Multi-hazard alarm system using selectable power-level transmission and localization
First Claim
1. A personal alarm system, comprising:
- a handheld remote unit including a radio transmitter and a navigational receiver;
the remote unit providing navigational information for providing the location of the remote unit; and
the receiver having a low power standby mode and a normal operating mode, and the alarm system having a switch to activate switching from the standby mode of the receiver to the normal operating mode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk. Alternative embodiments include a panic button on the remote unit for summoning help, and an audible beacon on the remote unit which can be activated from the base station and useful for locating strayed children. In another embodiment, the remote unit includes a Global Positioning System receiver providing location information for display by the base station.
171 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A personal alarm system, comprising:
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a handheld remote unit including a radio transmitter and a navigational receiver;
the remote unit providing navigational information for providing the location of the remote unit; and
the receiver having a low power standby mode and a normal operating mode, and the alarm system having a switch to activate switching from the standby mode of the receiver to the normal operating mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A personal alarm system remote unit comprising:
a navigational receiver for providing location information of the remote unit, the remote unit being configured to receive a unique signal to cause transmission of remote unit location information. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
Specification