WO2005064276A1

WO2005064276A1 - System for locating a person in a structure

Info

Publication number: WO2005064276A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/043215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan D. Adams; Joseph Birli; Gary Claypoole
Original assignee: Audiopack Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-12-22
Filing date: 2004-12-21
Publication date: 2005-07-14

Abstract

A personnel location system tracks a user's motion and distance traveled, for example by accelerometers, to create a rendering of the path taken by the user entering a structure. This path data can be recalled and analyzed to determine not only the individual's location within the structure, but also the path the person traversed to reach that location. This location and path data can be used to reach the individual.

Description

System for Locating a Person in a Structure

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a location system with improved location capabilities. In particular, the present invention relates to a personnel location system utilizing a mechanism such as accelerometers in conjunction with a radio transmitter to provide path information to assist in locating a person inside a building or other structure.

Background of the Invention

[0002] At times, firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, military personnel or similar professionals become lost or trapped within buildings or similar structures while performing their professional duties. Often, it is crucial to locate such personnel quickly to ensure their safety. Several methods have been developed to locate people inside structures. GPS systems use a minimum of three satellites and triangulation to determine the exact location of a person. GPS equipment often cannot be used to determine a person's location within a building, however, because of the inability to obtain three strong signals. Some other systems use homing signals to locate people in structures. This technique is not optimal because it tells a rescuer only if he is getting closer to the victim but does not indicate if walls and other obstructions are blocking the rescuer's path. In addition, systems have been developed which use a configuration of antennas set up around the perimeter of a building to help determine the location of a person using a radio device inside the building. This technology can be used to determine the location of the person within the structure but it does not offer much assistance to someone attempting to enter the structure and locate the person.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a location system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0004] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a portable unit that forms part of the location system of Figure 1;

[0005] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the portable unit of Figure 2 mounted on the side of a mask;

[0006] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a base unit that forms part of the location system of Figure l;

[0007] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the base unit and a rescuer unit of the location system of Figure 1, shown connected together by a hardwire connection;

[0008] Figure 6 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the rescuer unit of the location system of Figure 1 in the form of a hand held display device;

[0009] Figure 7 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the rescuer unit of the location system of Figure 1 in the form of a heads up display mounted on a mask;

[0010] Figure 8 is a plan view of a hypothetical graphical display of path information of the location system of Figure 1;

[0011] Figure 9 is a plan view of a hypothetical textual display of path information of the location system of Figure 1; and

[0012] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method used in connection with the location system of Figure 1. Description of Invention

[0013] The present invention relates generally to a location system with improved location capabilities. In particular, the present invention relates to a personnel location system utilizing the tracking of the user's motion and distance traveled, for example by three accelerometers, to create a rendering of the path taken by the user entering a structure. This path data is then transmitted to and stored at an external site, where it can be recalled and analyzed to determine not only the individual's location within the structure, but also the path the person traversed to reach that location. This location and path data can be given to rescue workers who can use the information to reach the individual.

[0014] As representative of the present invention, Figure 1 illustrates a location system 10 that is constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The location system 10 includes a portable unit shown schematically at 12 that is carried by a person. The portable unit 12 may be a standalone unit as shown in Figure 2, or it may be incorporated into a suit, mask, Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus or other electronic device such as a radio, etc as shown in Figure 3.

[0015] The portable unit 12 includes a transmitter 20 or can be connected to a separate transceiver. The transmitter 20 is operative to transmit path data to a location remote from the portable unit 12, in a manner as described below. The portable unit 12 also includes a power source 40.

[0016] The portable unit 12 includes a mechanism for detecting motion and distance traveled. Different mechanisms can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism includes a combination of three accelerometers 50. Each one of the three accelerometers 50 can be any instrument used to measure acceleration but preferably is a solid state accelerometer, for example, a MEMS device. Each one of the three accelerometers 50 corresponds to, and records movement along, one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment. Mechanisms other than accelerometers may be used.

[0017] The portable unit 12 may include an optional memory device 60 for storing compiled path data if the path data is compiled in the portable unit. The portable unit 12 may also include an optional receiver 30 for receiving information, such as radio signals, or may be connected to a separate transceiver. In addition, an optional speaker 32 and microphone 34 may be incorporated into the portable unit 12. The optional speaker 32 and microphone 34 may be electronically connected with the transmitter 20 and optional receiver 30 to allow the user of the portable unit 12 to receive and/or transmit voice and/or data transmissions via radio waves or other electronic signals. The portable unit 12 may be electronically connected with an optional antenna 62 for receiving and/or transmitting the path data and/or voice and data transmissions by means of radio waves or other electronic signals. The portable unit 12 may also include an optional display device 64 for displaying the path data that is compiled by the portable unit or for displaying other data that is received by the portable unit.

[0018] The location system 10 also includes a base unit shown schematically at 70 in Figures 1 and 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the base unit 70 is shown as a laptop computer but the base unit can take the form of any apparatus, at a location remote from the person being located, that receives and displays the path information transmitted by the portable unit 12. The base unit 70 shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 includes a power source 72. The base unit 70 includes a receiver 80 for receiving the path data transmitted by the portable unit 12. The receiver 80 may be electronically connected with an optional antenna 82 for receiving and/or transmitting the path data by means of radio waves or other electronic signals sent from the portable unit 12. In addition, the receiver may be equipped to receive additional transmissions from the portable unit 12, other than the path data such as voice transmissions or distress signals.

[0019] The base unit 70 preferably includes an optional compiler (not shown) and a memory device 90 connected with the receiver 80 for compiling and or storing the path data received by the receiver. The base unit 70 may include a display device 100 for displaying the compiled path data. The base unit 70 may include an optional transmitter 110 for transmitting or downloading the compiled path data to a location or unit remote from the base unit.

[0020] Alternatively, or in addition, the base unit 70 may include an optional data port 112 for the receipt of a cable or wire for the downloading of information via a hardwire connection to a location or unit remote from the base unit as shown in Figure 5. For the purposes of this application, the term transmit means to convey information via radio waves, other wireless signals, or via hardwire connection, hi addition, an optional speaker 114 and microphone 116 may be incorporated into the base unit 70. The optional speaker 114 and microphone 116 may be electronically connected with the receiver 80 and optional transmitter 110 to allow the base unit 70 to receive and/or transmit voice transmissions via radio waves or other electronic signals. [0021] The location system 10 may further include an optional rescuer unit 120 adapted to be carried by a rescue worker. The rescuer unit 120 may also be a standalone unit, such as a hand-held unit with a display screen as shown schematically in Figure 6. The rescuer unit 120 may be incorporated into a suit, mask, S elf-Contained Breathing Apparatus or other electronic device such as a radio, etc, as shown schematically in Figure 7.

[0022] The rescuer unit 120 includes a display device 122, preferably a heads up display or other type of visible display, for displaying path and location information to the rescue worker. The rescuer unit 120 includes a power source 124. The rescuer unit 120 may have a receiver 126 for receiving the compiled path data or other data transmissions from the base unit 70. The receiver 126 may be electronically connected with an optional antenna 128 for receiving the path data by means of radio waves or other electronic signals sent from the base unit 70. Alternatively, or in addition, the rescuer unit 120 may include an optional data port 130 for the receipt of a cable or wire for the downloading of the path data or other information via a hardwire connection from the base unit 70.

[0023] The rescuer unit may include an optional memory device 132 to store the path data received from the base unit 70. The rescuer unit may include an optional transmitter 134 for transmitting information to the base unit 70. In addition, an optional speaker 136 and microphone 138 may be incorporated into the rescuer unit 120. The optional speaker 136 and microphone 138 may be electronically connected with the receiver 126 and optional transmitter 134 to allow the user of the rescuer unit 120 to receive and/or transmit voice transmissions via radio waves or other electronic signals. The rescuer unit may include an optional mechanism for generating and storing or compiling or transmitting its own path data incase the rescuer needs to be rescued.

[0024] The components of the portable unit 12, base unit 70 and rescuer unit 120 are shown schematically in the Figures. These components will be electronically interconnected as needed so as to be operable. This electronic interconnection could be accomplished by the use of electrical wires, or by forming the components together on a unitary computer chip, or in another manner.

[0025] When a person holding the portable unit 12 travels within a structure, each one of the three solid state accelerometers 50 takes measurements regarding speed, direction and distance traveled along its designated axis. These measurements are then transmitted to the receiver 80 in the base unit 70 by the portable unit's transmitter 20. With the individual's starting point known, the data gathered from the solid state accelerometers 50 can be used to determine the person's location at any instant, as well as the path that the person traversed to reach this location. For example, if a person enters a building through the front door, the door can be set as the starting point. Then, as the person travels away from the front door, the accelerometers 50 take measurements regarding the speed, direction and distance that is traveled in relation to the location of the front door. GPS coordinates may alternatively be used to fix the starting point of the person entering the building.

[0026] The accelerometer measurements are preferably compiled by the base unit 70. When this data is compiled, it can be displayed in a form that represents the path the individual took to get from the front door to the present location. Once compiled, this path information is then stored in the memory device 90 of the base unit 70. The base unit 70 also displays the compiled path data on its display device 100.

[0027] If a three dimensional map of the building or structure that the user of the portable unit 12 has entered is available, this three dimensional map could be synchronized with the compiled path data and displayed in conjunction with the path data on the display device 100 of the base unit 70. Accordingly, the three dimensional map of the structure could be displayed, and as a person using the portable unit 12 travels within the structure, the path data corresponding to this movement could be compiled and transposed onto the map of the structure. In this manner, a person attempting to locate the user of the portable unit 12 would have the benefit of points of reference gleaned from the map of the structure, which would help to locate the person more quickly and efficiently.

[0028] Optionally, the measurements taken by the accelerometers 50 could also be stored by the optional memory device 60 of the portable unit 12. The measurements taken by the accelerometers 50 could then be compiled by the portable unit 12 and transmitted in compiled form from the portable unit 12, via radio waves by the transmitter 20, to the receiver 80 in the base unit 70. This compiled path data could also be displayed on an optional display device of the portable unit. However, to minimize power consumption as well as the size and weight of the portable unit 12, the portable unit could simply include a transmitter 20, power source 40, and three accelerometers 50.

[0029] If a person becomes lost or trapped within a structure, the compiled data representative of the person's path and location in the structure can be retrieved from the memory device 90 of the base unit 70. This path data may then be sent by the transmitter 110 of the base unit 70 in a wireless manner, such as via radio waves, to the rescuer unit 120. Alternatively, the path data may be sent to the rescuer unit 120 by a hardwire connection utilizing the optional data ports 112, 130 of the base unit 70 and rescuer unit 120. The rescuer unit 120 then displays the path information on its display device 122. The display of the path information could take multiple forms, such as a graphical three dimensional map or textual commands for the rescuer as shown at 122 in Figs. 8 and 9. For the purpose of this application, the term graphical refers to any display that is nontextual, whether two dimensional or three dimensional. Similarly, if the portable unit 12 or base unit 70 display the path information, it could also be displayed by their optional display devices in these multiple forms. For example, voice synthesis could be used to provide verbal directions.

[0030] The path information could be transmitted to the rescuer unit 120 in a single transmission before the user of the rescuer unit enters the structure. Alternatively, the path information could be relayed in real time to the rescuer unit 120 from the base unit 70 as it is received from the portable unit 12. This configuration would allow for the path data to be continuously updated as the user of the portable unit 12 moves within the structure. In addition, the base unit 70 could be configured to create and transmit modified path data to the rescuer unit 120 if the rescuer becomes lost or blocked by an obstruction within the structure.

[0031] To reach the trapped or lost individual, a rescue worker can start at the same starting point as the individual. Then, by following the path information displayed on the display device 122 of the rescuer unit 120, the rescue worker can reach the individual's location by taking the same path that the individual took within the structure.

[0032] Additional data, other than the path data, can also be transmitted between the portable unit 12, base unit 70, and rescuer unit 120. This additional data can take multiple forms, such as voice, textual or other types of transmissions. In this way, the users of the portable unit 12 and rescuer unit 120 can communicate with each other and the base unit 70 by sending and receiving voice, textual or other types of messages. For example, the user of the portable unit 12 could receive a message informing him or her that help is on the way or the user of the portable unit 12 could convey additional instructions regarding the rescue efforts to the base unit 70 or to the rescuer using the rescuer unit 120.

[0033] The location device of the present invention enables the rescuer to take the same path as the lost or trapped individual, which can shorten the rescue process by preventing time from being wasted while the rescuer attempts to find a new path to that location. This speeding up of the rescue process can increase the likelihood that the lost or trapped individual can be rescued in a timely manner. [0034] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary methodology of locating a person inside a building or other structure using the location system of the present invention. The blocks shown represent functions, actions, or events performed therein. The methodology begins at block 202 where the user moves from a first position to a second position within a building or other structure while carrying the portable unit 12. At block 204 the accelerometers 50 of the portable unit 12 generate three dimensional path data.

[0035] If at block 206 the portable unit contains the compiler, the portable unit compiles the data generated by the accelerometers 50 into path data that is representative of the path the user took from the first location to the second location at block 208. This compiled path data is then transmitted by the transmitter 20 of the portable unit 12 to the receiver 80 of the base unit 70 at block 210.

[0036] If, however, the base unit contains the compiler at block 206, the un-compiled path data generated by the accelerometers 50 is transmitted by the transmitter 20 of the portable unit 12 to the receiver 80 of the base unit 70 at block 212. The base unit 70 then compiles this data into path data that is representative of the path the user took from the first location to the second location at block 214.

[0037] The base unit 70 then displays the path data on its optional display device 100 at block 216. It should be understood that this step is optional and the base unit 70 could transmit the path data to the rescuer unit 120 without displaying it at all. The base unit 70 then stores the path data at block 218. It should also be understood that this step is optional and the base unit 70 could transmit the path information to the rescuer unit 120 without storing it.

[0038] Subsequently, the transmitter 110 of the base unit 70 transmits the path data to the receiver 126 of the rescuer unit 120 at block 220. The rescuer unit 120 then displays the path data received from the base unit 70 on its display device 122 at block 222. Once the path information is displayed, this path information can then assist the rescuer in finding the person using the portable unit 12.

[0039] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the portable unit can contain a display as indicated schematically at 64 in Fig. 1. The display 64 can display the path data that is computed or received or compiled. This would allow the individual using the portable unit to find his own way back out of a structure by reversing his path. This might eliminate or reduce the need to send another person, a rescuer, into a hazardous situation. Therefore, the invention includes the use of the path data by the user himself as well as or in alternative to the use of the path data by a rescuer.

Claims

Having described the invention, we claim:

1. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having a mechanism for measuring direction and distance traveled, the portable unit generating path data as the user moves that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; the portable unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit; and a base unit for receiving and displaying the path data transmitted by the portable unit.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portable unit generates three dimensional path data.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base unit includes a visual display for displaying a graphical representation of the path data.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base unit includes a visual display for displaying a textual representation of the path data.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mechanism includes a plurality of solid state accelerometers.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each one of the accelerometers is a MEMS device.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portable unit has three accelerometers, each one of the three accelerometers generating data representative of movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portable unit includes a receiver for receiving information transmitted by the base unit.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portable unit includes a microphone and a speaker for voice transmissions.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base unit includes a microphone and a speaker for voice transmissions.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base unit is operative to transmit the path data received from the portable unit, said apparatus further comprising a rescuer unit that can be carried by a rescuer for receiving and displaying the path data transmitted by the base unit.

12. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having a plurality of accelerometers, the portable unit generating path data as the user moves that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location, the portable unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit; a base unit for receiving and displaying the path data transmitted by the transmitter of the portable unit, the base unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the base unit; and a rescuer unit that can be carried by a rescuer for receiving and displaying the path data transmitted by the base unit.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the portable unit generates three dimensional path data.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the rescuer unit includes a visual display for displaying a graphical representation of the path data.

15. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the rescuer unit includes a plurality of accelerometers, the portable unit generating path data as the rescuer moves that represents the path the rescuer has taken.

16. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein each one of the plurality of accelerometers is a solid state accelerometer.

17. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein each one of the accelerometers is a MEMS device.

18. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the portable unit has three accelerometers, each one of the three accelerometers generating data representative of movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment.

19. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the transmitter of the base unit transmits the path data to the rescuer unit in a wireless manner.

20. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the transmitter of the base unit transmits the path data to the rescuer unit via a hardwire connection.

21. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the rescuer unit includes a microphone and a speaker for voice transmissions.

22. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the base unit, portable unit, and rescuer unit each include a microphone and a speaker for voice transmissions, the base unit transmitting voice transmissions to the portable unit and rescuer unit, the rescuer unit transmitting voice transmissions to the portable unit and base unit, and the portable unit transmitting voice transmissions to the base unit and rescuer unit.

23. A portable unit that can be carried by a user for generating and transmitting path data, comprising: a plurality of accelerometers, the plurality of accelerometers generating path data as the user travels that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; and a transmitter for transmitting the path data in a wireless manner to a location remote from the portable unit.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the portable unit generates three dimensional path data.

25. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each one of the plurality of accelerometers is a solid state accelerometer.

26. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each one of the plurality of accelerometers is a MEMS device.

27. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the portable unit has three accelerometers, each one of the three accelerometers generating data representative of movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment.

28. A method for locating a person, comprising the steps of: generating three dimensional path data representative of the path that the person has taken from a first location to a second location; transmitting the path data to a base unit; and displaying the path data on the base unit.

29. The method set forth in claim 28 further comprising the steps of: transmitting the path data from the base unit to a rescuer unit that can be carried by a rescuer; and displaying the path data on the rescuer unit.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of generating three dimensional path data is performed by a portable unit that can be carried by a user and that has a plurality of accelerometers.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting the path data to a base unit comprises transmitting path data from a portable unit that can be carried by a user and that has a plurality of accelerometers.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of displaying the path data on the base unit comprises displaying the path data in graphical format.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of displaying the path data on the base unit comprises displaying the path data in textual format.

34. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting the path data from the base unit to the rescuer unit is performed in a wireless manner.

35. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting the path data from the base unit to the rescuer unit is performed via a hardwire connection.

36. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of displaying the path data on the rescuer unit comprises displaying the path data in graphical format.

37. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of displaying the path data on the rescuer unit comprises displaying the path data in textual format.

38. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having three accelerometers, each one of the accelerometers generating data representative of the user movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment, the portable unit thereby generating path data that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; the portable unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit in a wireless manner; and a base unit for receiving the path data transmitted by the portable unit, the base unit having a visual display for displaying the path data.

39. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having three accelerometers, each one of the accelerometers generating data representative of user movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment, the portable unit thereby generating path data that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; the portable unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit in a wireless manner; a base unit for receiving the path data transmitted by the portable unit, the base unit further having a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the base unit; and a rescuer unit that can be carried by a rescuer for receiving the path data transmitted by the base unit, the rescuer unit having a visual display for displaying the path data.

40. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having three accelerometers, each one of the accelerometers generating data representative of user movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment, the portable unit thereby generating path data that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; the portable unit further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit in a wireless manner; and a rescuer unit that can be carried by a rescuer for receiving the path data transmitted by the base unit, the rescuer unit having a visual display for displaying the path data.

41. An apparatus for helping to locate a person, comprising: a portable unit that can be carried by a user, the portable unit having a mechanism for measuring three dimensional direction and distance traveled, the portable unit generating path data as the user moves that represents the path the user has taken from a first location to a second location; the portable unit adapted to be connected with a separate transceiver for transmitting the path data to a location remote from the portable unit; and a base unit for receiving and displaying the path data from the portable unit that is transmitted.

42. An apparatus as set forth in claim 41 wherein the mechanism includes three accelerometers, each one of the three accelerometers generating data representative of movement along a respective one of the three axes used to define a three dimensional environment.