PERSONAL ALERT DEVICE

• US 20010050612A1
• Filed: 10/01/1999
• Published: 12/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avaya Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Avaya Technology Corporation Miami Lakes FLA US
• Inventors: SHAFFER, KARL RICHARD
• Granted Patent: US 6,411,207 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/521
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/14 Toxic gas alarms G08B21/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/16 Combustible gas alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/06 using electric transmission , e.g. involving audible and visible signalling through the use of sound and light sources

Abstract

A personal alert device for a user includes a portable housing to be carried by the user, a processor in the housing, and at least one sensor connected to the processor for detecting a possible physical threat to the user. The processor generates an alert message relating to a recommended course of action for the user to avoid the possible physical threat. The alert message may be an audible speech message, and a visual message displayed on a display connected to the processor. Since a person can be exposed to a variety of physical threats on any given day, the personal alert device carried by the user provides reliable detection of a possible physical threat, and by generating an alert message the user receives a recommended course of action to avoid the possible physical threat.

Claims

1. A personal alert device for a user comprising:

a portable housing to be carried by the user;

a processor in said portable housing;

at least one sensor connected to said processor for detecting a possible physical threat to the user; and

said processor generating an alert message relating to a recommended course of action for the user to avoid the possible physical threat.

2. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein the alert message is an audible speech message.

3. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, further comprising a visual display;

and wherein the alert message is a visual message on said display.

4. A personal alert device according to

claim 3

, further comprising at least one of an audible and tactile transducer for notifying the user to view said display.

5. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an air pressure sensor.

6. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a noxious gas sensor.

7. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

8. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a radiation sensor.

9. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer.

10. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an electrostatic sensor.

11. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, wherein said at least one sensor is selectably activated.

12. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, further comprising a battery contained within said portable housing for powering said processor and said at least one sensor.

13. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, further comprising a transceiver for communicating with a nearby personal alert device.

14. A personal alert device according to

claim 1

, further comprising a microphone connected to said processor;

and wherein said processor analyzes a user'"'"'s speech pattern for stress.

15. A personal alert device for a user comprising:

a portable housing to be carried by the user;

a processor in said portable housing;

at least one sensor connected to said processor for detecting a possible physical threat to the user;

a visual display connected to said processor;

said processor generating an alert message relating to a recommended course of action for the user to avoid the possible physical threat, the alert message being an audible speech message and a visual message on said display.

16. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, further comprising at least one of an audible and tactile transducer for notifying the user to view said display.

17. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an air pressure sensor.

18. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a noxious gas sensor.

19. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

20. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a radiation sensor.

21. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer.

22. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an electrostatic sensor.

23. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, wherein said at least one sensor is selectably activated.

24. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, further comprising a battery contained within said portable housing for powering said processor, said at least one sensor and said display.

25. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, further comprising a transceiver for communicating with a nearby personal alert device.

26. A personal alert device according to

claim 15

, further comprising a microphone connected said processor;

and wherein said processor analyzes a user'"'"'s speech pattern for stress.

27. A personal alert device for a user comprising:

a portable housing to be carried by the user;

a processor in said portable housing;

at least one sensor connected to said processor for detecting a possible physical threat to the user;

a display connected to said processor;

said processor generating an alert message relating to a recommended course of action for the user to avoid the possible physical threat, the alert message being a visual message on said display; and

at least one of an audible and tactile transducer for notifying the user to view said display.

28. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein the alert message is an audible speech message.

29. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an air pressure sensor.

30. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a noxious gas sensor.

31. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

32. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a radiation sensor.

33. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer.

34. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an electrostatic sensor.

35. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, wherein said at least one sensor is selectably activated.

36. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, further comprising a battery contained within said portable housing for powering said processor, said at least one sensor and said display.

37. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, further comprising a transceiver for communicating with a nearby personal alert device.

38. A personal alert device according to

claim 27

, further comprising a microphone connected to said processor;

and wherein said processor analyzes a user'"'"'s speech pattern for stress.