INDEPENDENT AND AUTOMATIC INCIDENT ALERT DEVICE, SYSTEM & METHOD

Abstract

An independent and automatic alert device, system and method provides an alert transmission to a remote location in the event of an incident occurring to an object (such as a person or vehicle). Detection means detects at least one characteristic of an incident, such as speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave, pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, immersion, presence of one or more chemicals, radioactive materials or radiation, temperature, force or overall area of any impact to the object. Determination means identifies whether a detected incident requires an alert to be transmitted. Transmission means transmits an alert to the remote location based on the at least one characteristic of the incident.

Claims

1. A self-contained autonomous automatic alert device arranged and configured to autonomously detect an incident and transmit an alert to a remote location when an incident occurs relating to an object associated with the device, the device including an incident detector for detecting at least one characteristic of the incident, a determination device for identifying whether the detected incident requires transmission of an alert, and a transmitter for transmitting the alert to the remote location based on the detected at least one characteristic of the incident, wherein the device self assesses its available transmission and power resources and automatically determines what alert data, text, or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or receiver systems is/are within range for the available transmission and power resources of the device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the alert identifies that the incident has occurred to the object or includes information from one or more of location of the incident in space and time, characteristics of the incident including speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave and pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, force or overall area of any impact to the object, presence of one or more chemicals, presence of one or more radioactive materials or radiation.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted alert includes information relating to one or more of the object, location of the incident in space and time, altitude and/or depth, speed of the object at the time of the incident, one or more angle of orientation of the object, vector, roll, yaw, heave and pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, force and/or overall area of any impact to the object, immersion of the object in water, fire or smoke or heat detection, surrounding (ambient) temperature and/or temperature within the object, hazardous chemical information, remote tracking status and stolen device/object information.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the transmitted information relates to one or more of a person, a vehicle, a vehicle characteristic, vehicle make, vehicle model or vehicle registration number, characteristics of the user of the device or the object to which the device is attached, name or address details of a user of the vehicle or other person involved in the incident, user blood group, history of any previous accidents, health issues or disabilities, relatives and emergency contact numbers.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein transmitter is configured to transmit the alert via one or more of radio frequency (RF), telephone, mobile phone frequencies, satellite phone frequencies, internet, short range wireless communication or WiFi.

6. The device according to claim 1, the device further including an internal power supply configured to integrate with a power supply of the vehicle to charge an on-board battery in the device.

7. The device according to claim 1, including at least one input or output interface to other electronic devices.

8. The device according to claim 1, the device further including one or more of a velocity sensor, yaw sensor, pitch sensor, roll sensor, heave sensor, deceleration sensor, acceleration sensor, rate of change of acceleration or deceleration sensor, immersion sensor, temperature sensor, radiation sensor, sensor for presence of radioactive material, sensor for presence of one or more chemicals, or combinations of any two or more of such sensors.

9. The device according to claim 1, including location identification means, the device configured to transmit a location identification of the object.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the location identification means determines absolute location or relative location.

11. The device according to claim 1, including relative position or orientation identification means configured to determine absolute position and utilising object parameters, such as speed, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, angular momentum, roll, pitch, heave or yaw.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein a processor encodes alert data as at least one data packet and the alert is transmitted by the transmission means as the data packet.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the object is a vehicle, a motor vehicle, an aircraft or a marine vessel.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the object includes a person or item of equipment.

15. The device according to claim 1, the device operating completely independently of the object.

16. The device according to claim 15, whereby, when the device detects that mobile telephone signal reception is non-existent or too weak a signal but a wireless internet network connection is available, the device selects the wireless internet connection.

17. The device according to claim 15, whereby, if the mobile telephone network signal is sufficiently strong, the device selects that service as a medium to transmit the alert.

18. A method of generating an incident alert, the method including mounting a self-contained autonomous alert device to an object, the self-contained autonomous alert device arranged to transmit an alert to a remote location in the event of an incident occurring to the object, detecting at least one characteristic of the incident when an incident occurs, determining that the detected incident requires transmission of an alert, and transmitting the alert to the remote location based on the at least one characteristic of the incident, wherein the self-contained autonomous alert device self assesses its available transmission and power resources and automatically determines what alert data, text, or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or receiver systems is/arc within range for the available transmission and power resources of the device.

19. The method according to claim 18, the alert including transmitting information relating to an incident location, time of the incident, characteristics of the incident including speed, angle, vector, roll, yaw, heave, pitch, acceleration, deceleration, rate of deceleration (jerk), position, immersion, presence of one or more chemicals, radioactive materials or radiation, temperature, force or overall area of any impact to the object.

20. The method according to claim 18, the alert including transmitting information relating to the object or to an owner of the object or to a driver or an operator of a vehicle associated with the object.

21. The method according to claim 20, including transmitting one or more of a vehicle make, vehicle model, vehicle registration number, presence of a person, name and contact details of the owner or the driver or the operator, blood group, history of any previous accidents, health issues or disabilities.

22. The method according to claim 18, including transmitting the alert via one or more of a radio frequency (RF), mobile phone frequencies, satellite phone frequencies, internet or WiFi.

23. The method according to claim 18, including utilising available resources of the object to which the device is mounted to maintain functionality of the device, the resources selected from one or more of the object's power supply, electrical systems or communications systems

24. The method according to claim 18, whereby a power source of the device is augmented or replaced by power supplied from the object.

25. The method according to claim 18, including actuation of the device by one or more systems or components of the object.

26. The method according to claim 25, whereby actuation is determined by rate of deceleration of the object or a signal from a safety system of the object.

27. The method according to claim 26, whereby the safety system is an airbag system of a vehicle.

28. The method according to claim 18, whereby autonomous activation of the device to send an alert is based upon pre-defined triggering requirements including physical characteristics of the object including velocity, yaw, pitch, roll, heave, deceleration, acceleration, rate of change of acceleration or deceleration, or one or more of detection of external temperature above or below a preset threshold, immersion in a liquid, presence of one or more chemicals, presence of radiation or of one or more radioactive materials, or combinations of any two or more thereof.

29. The method according to claim 18, including identifying geographic location of the object

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the geographic location of the object is an absolute location or determined by the device as a location relative to a previous know location.

31. The method according to claim 30, whereby the relative location is verified by GPS and/or radio location services, including longitude, latitude and altitude.

32. The method according to claim 30, whereby the relative location is determined by predictive computation.

33. The method according to claim 29, whereby the relative location is determined by using an absolute location and utilising speed, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, angular momentum, roll, pitch, heave or yaw of the vehicle prior to or during the incident to determine preferably where, at what inclination or orientation, the object is.

34. The method according to claim 18, whereby the alert is transmitted periodically as a data packet or transmitted as text or at least one image.

35. The method according to claim 18, including the device transmitting the alert either directly or by detecting like devices and utilising their transmission capability.

36. The method according to claim 18, further including attempting to connect to an unlimited number of like devices until one is reached that is within range and which establishes a communications link with the desired remote location.

37. The method according to claim 18, wherein the transmitted alert or subsequently transmitted information from the device is used at the remote location to provide an estimation of severity of likely injuries.

38. The method according to claim 18, wherein the information is used to provide a Trauma Score (TS), a Revised Trauma Score” (RTS) or an Emergency Trauma Score (EMTRAS) used for triage of casualty incidents.

39. The method according to claim 18, wherein the self-contained autonomous device automatically uses feedback from a remote reception unit to determine optimum transmission method/frequency for the alert.

40. The device according to claim 1, further including an audible alarm device to provide an audible alarm from the device when the audible alarm is activated.

41. The device according to claim 1, further including at least one battery charged from an external source by wired or wireless interconnection and/or by an energy harvester harvesting energy from one or more of kinetic, solar and thermal energy.

42. The method according to claim 18, further including providing an audible alarm from the self-contained autonomous device.

43. The device according to claim 17, wherein the device is configured to assess available transmission and power resources for the device to manage functionality of the device including remaining battery charge.

44. The device according to claim 5, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the alert either directly or by detecting like devices and utilising their transmission capability.

45. The device according to claim 5, wherein the transmitter is configured to attempt to connect to an unlimited number of like devices until one is reached that is within range and which establishes a communications link with the desired remote location.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a general schematic of components and application of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3 show flow charts of operation of the device incorporated into a vehicle and subroutines of the device in use.

[0052] FIGS. 4A to 4C show side, end and top view (main casing top view) of a housing for the components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a housing for components of an embodiment of the present invention, including external insulation on the casing of the housing.

[0054] FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to an embodiment of the present invention for personal safety or incident alert.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0056] The device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is mountable within or to an object, such as a person, a personal safety device, a vehicle or vessel or safety device associated with the same.

[0057] In the following embodiments the present invention will be described and defined in relation to a vehicle. However, it is to be understood that the device may be mounted to other types of mobile objects, such as a person, marine vessel or aircraft.

[0058] The device 10 is contained within a heavily reinforced impact-cushioned container 100 such as shown in FIGS. 4A-C and 5, with waterproof inputs 110 for vehicle physical and spatial/temporal data, antenna and power. The device includes an in built rechargeable power supply 212 sealed against ingress of water or other liquids. The electronics and circuitry 218 are also sealed against water damage. The container 100 is constructed to be impact and fire resistant.

[0059] The electronics within the device include a central processor and timer 20, a wireless communications unit 22 (such as a radio frequency transmitter/receiver), on-board power supply 16, power management/regulator unit 24, a sensor unit 26 and an external inputs unit 28. A further transceiver 23 (not shown) can be provided. For example, to be used for “pinging” i.e. the device checking for availability of a communication network to connect to, the type of network and strength of signal, and information protocols, such as language and information format. Likewise, the network could “ping” to seek present of the devices within a location or area. One or more sensors of the sensor unit 26 is/are connected to the electronics as part of the device.

[0060] The onboard power management/regulator 24 is connected to an external power supply 29, such as a battery/electrical system of a vehicle to which the device is connected, and to the onboard power supply (such as a rechargeable battery). It may also be connected to other power sources, including a wireless charging unit 25 or an energy harvesting unit 17.

[0061] The power management/regulator unit 24 monitors power supply from the external source and can use this source to charge the on-board battery 16, to selectively power the device, or can detect that no or reduced external power supply is available and can switch to the on-board power supply powering the device. The device may include a combination of one or more of the following sensors; a GPS, a compass, one or more accelerometers, one or more roll sensors, an altimeter, and a timer, depending on the application of the device.

[0062] External inputs/outputs 28 in this embodiment are provided from one or more of a speedometer 28a, GPS 28b, a safety device (such as a vehicle airbag or a personal safety device such as a floatation device/life jacket) 28c, to the CPU and Timer Unit 20.

[0063] Inputs/outputs can also be provided to/from the wireless communication unit 22, such as by antenna 28d and/or mobile phone 28e. These inputs/outputs communicate with one or more of an RF transceiver unit 22a, a (Bluetooth™) short range wireless system 22c, a WiFi communication system 22d, satellite communications unit 22e, and/or GSM/GPRS communications unit 22b. The wireless communication unit 22 communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit 20.

[0064] Audiovisual inputs/outputs, 28f, where available, also interface via the wireless communication unit.

[0065] The internal sensor unit 26 communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit 20. The internal sensor unit provides sensed values/signals relating to one or more parameters, such as a location (GPS) sensor 26a, a magnetic field detector (magnetometer) 26b, an accelerometer 26c, a tilt sensor (eg roll sensor) 26d, temperature sensor 26e, an immersion sensor 26f and a gyroscope 26g.

[0066] Functionality and further features of the device, its operation and systems will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b and 3.

[0067] Functionally, the core two units of the device are:

[0068] i. Speed, velocity, location, immersion, temperature, acceleration, deceleration processor 26; and

[0069] ii. Device triggering monitor 30

[0070] The power monitoring unit 24 operates concurrently with the speed/velocity/location processor 28 and the device triggering monitor 30 to ensure correct power requirements. A fourth unit, the receiving unit 35 also runs concurrently with the power monitoring unit, speed/velocity/location processor and the device triggering monitor.

[0071] All four of the abovementioned units 24,28,30 and 35 operate in parallel, such as from the time the vehicle device is turned on, either manually, automatically until it ignition is switched on 49 until the ignition is switched off 94 (if no device activation has occurred in the interim).

[0072] A fifth unit, the transmission/encoding unit 34, is only activated if the device is triggered by an incident or by remote command.

[0073] The device is initialised when the vehicle ignition is switched on 49. Initialisation may occur in other ways for other vehicles, craft or vessels. Initialisation activates the speed/velocity/location processor, device triggering monitor and the power monitoring unit.

[0074] The device includes a polling unit 30, and a port monitor and timer 37. The device commences port monitoring via the port monitor once initialised.

[0075] The polling unit houses:

[0076] a device impact unit 38 and

[0077] a device roll (orientation) unit 40.

[0078] a device immersion unit 42.

[0079] a device fire/temperature/cold/heat detection unit 44.

[0080] a device acceleration/deceleration detection unit 46.

[0081] The device impact unit 38 reacts to a signal 50, such as from a person or vehicle, indicating that a safety device, such as a personal safety device (e.g. life jacket) or a vehicle impact safety device (e.g. an airbag) has been or will be activated 53. In one example, the vehicle's airbag computer and/or one or more accelerometers on the vehicle may be monitored,

[0082] The device roll unit or device orientation unit 40, immersion detector unit 42, fire/heat/cold detector (temperature and/or smoke detector) unit 44, and acceleration/deceleration detector unit 46, can be activated regardless of deployment of the personal or vehicle safety device or other impact/incident activated safety device. For example, the device may detect that a vehicle has rolled beyond a threshold degree of rotation and/or has rolled beyond a threshold rate of rotation or a person has decelerated beyond an acceptable amount. Immersion detection may also be provided whereby one or more detectors detects immersion of the person or vehicle in a liquid, such as water e.g. a river, lake, canal or the sea, and activates the device to send an alert. Fire/heat/smoke/noxious gas/chemical detection may also be provided, whereby one or more detectors is/are provided and in the event of fire, extreme heat, smoke and/or noxious gas that may threaten injury, death or incapacitation of a person, or damage to a vehicle, an alert is sent out by the device.

[0083] If the device impact unit 38, is activated, incident data, such as from a vehicle's computer, including deceleration force/velocity and/or nature of impact is then determined 54. If a side impact to the vehicle is detected to occur at a speed greater than a threshold speed e.g. 20 km/h 56, or a front/rear impact deceleration above a threshold e.g. of >50 km/h 58, is detected, then an impact indication is triggered 60. An incident occurred timer is started 62. All data from sensors is added to a data archive 63. This data archive may be a “black box” archive. Regardless of the trigger flag, impact data is sent to the device's central processor 64 and the device roll unit is activated.

[0084] The device roll unit 40 is either activated by the device impact unit 38 following activation of a personal or vehicle safety device, such as an airbag, or by the polling unit if the airbag is not activated. The unit obtains roll data 71. If vehicle roll attitude is determined to be >90 degrees side to side or if vehicle pitch 70 is determined to be 90 degrees front to rear, then a trigger flag is set if it has not already been done so 60 and an incident timer 62 is started. The roll/pitch data is sent to the central processor if the trigger flag has been sent by any unit. If any of the impact unit 38, roll unit 40, immersion detector unit 42, temperature (fire/cold) detector unit 44 or acceleration/deceleration detector unit 46 indicate an incident has occurred, the device sends an alert 57.

[0085] For the immersion unit 42, data from the sensor is obtained 43 and if the sensor has been activated 43a then a trigger flag is sent 60, the incident timer is started (if not already activated) 62 and data from all sensors added to the data archive 63.

[0086] For the fire unit 44, data from the sensor is obtained 45 and if the sensor has been activated 45a then a trigger flag is sent 60, the incident timer is started (if not already activated) 62 and data from all sensors added to the data archive 63.

[0087] The acceleration/deceleration unit 46, gets data from sensors about acceleration and speed 47. It determines if acceleration/deceleration is above a threshold e.g. greater than 15 m/sec, 47a. If it is, then a trigger flag is sent 60 and the incident timer is started (if not already activated) 62, and data from all sensors is added to the data archive 63.

[0088] If the trigger flag has not been sent after all inputs have been evaluated 80

[0089] then the device checks the receiving unit for incoming data messages 81. If remote immobilisation request data message 82 has been received then remote vehicle immobilization is activated 82a. If not then if stolen tracking request 83 has been received then tracking is activated 83a.

[0090] If stolen tracking request has not been received then maintenance routines are initiated. The first routine determines whether hazardous material information needs to be updated 84. Then the device determines whether ICE (in case of emergency) data needs to be updated 85.

[0091] Following maintenance routines, the device checks if the ignition is on 90. If it is off then the port monitor and timer stops 92, the device checks for firmware updates 93 and updates firmware if required 93a, then the unit shuts down 94. If the ignition is on the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data 30. If a trigger has been sent then the port monitor timer is stopped 92 and an alert is transmitted 57.

[0092] The speed/velocity/location processor can be constantly operating. As part of gathering of all sensor data 31, current position is determined 316.

[0093] This processor determines firstly if GPS is available 300.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, GPS coordinates are determined. If GPS coordinates are available 300, GPS position is obtained 302 and time of GPS acquisition is determined 304. New position is set to LITERAL 305 i.e. present position. The current position is stored as the last known position 306.

[0095] The step of Storing current position data 307 can be omitted if required.

[0096] If GPS is not available the device determines if previous GPS data is available, 308. If a stored position is available, time of location estimation is reset 310, and new position flag set to calculated 312. The new position is calculated 314 from last known position and data from one or more data inputs.

[0097] If GPS is not available and no data is stored, data is set to NULL and an error flag is generated 315.

[0098] When transmitting a message the device may include position, estimated or actual position flag, I.C.E. data, sensor data (including heading, speed, acceleration/deceleration, temperature, immersion), hazardous chemical information, remote tracking status and stolen vehicle tracking status.

[0099] In deactivating the device, polling and location determination ceases when external power is turned off only if activation of device due to an impact has not occurred or if remote tracking has not been activated. If the device has been activated due to an impact, other incident or remotely, then turning off the vehicle ignition will not deactivate the device. The device's own battery power will maintain operation of the device. The device may parasitically utilise battery power from the vehicle or other sources as a back up power supply.

[0100] The device is activated when triggered. If an incident occurs, such as a vehicle impact, the incident timer is activated 62. The device then proceeds to acquire all sensor data including location and speed or velocity of the vehicle is obtained from speed/velocity/location calculator 316. The device then constructs the message and transmits it 57. If no command is sent to switch of the unit then this process repeats. The device may be deactivated manually or remotely.

[0101] The device constructs a data packet if a data packet is to be transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, a text message is assembled or selected from a library of predetermined messages. The device also makes an assessment of available transmission and power resources for the device, and may scan to determine what alert data or text or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or systems is/are available or within range. The alert is then transmitted.

[0102] The transmitted alert may include a digitally encoded message. The message may include one or more of a unique device identification (device ID), time elapsed since triggering, vehicle speed at impact, vehicle orientation and/or change of orientation over time, such as roll or pitch, vehicle altitude, location—current with either an estimated location (i.e. calculated or transponder) or GPS flag, last known GPS position with elapsed time since acquisition, bearings based on the last two GPS coordinates or previous GPS coordinates and ESTIMATE, and/or on-board battery life estimation (time or rate of charge reduction).

[0103] Shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a housing 100 for the electronic components of the device provides a waterproof, high strength casing consisting of a lower body 102 and lid 104. The casing is constructed to withstand impact, extremes of heat/cold and corrosive effects or ingress of water and strong acid/alkali solutions etc. Within the casing there is provided support ledges 106a,106b for the onboard battery (not shown), with clamps 108a,108b to retain the battery within the casing. A number of access ports for electrical connections at each end of the casing. These are provided with waterproof seals. Fixing points 112 are provided to secure circuits and components within the casing. Attachment points 114 are also provided for securing the casing to an object, such as a vehicle. Fastening means, such as tamperproof screws or bolts can be used along with waterproof seals. The casing may be constructed of metal and/or a synthetic material such as a high strength plastic e.g. polycarbonate. Fastening means (not shown) can be used to secure the lid to the casing body, which can include the provision of a seal, such as a waterproof seal (eg a silicon rubber or neoprene compression seal) between the lid and body.

[0104] FIG. 5 shows a housing 200 having a casing 202 with a main body portion 204 and a removable lid 206. The body and lid has a ‘ruggedised’ outer coating 208 of a tough protective material, such as polycarbonate or other tough plastics material(s), to prevent damage to the body or lid. This coating may also provide thermal insulation from extremes of heat and cold, and may also provide waterproofing. A seal 210, such as a waterproof seal, may be provided in the underside of the lid and/or adjacent an upper periphery of the body, to hermetically seal the casing against ingress of water or other liquids harmful to the electronics within. A removable battery 212 is retained within the body by a battery clip 214. A ledge 216 supports each end of the battery, A circuit board 218 carrying electronic components of the device, such as the CPU and Timer Unit 20, the Internal Sensor Unit 26 and the wireless communications unit 22 can be mounted on this circuit board. The circuit board 218 is retained in place at the bottom of and within the body by retaining means 220, such as clips or screws. Fastening apertures 222 are provided for attaching the device to an object, such as a vehicle. Waterproof access points 224 are provided to allow communications and or power cables to enter/exit the housing but prevent ingress of contaminants, such as moisture and dirt, or in the event of immersion, water or other fluid.

[0105] Further embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described. The following description refers to a personal emergency transmitter.

[0106] The device 10 shown in FIG. 6 is mountable within or to an object, such as a person, a personal safety device, a vehicle or vessel or safety device associated with the same.

[0107] In the following embodiment the present invention will be described and defined in relation to a device to be carried or worn by a person or an object that they are carrying or wearing. However, it is to be understood that the device may be mounted to other types of mobile objects, such as (but not limited to) vehicles, marine vessels or aircraft.

[0108] The device 10 is contained within a heavily reinforced impact-cushioned and resistant container 100 such as shown in FIGS. 4A-C and 5, with waterproof inputs 110 for mobile phone integration, GPS/spatial/temporal data, antenna and power. The device includes an in built rechargeable power supply 212 sealed against ingress of water or other liquids. The electronics and circuitry 218 are also sealed against water damage. The container 100 is constructed to be impact and fire resistant.

[0109] The electronics within the device include a central processor and timer 420, a wireless communications unit 422 (including one or more of cellular network, satellite, radio frequency, WiFi (Bluetooth®) transmitter/receiver), onboard power supply 416, power management/regulator unit 424, optional wireless charging unit 425, optional energy harvesting unit 417 a sensor unit 426, and an optional external input/output unit 428. Further communication transceivers for additional functionality 423 (not shown) can be provided. For example, to be used for “pinging” i.e. the device checking for availability of a communication network to connect to, the type of network and strength of signal, and information protocols, such as language and information format. Likewise, the network could “ping” to seek present of the devices within a location or area.

[0110] One or more sensors of the sensor unit 426 is/are connected to the electronics as part of the device. The on-board power management/regulator may be connected to an external power supply 429, such as an external battery pack, to recharging devices (including mains, solar or the optional wireless charging unit), to the optional energy harvesting unit 417, and to the onboard power supply (such as a rechargeable battery).

[0111] The power management/regulator unit monitors power supply from the external source (via wires or wireless) and the optional energy harvesting unit and can use these sources to charge the onboard battery and/or to selectively power the device. It may also detect that no or reduced external power is available and can switch to the onboard power supply powering the device. The device may include a combination of one or more of the following sensors; a GPS, a compass, one or more accelerometers, one or more roll sensors, an altimeter, an immersion detector, a light sensor and a timer, depending on the application of the device.

[0112] External inputs/outputs 428 in this embodiment are provided from one or more of a pedometer 428a, GPS 428b, to the CPU and Timer Unit 420. These may be wired or wireless (e.g. using Bluetooth via the communications unit).

[0113] Inputs/outputs can also be provided to/from the wireless communication unit 422, such as by antenna 428c and/or mobile phone 428d. These inputs/outputs communicate with one or more of an RF transceiver unit 422b, a (Bluetooth™) short range wireless system 422c, a WiFi communication system 422d, satellite communications unit 422e, and/or GSM/GPRS communications unit 422a. The wireless communication unit 422 communicates with the CPU and timer unit 420.

[0114] The internal sensor unit 426 communicates with the CPU and Timer Unit 420. The internal sensor unit provides sensed values/signals relating to one or more parameters, such as a location (GPS) sensor 426a, a magnetic field detector (magnetometer) 426b, an accelerometer 426c, a tilt sensor (eg roll sensor) 426d, temperature sensor 426e, immersion sensor 426f and gyroscope 426g.

[0115] Functionality and further features of the device, its operation and systems will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7.

[0116] Functionally, the core two units of the device are:

[0117] i. Speed, velocity, location, immersion, temperature, acceleration, deceleration processor 426; and

[0118] ii. Device triggering monitor 430

[0119] The power monitoring unit 424 operates concurrently with the speed/velocity/location processor 431 and the device triggering monitor 430 to ensure correct power requirements.

[0120] All three of the abovementioned units 424,431,430 operate in parallel, such as from the time the device is turned on, either manually, automatically until it is switched off 494 (if no device activation has occurred in the interim).

[0121] A fourth unit, the transceiving unit 422 is activated if the device is triggered by an incident or by manual command.

[0122] The device is initialised when it is manually switched on 449. Initialisation may occur in other ways for other implementations. Initialisation activates the speed/velocity/location processor, device triggering monitor, and the power monitoring unit.

[0123] The device includes a polling unit 430, and a port monitor and timer 437. The device commences port monitoring via the port monitor once initialised.

[0124] The polling unit houses:

[0125] a device roll (orientation) unit 440.

[0126] a device immersion unit 442.

[0127] a device fire/temperature/cold/heat detection unit 444.

[0128] a device acceleration/deceleration detection unit 446.

[0129] The device roll unit or device orientation unit 440, immersion detector unit 442, fire/heat/cold detector (temperature and/or smoke detector) unit 444, and acceleration/deceleration detector unit 446, can be activated regardless of the activation status of other sensors. For example, the device may initially detect that a person has decelerated beyond an acceptable amount and then detect immersion, in addition. Immersion detection may be provided whereby one or more detectors detects immersion of the person in a liquid, such as water e.g. a river, lake, canal or the sea, and activates the device to send an alert. Fire/heat/smoke/noxious gas detection may also be provided, whereby one or more detectors is/are provided and in the event of fire, extreme heat, smoke and/or noxious gas that may threaten injury, death or incapacitation of a person, an alert is sent out by the device.

[0130] The device roll unit 440 is activated by internal/external sensors. If device roll attitude is determined to be >720 degrees side to side or if device pitch is determined to be 90 degrees front to rear, then a trigger flag is sent if it has not already been done so. If the roll flag is triggered a trigger flag is set and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated) 465. The roll/pitch data is sent to the central processor if any unit has sent the trigger flag. If any of the roll unit 440, immersion detector unit 442, temperature (fire/cold) detector unit 444 or acceleration/deceleration detector unit 446 indicates an incident has occurred, the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated) 465.

[0131] For the immersion unit 442, if the sensor has been activated, then a trigger flag is sent 460, and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated) 465

[0132] For the thermocouple unit 444, if the sensor is activated, then a trigger flag is sent 460 and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated) 465

[0133] The acceleration/deceleration unit 446, gets data from sensors about acceleration and speed. It determines if acceleration/deceleration is above a threshold e.g. greater than 5 m/sec If it is, then a trigger flag is set 460 and the incident timer disarm timer is started (if not already activated) 465

[0134] If the trigger flag has not been sent after all inputs have been evaluated 488 then the device determines if a manual alert has been activated 489. If so then an alert message is sent 457. In not then the device determines whether the device has been switched off. If so the port monitor and timer stops 92 and the device powers down 494. If it is on the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data 430. If a trigger has been sent then the port monitor timer is stopped 492.

[0135] If a trigger has been set and the disarm timer started an audible alarm 497 is activated. If the trigger reset button is pressed 98 then the disarm timer is stopped 499, the trigger flag is cleared and the device continues the port monitor and timer and resumes monitoring all units for trigger data 430. If the disarm timer has expired 498b then the disarm timer is stopped 498c, the port monitor timer is stopped 492 and an alert message is sent 457. If the disarm timer has not expired then there is a 1 second pause 498d and the deactivation process 499h is repeated.

[0136] The speed/velocity/location processor can be constantly operating. As part of gathering of all sensor data 431, current position is determined 316.

[0137] This processor determines firstly if GPS is available 300.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 3, GPS coordinates are determined. If GPS coordinates are available 300, GPS position is obtained 302 and time of GPS acquisition is determined 304. New position is set to LITERAL 305 i.e. present position. The current position is stored as the last known position 306.

[0139] If GPS is not available the device determines if previous GPS data is available, 308. If a stored position is available, time of location estimation is reset 310, and new position flag set to calculated 312. The new position is calculated 314 from last known position and data from one or more data inputs.

[0140] If GPS is not available and no data is stored, data is set to NULL and an error flag is generated 315.

[0141] When transmitting a message the device may include position, estimated or actual position flag, I.C.E. data, sensor data (including heading, speed, acceleration/deceleration, temperature, immersion), hazardous chemical information, remote tracking status and stolen vehicle tracking status.

[0142] In deactivating the device, polling and location determination ceases when external power is turned off only if activation of device due to sudden deceleration (impact) has not occurred. If a sudden deceleration (impact) has occurred, then the device will only switch off if the reset alarm button is activated. The device's own battery power will maintain operation of the device. The device may parasitically utilise battery power from an external power source as a back up power supply/external battery.

[0143] The device is activated when triggered. If an incident occurs, such as a vehicle impact, the incident timer is activated 62. The device then proceeds to acquire all sensor data including location and speed or velocity of the vehicle is obtained from speed/velocity/location calculator 316. The device then constructs the message and transmits it 57. If no command is sent to switch of the unit then this process repeats. The device may be deactivated manually or remotely.

[0144] The device constructs a data packet if a data packet is to be transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, a text message is assembled or selected from a library of predetermined messages. The device also makes an assessment of available transmission and power resources for the device, and may scan to determine what alert data or text or audiovisual receiver infrastructure or systems is/are available or within range. The alert is then transmitted.

[0145] The transmitted alert may include a digitally encoded message. The message may include one or more of a unique device identification (device ID), time elapsed since triggering, roll or pitch, altitude, location—current with either an estimated location (i.e. calculated or transponder) or GPS flag, last known GPS position with elapsed time since acquisition, bearings based on the last two GPS coordinates or previous GPS coordinates and ESTIMATE, and/or on-board battery life estimation (time or rate of charge reduction).

[0146] Shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a housing 100 for the electronic components of the device provides a waterproof, high strength casing consisting of a lower body 102 and lid 104. The casing is constructed to withstand, extremes of heat/cold and corrosive effects or ingress of water and strong acid/alkali solutions etc. Within the casing there is provided support ledges 106a,106b for the on-board battery (not shown), with clamps 108a,108b to retain the battery within the casing. A number of access ports for electrical connections at each end of the casing. These are provided with waterproof seals. Fixing points 112 are provided to secure circuits and components within the casing. Attachment points 114 are also provided for securing the casing to an object, such as a safety harness. Fastening means, such as tamperproof screws or bolts can be used along with waterproof seals. The casing may be constructed of metal and/or a synthetic material such as a high strength plastic e.g. polycarbonate. Fastening means (not shown) can be used to secure the lid to the casing body, which can include the provision of a seal, such as a waterproof seal (eg a silicon rubber or neoprene compression seal) between the lid and body.

[0147] FIG. 5 shows a housing 200 having a casing 202 with a main body portion 204 and a removable lid 206. The body and lid has a ‘ruggedised’ outer coating 208 of a tough protective material, such as polycarbonate or other tough plastics material(s), to prevent damage to the body or lid. This coating may also provide thermal insulation from extremes of heat and cold, and may also provide waterproofing. A seal 210, such as a waterproof seal, may be provided in the underside of the lid and/or adjacent an upper periphery of the body, to hermetically seal the casing against ingress of water or other liquids harmful to the electronics within. A removable battery 212 is retained within the body by a battery clip 214. A ledge 216 supports each end of the battery. A circuit board 218 carrying electronic components of the device, such as the CPU and Timer Unit 20, the Internal Sensor Unit 26 and the wireless communications unit 22 can be mounted on this circuit board. The circuit board 218 is retained in place at the bottom of and within the body by retaining means 220, such as clips or screws. Fastening apertures 222 are provided for attaching the device to an object, such as a safety harness. Waterproof access points 224 are provided to allow communications and or power cables to enter/exit the housing but prevent ingress of contaminants, such as moisture and dirt, or in the event of immersion, water or other fluid.

[0148] The device can be capable, such as by a light sensor, to detect night-fall and optionally activate an optional high intensity light strobe which may be used to attract attention at night time/dusk. This device may be activated by remote command.

[0149] The device, if on a person, may also be activated by that individual. Alternatively, if a trigger is activated and not deactivated by the wearer/bearer/individual within a required or predefined period of time (e.g. 5 min) then the alert process begins. The bearer can be alerted to the initial trigger by an audible alarm and optional vibration.

[0150] The device can include means to detect hazardous material, such as chemical and/or radioactive material.

[0151] The device may be configured to contain information pertaining to materials carried on board, other details of the object to which the device is attached, and/or details about the owner/operator of the vehicle. This information may then be incorporated in to the transmitted data along with the alert.

[0152] The device is able to alter transmitted data and the method of transmission based upon reception of acknowledgment command.

[0153] The device may be notified by an external source (local or distant) that the object to which it is attached is to be tracked and send back regular updates on position and status.

[0154] The device may obtain power wirelessly or through energy harvesting methods and mechanisms, such as kinetic and thermal gradient technologies.

[0155] The device may transmit alert information to a local or distant network

[0156] The device is able to adapt its data collection, compilation and transmission according to the optional units attached and the sensor data available.