WO2012150382A1

WO2012150382A1 - Buckle alarm

Info

Publication number: WO2012150382A1
Application number: PCT/FI2012/050437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jari Juurinen
Original assignee: Jaju Oy
Priority date: 2011-05-05
Filing date: 2012-05-04
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: FI20115426A0; FI122733B

Abstract

The object of the invention is a buckle alarm, which alarm comprises at least positioning means (10, 12) functioning, as actuators, communication means (11, 13), alarm triggering means (20) comprising at least an alarm triggering switch (28) reacting to the opening of the locking of the buckle (2), and a power source (21). At least some of the actuators of the alarm, e.g. the microphone (26) and the loudspeaker, are disposed screened from view inside, below or behind the buckle (2 ).

Description

BUCKLE ALARM

The object of the invention is a buckle alarm as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is generally speaking an easy- to-operate and operationally reliable alarm system and positioning system functioning as a safety device, which is disposed in such a location so that it is not easily noticed, and which therefore remains in place and in operating condition in connection with a possible robbery or kidnapping.

Portable positioning means fabricated according to prior art are e.g. unattached, so that in connection with a robbery or kidnapping they are easily found and are immediately taken away. They are then no longer of any benefit to a victim of robbery or kidnapping. These types of unattached devices are e.g. navigators, locators worn on the wrist, key rings and e.g. unattached positioning means to be fastened to a belt.

Also known in the art are, inter alia, positioning means to be fixed inside a belt. In this case the belt is noticeably wider and thicker at the point of the locator, so that this difference is easily noticed, and generally to be on the safe side such belts are also removed from the victim in connection with a robbery or kidnapping.

Korean patent publication KR20080055515 A presents a positioning belt intended for children, comprising a device hav- ing the purpose of protecting a child from kidnapping. The device comprises a GPS positioner and an alarm triggering means reacting to temperature. According to the figures of the publication, however, the device in the belt is so clearly visible that this solution has the same problem as the devices described above. It is easily noticed and to be on the safe side is immediately removed from the victim in connection with a robbery or kidnapping. The abstract of the publication contains no mention that the alarm device would JL JUINIt λ

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be in the buckle, nor does it contain any mention that the components of the alarm device would be in some way concealed from sight so that the alarm device would not be so easily noticed.

The aim of this invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and to achieve a simple and inexpensive, and also unnoticeable safety device integrated into a belt buckle, with which safety device the position, of the safety device can be located and various alarms sent and also wirelessly transmitted control commands and acknowledgements received. Another aim is to achieve a device that is able to warn its user about environmental conditions, e.g. dangerous gases. The buckle alarm according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the other claims.

An advantage of the buckle alarm according to the invention is that it is unnoticeable and is therefore often allowed to remain in place in connection with a robbery or kidnapping. In this case after the situation has calmed down the victim can easily send an alarm with the device and his/her whereabouts are found by the aid of satellite positioning. Fur- ther advantage is that the device issues an alarm automatically if the belt is for some reason however removed against the wearer's will. Another advantage is the possibility of charging the power source of the device e.g. in just indoor light, in which case long-term use of the device is possible e.g. in connection with a kidnapping. Yet another advantage is remote monitoring and remote control of the device. The alarm of the device can e.g. be activated by remote control with a phone, if the user was not for some reason able to send an alarm. Likewise the device can be monitored by re- mote control via a microphone, and what is happening in the environment of the device can be listened to before raising a possible alarm. Also, with the loudspeaker of the device, 22 JUIM 2012

necessary, instructions can

remote control via a phone.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by the aid of some examples of its embodiment : with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 presents a simplified diagrammatic view of the use of one buckle alarm according to the invention,

Fig. 2 presents a simplified diagrammatic view of the structure of one buckle alarm according to the invention, and

Fig. 3 presents an oblique top view of one buckle alarm according to the invention.

Fig. 1 presents a simplified diagrammatic view of one arrangement for the use of a buckle alarm according to the invention. The belt 1 of a person comprises an essentially normal-looking but large-sized buckle 2, by the aid of which the actual strap 3 of the belt is tightened and locked into a closed loop. The buckle 2 comprises all the necessary means and actuators for using the buckle as- a positioning device and alarm device. The buckle 2 receives positioning data e.g. from a satellite positioning system 4, such as from a GPS system or corresponding. Correspondingly, the buckle 2 is configured to send the positioning data and the alarm triggering data that it receives, wirelessly, e.g. via a cell phone network 5, to an agreed service unit 6, e.g. to a security service or directly to a pre-recorded number of a mobile phone 7, e.g. as a text message. In addition, the positioning data of the buckle 2 can also be transmitted to a map 9, from which the precise location 8 of the buckle 2 can be seen, e.g. in a security service 6.

Instead of, or in addition to, a cell phone, such as a GSM phone, a Quad Band GSM phone or other corresponding wireless phone, the buckle 2 can be provided with communication 22 JUINI 2012

means, with which information is transmitted to and fro, e.g. in various wireless, and partly also even wireline, data networks and with different protocols. These types of networks and protocols are e.g. 3G, 4G, GPRS, WLAN, W ESH (WMN) and SMS, as well as TCP/IP.

Fig. 2 presents a simplified and diagrammatic view of the main structures and components of one buckle alarm 2 according to the invention, which are mainly disposed concealed inside the buckle 2 or in a place that is as invisible as possible on the outer surface of the buckle 2, where they are preferably also concealed or camouflaged amongst some decorative patterning. Inside the buckle 2 is at least a satellite positioning antenna 10, such as e.g. a GPS antenna, and positioning means 12 for receiving, processing and forwarding positioning data. In addition, the buckle 2 comprises a cell phone antenna 11, such as a GSM antenna or corresponding, and communication means 13 for receiving, sending and processing at least phone communications and data communications. The buckle 2 further comprises remote control means 13a for receiving, processing and forwarding wireless remote control commands.

The buckle 2 also comprises the necessary input/output means 14, e.g. a USB connector or min-USB connector, for entering data into the actuators of the buckle 2 or getting data out of them, or for charging the power source 21 from an external power source. In addition, the buckle 2 comprises a processor unit 17 and a control system 18 as well as suitably also a separate memory unit 15 and database 19 for collecting, analyzing and processing data. The power source 21 inside the buckle 2 is e.g. a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery or corresponding power source. In addition to an external charging device, charging of the power source 21 can be performed with a solar cell element in the buckle 2, which element is configured to charge the power source 21 even in normal indoor light. -d JUINt ZU12

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In addition, the buckle 2 comprises various sensors 16 and alarm triggering means 20. The alarm triggering means 20 comprise, inter alia, a so-called SOS switch of the button type or pushbutton type, with which an alarm can be sent manually if necessary. The sensors 16 can comprise e.g. a gunshot detector, a carbon monoxide detector and detectors of some other dangerous gas. In addition, one of the sensors in the buckle alarm can be a direction sensor detecting posture, i.e. a so-called man-down sensor, which detects the posture of the wearer of the belt and gives information about it automatically or in connection with a remote- controlled monitoring function. Likewise, there can be one or more LED lights functioning as a signal lamp on the rear surface of the buckle 2. This type of LED light can indicate e.g. the state of charge of the battery functioning as the power source 21 or the operating status of the alarm device, e.g. power-on status, the status of the GSM communications mode or the status of the GPS communications mode. The buckle 2 also comprises a control circuit needed for charg- ing the power source 21, which control circuit, inter alia, prevents overcharging of the power source.

The alarm triggering means 20 also comprises a sensing means 28, such as e.g. a microswitch, detecting detachment of the locking of the belt, which sensing means is arranged to trigger when the buckle 2 is opened when the current is on. This enables an alarm to be sent automatically if the belt is taken from its wearer against the wearer's will. In addition, the alarm triggering means 20 comprise, a voice detec- tor, which detects the voice of the wearer of the belt and sends an alarm automatically when the wearer of the belt shouts for help when the current is on in the device.

Fig. 3 presents a front view of one buckle 2 according to the invention, as seen obliquely from above. For the sake of clarity, the locking devices of the belt are not presented in the buckle 2. Preferably the buckle 2 is made at least partly from plastic or from some other such material, which Z JUI t ΖΌΙΖ

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satellite positioning signals and cell phone signals penetrate, so that the antennas 10 and 11 can be disposed concealed inside the buckle 2. External means of the buckle 2 connected to the alarm triggering function are e.g. a power switch 23, an activation switch 24, i.e. a manual alarm triggering switch, of the alarm triggering function belonging to the alarm triggering means, a so-called SOS switch and a false-alarm canceling switch 25. With the current switch 23 current to the alarm device is switched on and off. When the current is on, an alarm can be activated, i.e. transmitted, immediately. Correspondingly, when the current is not on an alarm cannot be transmitted. The current switch 23 is situated in such a location that it is not switched on or off accidentally. Although in Fig. 3 it is on the top surface of the buckle, it can just as well be elsewhere, e.g. on the bottom surface of the buckle 2.

It must be possible to easily, quickly and reliably switch on the manual activation switch 24 of the , alarm function. Therefore it is good if it is large in size. In Fig. 3 the activation switch 24 is visible only on the top surface of the buckle 2, but preferably there are two of them, of which one: is in a corresponding point on the bottom surface of the buckle 2. In this way activation, i.e. alarm triggering, is not switched on or off by accident, but instead both activation switches 24 must be pressed at the same time in order for the activation to be switched on or off. The activation switch 24 can just as well be on the front surface of the buckle 2 and concealed e.g. in some decorative pattern of the front surface.

In addition, the communication means 13 of the buckle alarm also comprises a microphone 26, which is disposed e.g. on the butt end of the buckle 2, as well as a loudspeaker, which is not presented in the figures. The microphone 26 is also connected to the sensing means detecting voice, for implementing voice control. In addition, the microswitch functioning as the sensing means 28 sensing detachment of JU t ZU1Z

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the locking of the belt is seen in Fig. 3, which microswitch is configured to trigger and to give an alarm if the free end of the belt is detached from the buckle 2 while the current is switched on.

Instead of a microswitch functioning as the sensing means 28, the staying of the belt 1 on a person can be monitored with a wire loop disposed in the belt 1, which wire loop with the buckle 2 in a closed belt 1 forms an unbroken cir- cuit circulating around the whole belt 1 or a part of the belt 1. The opening of the buckle 2 against the will of the person or the cutting of the belt 1, when the wire loop circulates around the whole belt 1, cuts the wire loop and thus causes an alarm, if the alarm triggering prevention pushbut- ton is not pressed or some other corresponding disconnection of alarm triggering is not switched on.

Other corresponding disconnections of alarm triggering could be e.g. the dual-function activation switch 24 or the dual- function false-alarm canceling switch 25. In this case the switches 24, 25 function in different ways in different situations. If, for example, the activation switch 24 or the false-alarm canceling switch 25 is. pressed just when the- buckle 2 of the belt is opened, they function in the manner of a prevention pushbutton, and no alarm is sent. In another case they function normally, i.e. when opening the buckle 2 of the belt accidentally without e.g. the false-alarm canceling switch 25 being pressed, for example, an alarm is created, but when pressing the false-alarm canceling switch 25 immediately after this, the alarm is canceled.

Fig. 3 also shows the light collecting surface part 27 of the photoelectric cell 22, which surface part is e.g. concealed in the decorative pattern on the front surface of the buckle 2.

In addition, the communication means 13 of the buckle alarm also comprise an actuator producing a vibration feeling, the -i JUIMt ΖΌ12

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vibration produced by which actuator is felt on the rear surface of the buckle 2. The vibration function is brought about by an alarm acknowledgement signal, informing that an alarm has been received, sent from a security service 6. This is also useful in connection with false alarms. If the wearer of the belt suddenly feels the buckle 2 vibrate, and in his/her opinion he/she has not sent an alarm, a false alarm has been issued, which he/she can switch off with the false-alarm cancel button 25.

Sometimes e.g. the kidnapping and the incapacitating tying up and also gagging of the victim might happen so quickly that the victim does not have time to raise the alarm by hand or by voice, in which case the alarm is not sent on- wards. As a precaution against these types of situations, the buckle alarm according to the invention comprises a remote monitoring and remote control feature. With remote monitoring it is possible to listen via a telephone network to the microphone 26 of the device and if something defi- nitely alarming is heard, the alarm can further be triggered with remote monitoring, in which case the positioning function of the device also activates and the position data is ascertained. In addition, the loudspeaker of the device can be used, if necessary and if the situation permits, for ask- ing questions and giving instructions by the aid of remote monitoring .

The connection means 13 comprise actuator means for receiving remote monitoring commands and control commands sent by phone, or sent otherwise wirelessly, and for forwarding said commands onwards to the control system 18 of the device for implementation of them. If nothing is heard from the wearer of the belt for a long time and he/she cannot be contacted, a control signal can be sent wirelessly to the buckle alarm for activating the alarm.

The buckle alarm can additionally comprise the aforementioned alarm triggering prevention pushbutton, with which -i JUIMt 2012

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the sending of an alarm can be prevented in certain situations. The alarm triggering prevention pushbutton operates in a different way than the false-alarm cancel button 25, with which an alarm given in error is cancelled. Prevention of the triggering of an alarm can be needed e.g. when it is desired to open the buckle of the belt oneself while the current is on, or for some other reason.

The current switch 23 can also be dual-function. In this case with the current switch 23 the sending of the position data of the buckle 2 to a control room can be switched off for a desired period of time, e.g. outside the working, hours of the control room. In the same connection, the alarm triggering function in emergency cases can, however, be re- tained, in which case positioning also starts.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited solely to the example described above, but that it may be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. Thus, the means, actuators and functions in the buckle can be different to what' is presented above. What all the solutions have in common, however, is that the buckle locates its own position and with the buckle an alarm can be sent either manually or by voice control, or an alarm is sent automatically if the belt is detached against the wearer's will.

It is also obvious to the skilled person that instead of a GPS satellite positioning system, other positioning applica- tions can be used in the alarm device. Positioning can be implemented e.g. with positioning means that are configured to operate e.g. in the GLONASS or GALILEO positioning systems. Correspondingly, positioning can be performed otherwise than with satellite positioning systems, e.g. with GSM cell positioning or in inside premises e.g. with WLAN positioning .

Claims

1. Buckle alarm, which alarm comprises at least positioning means (10, 12) functioning as actuators, communication means (11, 13), alarm triggering means (20) comprising at least an alarm triggering switch (28) reacting to the opening of the locking of the buckle (2), and a power source (21), characterized in that at least some of the actuators of the alarm, e.g. the microphone (26) and the loudspeaker, are disposed screened from view inside, below or behind the buckle (2) .

2. Buckle alarm according to claim 1, characterized in that the alarm triggering means (20) comprise at least one or more of the following: a manually-operated alarm triggering switch (24); a voice-controlled alarm triggering switch reacting to voice; an alarm triggering prevention switch and/or an alarm triggering switch activated by a wireless remote control command.

3. Buckle alarm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the alarm comprises remote control means (13a) for listening to a microphone (26) and for wirelessly using a loudspeaker remotely.

4. Buckle alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the alarm comprises a control system (18) controlling the functions of the alarm and a processor unit (17), a memory (15) and possible database means (19) connected to said control system, and in that the aforementioned actua- tors (15 and 17-19) are disposed screened from view inside, below or behind the buckle (2) .

5. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alarm comprises a rechargeable power source (21) disposed inside the buckle (2), to which power source a charging current is arranged either from an external power source or from a solar cell (22) disposed in the buckle (2 ) .

6. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alarm comprises a connector disposed in the buckle (2) , such as a USB connector, for supply- ing a charging current to the power source (21) from an external power source and for transmitting data via wireline between the control system (18) of the alarm and external systems.

7. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alarm comprises a plurality of sensors (6) for collecting and identifying and forwarding data, which sensors comprise inter alia a gunshot detector on the basis of the sound of a shot, a dangerous gas detector and a detector of the posture of the wearer of the belt.

8. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alarm comprises a false-alarm switch (25) disposed in the buckle (2) for canceling a false alarm.

9. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in^■ that the alarm comprises an actuator^■ (29) disposed in the buckle (2) and producing a vibration feeling, which actuator is arranged to activate with an alarm acknowledgement signal transmitted wirelessly.

10. Buckle alarm according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators on the outer surface of the buckle (2) of the alarm are concealed and/or camouflaged amongst decorative patterning.