, broach, fob, bangle, patch or be attached to an item of the carer's 2000 clothing.

The second wearable tag 170 comprises a passive RFID (radio frequency identification) chip, such that it is unnecessary for the second wearable tag 170 to comprise a battery or other source of power. However, the use of an active RFID chip is also envisaged. Where the second wearable tag 170 comprises a passive RFID chip, power is supplied to the chip by the reader 130.

The reader 130 also detects the presence of the second wearable tag 170 in the room 1 10. When the presence of the second wearable tag 170 is detected in the room 1 10 by the reader 130, the transmitter 150 will be prevented from transmitting a signal to the receiver 160. In this case, the monitoring system 100 will determine that the second wearable tag 170 is present in the room and, therefore, the carer 2000 is also present. As such, the monitoring system will determine there can be no risk to the vulnerable person 1000, and there will be no transmission from the transmitter 150 to the receiver 160 or the generation of an alarm signal.

All relevant components of the monitoring system should have a minimum IP 45 rating. Relevant components are those exposed to water, water vapour, moisture, or any other fluid during operation of the monitoring system. In use, the entry of a vulnerable person 1000 wearing a first wearable tag 120 into the room 1 10 will be detected by the reader 130. The vulnerable person 100 will then progress across the room 1 10 to be located on the toilet, where the presence of the vulnerable person will be detected by the sensor 140. At this point, both the reader 130 and the sensor 140 have been triggered, and the monitoring system is aware there is a vulnerable person 100 present and potentially at risk.

As the vulnerable person 1000 moves away from the toilet, this will be detected by the sensor 140. The movement of the vulnerable person 1000 will be communicated by the sensor 140 to the transmitter 150, where it will be further communicated to the receiver 160. The receiver 160 will then alert the carer 2000 to the movement of the vulnerable person 1000 with an alarm, wherein the carer 2000 will move into the room 1 10 to assist the vulnerable person 1000, preventing any fall. As the carer 2000 is wearing a second wearable tag 170, this second wearable tag 170 will be detected by the reader 130 as the carer 2000 enters the room 1 10. The detection of the second wearable tag 170 by the reader will cause the alarm to cease, as the monitoring system 100 is aware that the needs of the vulnerable person 1000 are now being attended to by the carer 2000. Alternatively, the alarm may be terminated manually or overridden by the carer 2000 with a button installed on the sensor 140, reader 130, receiver 160.

Additionally, if the reader 130 detects the second wearable tag 170 at for the duration of the time the first wearable tag 120 is in the room 1 10, the alarm will not be sounded as the monitoring system 100 will determine that the vulnerable person 1000 is in the hands of the carer 2000.

Alongside any visual alarm, the monitoring system 100 may also include an indicator system to provide visual information as to the status of the vulnerable person 1000. Such an indicator system may take the form of an over door light indicator installed outside the room 1 10, comprising a series of differently coloured LEDs or light bulbs.

The over door light may operate on a three colour, 'traffic light' system comprising red, amber and green lights. In this case, depending the monitoring system's 100 detection of both the first wearable tag 120 on the vulnerable person 1000, the second wearable tag 170 on the carer 2000, and the recent timescales at which these tags have been detected, the display of the indicator system will be altered. For example, the presence of a person in the room 1 10 may be indicated on the indicator system by a green light. If the monitoring system 100 determines a vulnerable person 1000 in the room 1 10 may need assistance, the indicator system may display an amber light. Furthermore, if the monitoring system 100 determines the vulnerable person 1000 may be in danger, a red light may be displayed on the indicator system, this red light being displayed as a flashing red light if the vulnerable person 1000 is determined to require urgent attention. In this way, the indicator system may provide a constant visual indication of the state of any vulnerable person 1000 in the room 1 10.

Figure 2 illustrates a method of monitoring the movements of a vulnerable person 1000 in a flow diagram. Here, the entry of a vulnerable person into an area is detected 200, before their movement into a defined location within that area is detected 201 . As a next stage, the movement of the vulnerable person 1000 away from the defined location is detected 202, before the production of an alert signal 203.

In the method described in figure 2, the detection of the vulnerable person' s 1000 entry into an area is undertaken with a system comprising an RFID tag and reader. Additionally, an infra-red sensor is used to determine the position of the vulnerable person 1000 at a defined position within the area. The transmission of an audible, visual or vibrational alert signal results from the transmission of a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. Here the transmitter may be near the defined location, and the receiver at a remote location. Any transmission between the receiver and the transmitter may be wireless.

Additionally, the method may include the step of detecting the presence of a carer in the area, and inhibiting the production of the alert signal when the presence of the carer is detected. The presence of the carer may be detected with an RFID tag, this RFID tag read by a reader.

Claims

A monitoring system for monitoring the location of a vulnerable person, the monitoring system comprising;

a first wearable tag for attachment to a vulnerable person,

a reader for detecting the presence of the first wearable tag,

a sensor for detecting the presence of a vulnerable person at a defined location, a transmitter in communication with said first sensor and said reader, and

a receiver in communication with said transmitter, wherein

the detection of said first wearable tag by said reader in combination with said sensor detecting the presence and subsequent absence of a vulnerable person at said defined location results in an alert signal being transmitted from said transmitter to said receiver.

A monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein said sensor comprises an infra-red sensor.

A monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first wearable tag comprises an RFID tag.

A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein said transmitter comprises a wireless transmitter.

A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein said receiver comprises a wireless receiver.

A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein said monitoring system further comprises a second wearable tag for attachment to a carer, said second wearable tag being detectable by said reader and in communication with said transmitter, and wherein at a time the presence of said second wearable tag is detected by said reader, the transmission of said alert signal from said transmitter to said receiver is inhibited.

A monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein said second wearable tag comprises an RFID tag.

8. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein said sensor detects the presence and subsequent absence of a vulnerable person at said defined location by monitoring the movement of said vulnerable person.

9. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein said movement of said vulnerable person is from a sitting position to s standing position.

10. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein said movement of said vulnerable person is from a lying position to a sitting or standing position.

1 1. A method of monitoring the location of a vulnerable person, the method comprising; detecting the entry of said vulnerable person into an area,

subsequently detecting the presence of said vulnerable person at a defined location within said area,

subsequently detecting the absence of said vulnerable person from said defined location, and

producing an alert signal when the absence of said vulnerable person from said defined location is detected.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein said detection of said vulnerable person's entry into an area is undertaken with a system comprising an RFID tag and reader.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said detection of the presence and absence of said person at said defined location is undertaken with a system comprising an infra-red sensor.

14. The method of claim 1 1 , claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the step of producing an alert signal when the absence of said vulnerable person from said defined location is detected comprises a transmission of a signal from a transmitter to a receiver.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said transmission is wireless.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the method further comprises detecting the presence of a carer in said area, and inhibiting the production of said alert signal when the presence of said carer is detected.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said detection of said carer's presence in an area is undertaken with a system comprising an RFID tag.