WO2007000021A1

WO2007000021A1 - Assistance call and monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2007000021A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000900
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Lapin
Original assignee: Vieo Systems Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-06-28
Filing date: 2006-06-27
Publication date: 2007-01-04

Abstract

A monitoring system (102) for an aged care or health care environment comprises a control bus (11) with a number of peripheral devices (12) attached thereto. Signals from these peripheral devices can be coupled via an interface (6, 7, 8) to the Internet (5) or any suitable converged IP network. The interface can include a gateway device (6) for coupling to the control bus and to a local area network (7) and router (8). The signals are then coupled to remote servers (9) for processing and suitable responses actioned. For example, alarm calls in facilities (2, 3, 4) can be transmitted to the servers and appropriate messages sent via pagers, SMS or telephone to alert carers or other actions performed. By providing this networked arrangement with the control bus, and the IP network, scalability is achieved. By providing more than one gateway device and more than one server, failover can be provided.

Description

"Assistance Call and Monitoring System"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an assistance call and monitoring system particularly, although not exclusively, for a care environment such as an aged or health care environment.

Background Art

The following discussion is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Aged or health care environments typically comprise a mixture of accommodation and community facilities that are adapted for people with a range of needs and abilities. The facilities can range from accommodation for people who wish to live independently to those who require high dependency care, for example, in a nursing care facility. Other community facilities such as restaurants, medical facilities, commercial buildings, apartments and administration areas may also be provided. Typically such environments can be spread out over vast areas. These environments typically provide for monitoring and call assistance for residents. For those living in independent living units (ILU's) buttons may be provided which allow the resident to call for assistance if required. Additionally, residents may be supplied with a calling device which can be worn around the neck, and which can be pressed in an emergency. This typically sends a signal to a central console through, for example, a telephone line, which can then be detected and appropriate action taken. For those in a high dependency environment, similar arrangements are provided. The systems may also include hardwired buttons and/ or switches. Unfortunately, many of these arrangements, which typically use serial based communication or electrical switching technologies, require large amounts of cabling which is both costly and difficult to maintain. They also have limitations with respect to distance and robustness, and, in particular that they do not provide for a single system that can be effectively or economically delivered over a wide area as in a large campus environment. Each monitoring or service provision may require its own cabling which can quickly multiply the amount of cabling required. Typically, servicing and monitoring of the system itself needs to be implemented manually, and when a system fails it can be difficult to monitor where the faults have occurred and they do not allow for failover to a secondary or tertiary system. These arrangements do not lend themselves to large scale operations due to the fact that so much infrastructure is required during construction.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment comprising a plurality of peripheral call and monitoring devices coupled thereto, and at least one server in communication with the call and monitoring devices for receiving signals therefrom, whereby signals are coupled to the at least one server from the call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the call and monitoring devices are coupled to the internet protocol network via a system interface, and whereby the peripheral call and monitoring devices are operable to transmit a signal to the at least one server via the system interface and the internet protocol network in response to an event, and the interface being operable to couple the signal internet protocol network, the at least one server being arranged to receive the signal from the internet protocol network and operable in response to the signal from the internet protocol network, to generate a predetermined response action in response to the received signal.

Preferably, the interface comprises a networking device coupled to the internet protocol network and a gateway device coupled to the peripheral call and monitoring devices and the networking device, the gateway device being operable to couple the signal to the internet protocol network for forwarding to the at least one server via the networking device. Preferably, the system interface further includes a local area network coupled between the networking device and the gateway device.

Preferably, the system interface comprises a plurality of gateway devices.

Preferably, the internet protocol network is a converged internet protocol network.

Preferably, the at least one server comprises a processing and messaging engine and a server interface, the processing and messaging engine being operable to process the signals received from the IP network to generate the appropriate response actions and messages in response to these received signals, and the server interface being operable to interface these response actions to external devices.

Preferably, the system includes a plurality of servers coupled to the internet protocol network.

Preferably, the system further comprises a control bus coupled between the peripheral call and monitoring devices and the system interface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an interface device for an assistance and call monitoring system for a care environment, the assistance and call monitoring system comprising a plurality of peripheral call and monitoring devices and at least one server in communication therewith, whereby signals are coupled to the at least one server from the peripheral call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the interface device is arranged for coupling to the peripheral call and monitoring devices so that signals from the peripheral call and monitoring devices are coupled from the internet protocol network by means of the interface device such that the at least one server can receive the signal from the internet protocol network.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server for an assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment the assistance and call monitoring system comprising a plurality of peripheral call and - A - monitoring devices in communication with the server, whereby signals are coupled to the server from the peripheral call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the server is operable in response to a signal coupled to it from the call and monitoring devices via the internet protocol network to generate a predetermined response action in response to the received signal.

Preferably, the server comprises a processing and messaging engine and a server interface, the processing and messaging engine being operable to process the signals received from the internet protocol network to generate the appropriate response actions and messages in response to these received signals, and the server interface being operable to interface these response actions to external devices.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assistance and call monitoring, the method including the steps of: generating signals from call and monitoring devices of an assistance and call monitoring system; coupling the generated signals to at least one server via an internet protocol network; and generating response actions in response to the signals coupled to the server, the response actions being generated by the server and the response actions being sent to external devices via a server interface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system network of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a gateway module used in the system network of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the system of the present invention, and the integration of the components therein.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system 102 according to the invention located in an aged care or health care environment 100. The system 102 includes a network 101 of facilities, whose structure and function will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the network 101 includes a number of high-dependency or low-dependency residential care facilities 3, a number of ILU's 2, and an administration facility 1. In the embodiment described herein, these are provided on a single campus but can be located over a wide area. In this embodiment there are also community care facilities 4, where people reside outside of the campus but avail themselves of the facilities provided within the aged care environment. Although - in this embodiment - the majority of the facilities are provided on a single campus, in another embodiment, they could be located in two or more such campuses. These services can also be delivered to residents in their homes that are not connected to any aged care facility.

In the embodiment described herein, each facility 1 , 2, 3 (ILU, residential care, etc.) has a control bus arrangement 11 provided therein as well as a data network infrastructure. However, in another embodiment of the invention one or more or all of the system facilities 1 , 2, 3 may not have a control bus arrangement 11. The use of a control bus arrangement 11 facilitates the coupling of the main components of the network 101 to a variety of devices and systems within the system facilities - as will be described in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the administration facility 1, does not have a control bus arrangement, although, it may have one also for building control integration. The control bus arrangements 11 provided in the system facilities 1 , 2, 3 comprise cabling 20 and ports 21 for coupling to a variety of peripheral devices 12 such as call assistance buttons, pendants, other serial devices or other input or control devices.

In this embodiment, the control bus arrangement 11 comprises a C-Bus ™ control bus from the Clipsal™ group of companies. The C-BUS™ control bus comprises an unshielded twisted pair (UST) Cat-5 cable which carries data and communications between peripheral devices coupled to the cable. Peripheral devices - such as the gateway modules 6 described in more detail below - can be added to the UST cable as required and thus provides a free topology structure for the control bus arrangement 11. The configuration, operation and use of such control buses and data networks is well known to person skilled in the art, and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein.

Each control bus 11 is provided with one or more gateway modules 6 coupled thereto. The gateway modules 6 are designed to send and receive data signals to and from the control bus network 11 - which can originate from any of the peripheral devices 12 - for coupling to a private IP network 5 which can be a wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN).

The gateway modules 6 are coupled to the private IP network 5 via a local area network (LAN) 7, for example an Ethernet network. Such LAN's are also well known to persons skilled in the art, and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the gateway modules 6 could be coupled directly to a WAN, without the need for the LAN 7.

Coupled to the LAN 7 are also devices such as computers or telephones 13.

In another alternative, the LAN 7 can be coupled to an additional LAN (not shown). One or more routers 8 can be connected to the LAN 7. The gateway modules 6 are thereby coupled to a router 8 via the LAN 7. The network router 8 can be of any suitable, known type. In the embodiment described herein, the gateway modules 6 are coupled to the router 8 via the LAN 7, but could be coupled directly to the router 8, if appropriate.

The router 8 is configured to transmit data signals from the LAN 7 via the private IP network 5, using the IP protocol.

In this way, data and communications can be coupled between different system facilities 1 , 2, 3, the LAN's 7, the control bus arrangements 11 and any peripheral devices 12, 13 connected thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the Internet can be used or any other suitable converged wired or wireless IP network. Other protocols and network topologies may also be used.

At the administration facility 1 , there is provided a LAN 7', such an Ethernet LAN, to which is coupled one or more routers 8', and one or more servers 9. The servers 9 are configured to send and receive data signals to and from the private IP network 5 via the routers 8' and LAN T. In this way, data communication can be established between the peripheral devices 12, such as a call assistance button or other devices coupled to the LAN T such as a telephone, and the servers 9.

The servers 9 may also be located at any point within the network 101.

In Figure 1 , two servers 9 are illustrated and are located within the main administration facility 1. However, the number of servers 9 can vary, and - as mentioned above - they can be located elsewhere, such as within the other facilities themselves. However, they are all connected to the network 101 in the same way, and signals sent to them in the same way.

Each facility 1 , 2, 3 will preferably be provided with more than one gateway module 6, and - in the embodiment described herein - the gateway modules are provided in pairs except in ILU's 2 where they are provided singly, although they could also be provided in pairs. This is done to improve failover as, should one gateway module 6 fail, then the other will still be able to function and provide the functions required. More gateway modules can be provided depending upon the degree of failover required.

Similarly, the servers 9 are clustered (for example by being provided in pairs) to provide for failover so that, should one server fail, then the other can still function. More servers can be provided depending upon the degree of failover required.

Servers 9 and gateway modules 6 can be used as single entities (i.e. one gateway module 6, and one server 9) or more (for example two gateway modules, and two servers, or one or more servers, with each server 9 being coupled to one or more gateway modules 6). This ensures that the system will continue to operate in case of a failure by either a gateway module 6 or a server 9. Servers 9 and gateway modules 6 are operable to determine which other device is the "master" and so act as a secondary in a way that is well known to persons skilled in the art depending upon the network topology and protocol used. In this way, should a server 9 fail, then another server is able to receive the signal and process it in the same way as the "master".

All the data processing and logic regarding the communication of data between the peripheral devices 12 and within the system 102 is carried out at these servers 9. The servers 9 are configured to operate in a known manner to provide the functionality described herein. Each server 9 includes a processing and messaging engine 22, and an interface 23 to provide the interface to the devices and processes that it is to control. For example, the interface 23 will provide an interface to email, pagers, short message service providers and public switched telephone networks (PSTN) for generating and transmitting appropriate messages to users or devices coupled to the system 102. A web service interface can be provided. In addition, Voice over IP (VoIP) devices can be provided. Critical peripheral devices can be monitored by means of a 'heartbeat' process and the interface 23 can provide the appropriate interface to these critical devices. Interfaces for personal computers or other digital devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDA's) can also be provided. The interface 23 can also provided to interface commands to other automation systems provided, for example to control to lighting systems, or water control devices. The processing and messaging engine 22 is operable to process the signals received from the IP network 5 and to generate the appropriate response actions and messages in response to these received signals. These response actions are then sent to the appropriate external devices via the appropriate interface 23 as described above.

The system 102 therefore comprises two networks, one for control and one for IP communication, but as the two are interconnected with the hardware and software they appear as one logical network allowing seamless intercommunication between all devices irrespective of where they are attached within the system 102. However devices such as computers and telephones are always connected to the private IP network 5 and buttons, pendants, serial devices etc are always connected to the control network 11 or directly to the gateway module 6.

An advantage of the distributed nature of the system is that it allows for a single system to provide services for multiple sites and further, the servers do not need to be on the same site where the service is being delivered. For example, Site A has a nurse call system with multiple gateway modules 6 and one nurse call server 9. In case of a failure of one of the gateway modules 6, another local gateway module 6 provides backup for it. If the local server 9 fails, then due to the network nature of the system, the gateway module 6 is able to communicate with another server 9. This second server can be located anywhere within the network 101 and it will use this second server which will operate in the same way and determine the appropriate action to be taken, alert the appropriate people and so on.

The administration facility 1 is also in communication with a remotely located telephone call centre 15 via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 14. This communication is facilitated via the LAN T and a router 8'. In an alternative embodiment, the PSTN 14 can be located anywhere on the network 101.

These community care facilities 4 are also provided with wireless connectivity to the administration facility LAN 7', for example using cellular radio telephony protocols such as GSM or CDMA or GPRS, via radio transceivers 16 provided at the community care facility 4 and the administration facility 1 , and one or more base stations 10. These cellular radio telephony protocols are well known and need not be described in any further detail herein. Other wireless technologies can equally be used provide they are appropriate for the arrangement of the facilities within the system.

In this embodiment, there is also provided ILU 2' and residential care facilities 3' which can be coupled directly to the administration LAN T rather than via the private IP network 5.

The gateway module 6 will now be described in more detail. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the gateway module 6 used in the present invention. The gateway module 6 comprises a bus interface 30, and a device interface 31 which provide for interface and communication between the gateway module 6 and the control bus 11. The gateway module includes appropriate circuitry 32, and software 33 to provide functionality of the gateway module 6. The gateway module 6 also includes interfaces that enable the module 6 to be coupled to the LAN 7 and other networks/ topologies and devices. In Figure 2, interfaces are shown for coupling to: the LAN 7 and/ or private IP network 5 (34, 35), any wireless devices/ networks (36), and serial buses or other serial connections (37), any radio frequency devices (38) and any other digital interfaces (39).

An interface 40 is also provided for coupling to the control bus 11 via a port 21 on the network bus cable 20. Peripheral devices 12 can also be coupled directly to the gateway module 6 via the port 21. In this way, signals can be sent from the control bus 11 and peripheral devices 12, via the LAN 7, router 8 and private IP network 5 to any other devices/ networks/ systems as appropriate.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the way in which the system 102 can provide the required functionality. In Figure 3, the control bus arrangement 11 is provided in any of the facilities 1 , 2, 3 as described above. Connected to the control bus 11 are a number of peripheral devices 12, such as assistance call buttons, dry contact devices that provide a contact closure in response to an action, radio frequency (RF) call pendants, water monitors and gas monitors. Other suitable monitors, alarms and other peripheral devices could also be connected to the control bus arrangement. The gateway module 6 is also coupled to the control bus arrangement 11 as described above. Other peripheral devices such as telephones and computers 13 are also coupled to the LAN 7.

An example of the way in which the system 102 can be used, will be now discussed, with particular reference to Figure 3. The flow of data and information is indicated by the long-dashed line in Figure 3.

In use, consider a resident of one of the ILU's 2 is provided with a remote call RF assistance button (not shown) that can be worn on the person or is hardwired. If the resident needs assistance then that person can simply press the button (which includes a radio frequency (RF)) transmitter) and an RF signal is transmitted by the call assistance button. This transmitted signal is received by a sensor (not shown) coupled to the control bus arrangement 11. In an alternative, the sensor could be integrated with the gateway module 6. In either instance, upon detection of the RF signal, the sensor is operable to generate an appropriate data signal in response thereto. This data signal is transmitted via the gateway module 6 onto the LAN 7 and to the router 8. The router 8 is then operable, in response to receipt of this data signal, to send this data signal to the server 9 via the private IP network 5, or other converged IP network, or the Internet, in accordance with standard IP protocol or other protocols. The signal will include means for identifying the source of the signal, as well as the destination server 9 for the signal.

As described above, the server(s) 9 are also coupled to the LAN T provided at the facility 1 in which the server 9 is located. A router 8' is also provided, coupled to the LAN T - again as described above. The signal is received from the private IP network 5, by the router 8' and from there coupled to the LAN T and from there to the server 9.

Upon receipt of the signal, the server 9 is operable to parse the signal to determine the nature of the alert, and will then determine the appropriate response actions. For example, the response action may a phone call to a nurse, or a signal to an automated system to switch on an alarm or other device.

The logic and process is carried out at the server 9 aside from some prioritisation mechanisms. Destination addressing is determined at the gateway module 6 and forwarding it onto the private IP network 5 is carried out at the gateway module 6. All deterministic routing (ie what path data takes to get to the servers 9) is a function of the IP network devices such as routers etc as this is a function of IP networking. The gateway module 6 is also operable for local heart beating and state awareness of all devices it is connected to - i.e. if the control bus 11 has nurse call buttons connected to it the local gateway module 6 will check and maintain state awareness of these devices as well as any partner gateway module(s) and associated servers. This is a key area where the present invention differs from traditional assistance call and nurse call in that the logic, control and functionality of the system 102 are contained in the private IP network 5 and network servers 9, not in any local serial controllers.

Upon receipt of the data signal, the server 9 will parse the data and determine the source of the signal, the type of alert, and so what action is necessary.

In the embodiment described herein, the signal will include a suitable unique identifier which will enable the server 9 to determine the source of the signal. For example, if the data signal indicates a call for assistance, the server 9 may call for assistance by initiating an SMS or a pager or other format message 24 which can be sent to the appropriate person or device as required by the appropriate path, for example back via the LAN 7', a wide area network or PSTN 14. Alternatively, or, in addition, it may send a message via the LAN T to a computer or other monitor attached to the administration LAN 7'. The SMS, pager or other format message would typically include details of where the call for assistance was generated. A care assistant, upon receipt of the SMS, pager or other format message, can then respond to the alert to provide assistance to the person requesting it. The response could also be provided by an internal phone system (if provided) or using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). These response actions will be sent to the appropriate external device via the appropriate interface using the server interface 23.

The system may also place an automated call 25 back to the source of the alert to determine the level of assistance required prior to user intervention. This is a feature that ensures that the system does not require human intervention until absolutely necessary. Messages may be delivered to any portable device - not just a pager or SMS device but could be a portable wireless connected device (eg a PDA) as well as other messaging devices, messaging formats and items that initiate a responsive action.

The control bus arrangement 11 may be provided with a peripheral device that is operable to generate a visual indicator such as a light (not shown). Upon receipt of a data signal indicating an alert, the server 9 may be operable to generate another data signal 26 which can be sent back to the control bus arrangement 11 via the private IP network 5, Internet (or other communication method) in the usual way. Upon receipt of this data signal, the relevant gateway module 6 is operable to generate a signal for the light to cause it to light up. This would provide assistance to the care assistant and would also provide reassurance to the resident who had initiated the call for assistance. In addition, or alternatively, this data signal 26 could be used to switch on automated systems such as room lights to provide reassurance, or to generate alarms.

Alternatively, or in addition, the server 9 may be operable to generate a phone call 27 in response to a received data signal indicating a call for assistance. This called would be routed via the PSTN 14 and carrier exchange to the resident. Again to provide reassurance or to check that assistance is actually required.

As discussed above, the calls back may or may not be by the PSTN but by the internal phone system or VoIP telephony system. In Figure 1 , the router 8 may be replaced by a device enabling communication with older style call centres.

In another embodiment, the remote facilities 2, 3, 4 may be provided with gateway modules 6 but without the control bus arrangement, if so required, as mentioned above. In this way requests for assistance, or other situations to be monitored, are sensed directly by the gateway module 6, by appropriate sensing devices provided thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the RF transmitters provided on the call assistance buttons can be operable to transmit a radio frequency identifier (RFID) as part of the RF signal when pressed. The environment surrounding the facilities can be provided with a number of RF receivers (not shown), located in a cellular arrangement which are operable to receive signals from the call assistance buttons. The receivers are located so that RF signals transmitted by the call assistance buttons can be received by at least one receiver in the environment. The receivers are provided with a microprocessor (not shown) which enables the RF signal to be parsed and the RFID determined. If an RF signal transmitted by a call assistance button is received by a receiver, the receiver is operable to send a signal, for example, via a transceiver (not shown), to the server 9. In this way a call assistance request can be transmitted when a resident is away from their home/ILU/Care Facility. The server 9 may also be operable to determine the location of the receiver which received the signal, and thereby determine the location of the resident. If the RF signal is detected by 3 receivers, it may be possible to determine the location closely using triangulation techniques.

In an alternative embodiment, video could be integrated and used within the network 101. The servers 9 would be operable to receive signals from suitably located cameras and display them to operators as required.

As mentioned above, in addition, or as an alternative, the system could be provided with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony rather than using the conventional PSTN 14.

Although the embodiment described herein described the use of internet protocol, other networking protocols could be used.

In addition, rather than using the Ethernet networking topology described in this embodiment, other networking topologies such as token ring topology could be used. Wireless or wired technologies can also be used. Communications can be encrypted or unencrypted.

The arrangements of the networks can be adapted to suit the environment, and, services can be added as the environment grows. Any combination of the arrangements described in this embodiment can be devised without extending beyond the scope of the present invention. Any suitable peripheral device can be integrated into the system.

The discussion above has referred to the use of the system within ILU's. However, Figure 1 shows the network 101 including gateway modules 6, LANs 7, control bus/ network arrangements 11 in other facilities such as high or low dependency aged care facilities where, for example, nursing care is provided.

In such facilities, nurse call devices such as buttons or switches can be used by residents to summon help from nurses or other assistants. In such circumstances, the resident pushes the button, and the signal is routed via, for example, a gateway module 6 to the private IP network 5 and from there to a server 9, which may - preferably - be located within the facility 3 itself, but may be located elsewhere. In the same way as described above, the sever 9 is operable to determine what action is required in response to the alert - for example, a nurse may be paged.

As mentioned above, should the gateway module 6 fail, then the signal will be routed via another gateway module and processed as usual. If the server 9 fails, then the network is operable to route the signal to another server 9, which can then process the signals and generate the appropriate response. In this way, the system is robust and provides failover.

Alternatives are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, other control bus network alternatives to the C-BUS™ cable can be used for the network arrangement 11. Instead of the router 8, a switch or other networking device can be used. Other peripheral devices can be coupled to the control bus 11 and operated accordingly. Because of the flexible nature of the system 102 these devices can be added and removed as required.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

1. An assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment comprising a plurality of peripheral call and monitoring devices coupled thereto, and at least one server in communication with the call and monitoring devices for receiving signals therefrom, whereby signals are coupled to the at least one server from the call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the call and monitoring devices are coupled to the internet protocol network via a system interface, and whereby the peripheral call and monitoring devices are operable to transmit a signal to the servers via the system interface and the internet protocol network in response to an event, and the interface being operable to couple the signal internet protocol network, the at least one server being arranged to receive the signal from the internet protocol network and operable in response to the signal from the internet protocol network, to generate a predetermined response action in response to the received signal.

2. An assistance call and monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the interface comprises a networking device coupled to the internet protocol network and a gateway device coupled to the peripheral call and monitoring devices and the networking device, the gateway device being operable to couple the signal to the internet protocol network for forwarding to the at least one server via the networking device.

3. An assistance call and monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein the system interface further includes a local area network coupled between the networking device and the gateway device.

4. An assistance call and monitoring system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the system interface comprises a plurality of gateway devices.

5. An assistance call and monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the internet protocol network is a converged internet protocol network.

6. An assistance call and monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one server comprises a processing and messaging engine and a server interface, the processing and messaging engine being operable to process the signals received from the IP network to generate the appropriate response actions and messages in response to these received signals, and the server interface being operable to interface these response actions to external devices.

7. An assistance call and monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system includes a plurality of servers coupled to the internet protocol network.

8. An assistance call and monitoring system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control bus coupled between the peripheral call and monitoring devices and the system interface.

9. An interface device for an assistance and call monitoring system for a care environment, the assistance and call monitoring system comprising a plurality of peripheral call and monitoring devices and at least one server in communication therewith, whereby signals are coupled to the at least one server from the peripheral call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the interface device is arranged for coupling to the peripheral call and monitoring devices so that signals from the peripheral call and monitoring devices are coupled from the internet protocol network by means of the interface device such that the at least one server can receive the signal from the internet protocol network.

10. A server for an assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment the assistance and call monitoring system comprising a plurality of peripheral call and monitoring devices in communication with the server, whereby signals are coupled to the server from the peripheral call and monitoring devices via an internet protocol network, and whereby the server is operable in response to a signal coupled to it from the call and monitoring devices via the internet protocol network to generate a predetermined response action in response to the received signal.

11. As server according to claim 10, comprising a processing and messaging engine and a server interface, the processing and messaging engine being operable to process the signals received from the internet protocol network to generate the appropriate response actions and messages in response to these received signals, and the server interface being operable to interface these response actions to external devices.

12. A method of assistance and call monitoring, the method including the steps of: generating signals from call and monitoring devices of an assistance and call monitoring system; coupling the generated signals to at least one server via an internet protocol network; and generating response actions in response to the signals coupled to the server, the response actions being generated by the server and the response actions being sent to external devices via a server interface.

13. An assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment as herein described with reference to the drawings.

14. An interface device for an assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment as herein described with reference to the drawings.

15. A server for an assistance call and monitoring system for a care environment as herein described with reference to the drawings.

16. A method of assistance and call monitoring as herein described with reference to the drawings.