WO2010139867A1

WO2010139867A1 - Simplified communication system and device, in particular for persons losing the independence thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2010139867A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/000407
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre Dumoux
Original assignee: Pierre Dumoux
Priority date: 2009-06-03
Filing date: 2010-06-01
Publication date: 2010-12-09
Also published as: FR2946485A1; FR2946485B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system (1) including a processing center (10) and a communication device (20) for transmitting a message to the center (10), wherein the system also includes means (13) for recognizing a party (4-7) and a user (2) to whom the message is transmitted, and means for redirecting the message to the party. The system makes it possible to favor a communication mode known by the user independent of the communication mode favored by each party. It is adapted to contribute in supporting dependent persons at home, and for helping same in the daily activities thereof and in maintaining social and family contacts. It does not require any training or specific installation.

Description

Simplified communication system and device, particularly adapted for people experiencing a loss of autonomy.

Submitter (s): Pierre DUMOUX

The present invention relates to a device and a multimodal communication system adapted to allow a person to be in remote relation, in a simplified, streamlined and unified way, with third parties, including his entourage, his friends, his suppliers, administrations, social or medical services and other usual correspondents. There are nowadays many types of remote communication using devices and networks that are substantially as numerous and different. Thus, one can cite, without this list being exhaustive: the postal mail, the fixed or mobile phone, the fax and the electronic mail.

These different modes of communication have advantages and disadvantages of their own. Among the disadvantages include, generally, the management of an address book (postal, electronic) or numbers (landline, mobile phone, fax) specific to each mode of communication. In addition:

- the mail must generally be brought to a public mailbox to be dropped off and sent,

- the use of electronic mail implies an internet connection, and a certain mastery of the computer tool,

- the fax, has the advantage of allowing to communicate by writing by hand, which is the most shared mode of communication, after the word, and thanks to a simple telephone line, is however designed as a tool primarily aimed at professionals.

Finally, these different modes of communication are not all compatible with each other. Neither are they all suitable for use by an elderly or weakened, vulnerable or disabled person, and, more generally, in a situation of loss of autonomy. In addition, all these modes of communication are not always accessible and in all places, or their access may be restricted for legal or financial reasons. This is the case for prisoners in prisons, or for students in a disadvantaged country. The means of communication are therefore inadequate to maintain a social link, especially for a person in a situation of loss of autonomy. This has the consequence that this person risks being gradually cut off from any social bond, as his dependence increases. The invention aims to provide a device and a communication system to allow a person to be connected remotely, in a simplified, streamlined and unified, with third parties, including those around him, his friends, his suppliers , administrations, social or medical services and other usual correspondents. According to the invention, such a communication system is characterized in that it comprises a processing center and at least one communication device, the device being designed to transmit a message automatically towards the center, the system further comprising means for recognizing a user, in whose name the message is sent, and for recognizing at least one correspondent for the message sent, and means for redirecting the message to the correspondent.

The system advantageously comprises a database for storing there, for example in the center, data specific to each user of the communication device, in particular data relating to one or more correspondents of the user. The system preferably comprises means for recognizing the user and / or the device that transmits the message.

The system may comprise a sheet, preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, the sheet for the message, the sheet comprising a zone for identifying the sender of the message and / or at least one correspondent receiving the message and the device comprising means for reading the identity, preferably means for scanning the sheet. The system may further comprise a sheet, preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, the sheet comprising an area for recording the message to be sent and the device comprises means for reading the message on the sheet, preferably means for scanning said leaf.

The system may comprise, preferably in the processing center, means for processing the message sent, so that it is retransmitted to each recipient recipient according to a transmission mode specific to said correspondent. The processing center may further comprise means for receiving a message from a correspondent, according to a communication mode chosen by the correspondent, means for processing the message and redirecting the message of the correspondent to the device according to a specific communication mode to the device. The device advantageously comprises means for broadcasting a received message, for example a loudspeaker, preferably at least display means, for example a screen or printing means. Among the printing means, or a printer, the device advantageously comprises sheets, preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, and ink, preferably biodegradable.

The center may further comprise means for redirecting a message to the user, for example at the request of the user, to another terminal that the communication device, including a computer and / or a mobile phone. So, for example, the user or a anyone who knows how to use a computer, can collect his messages, even if he is not near a communication device according to the invention.

Advantageously, the system may comprise means for transmitting or receiving messages of the data type, for example of the home automation type, remote assistance, telemonitoring, telemedicine, either towards the center or towards the device.

A communication device adapted to be included in such a system comprises means for sending a message automatically to a processing center, that is to say that the user of the device does not have to know a particular number for example the number of the center, and it is the device that is responsible for numbering and / or sending the message to the center, or to another recipient, depending on the type of the message. It further comprises means for reading a message to be sent, and broadcast means for a received message. Preferably, such a device is provided for transmitting only to the processing center.

The device may use an analog exchange protocol, preferably of the fax type, the reading means may comprise a scanner, and the broadcasting means comprise a printer for displaying a received message. For a fully automated sending, the device may comprise means for detecting the presence of a message to be sent, for example the presence of a sheet in the scanner, means for scanning the message and for sending it automatically to the center of the message. treatment. The device may comprise a single button for controlling the sending of a message, if the sending is not fully automated and / or a single button for controlling the reception of a message, if the reception is not entirely automated.

The device may comprise means for automatic recognition of the user, for example by means of a key, a card or a biometric means. It can include means to sign a message sent with an identity of the recognized user, so that the signature can then be identified, for example by the treatment center or by a correspondent. The signature can be an electronic signature or a barcode.

In particular, if the same device is intended to be used by several users, this device can advantageously comprise means for displaying only messages intended for the recognized user, among the several users of the device.

The device may further include:

- A card reader, preferably at least one bank card reader. Such a reader may also be able to read one or more other types of card, for example, social insurance card or personal data, loyalty, ... with the possibility of making transactions by secure payment (electronic or not ).

- Local update means, preferably a USB port. means for receiving or transmitting a domotic-type message, for example for controlling the temperature of a room, from a remote location, or, in the upstream direction, for monitoring the room temperature from this remote location.

Several embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- The single figure is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention.

A system 1 according to the invention, as illustrated in the figure makes it possible to connect a user 2 from his home 3 with correspondents 4-7. In the illustrated example, these correspondents can be:

- services to the person 4, illustrated by a delivery van;

- relatives 5, for example family or friends, illustrated by faces; - suppliers 6, for example a pharmacist, illustrated with a cross; or,

- concierge service 7.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Thus, the correspondents may also be health professionals and social services, and for example, in addition to the pharmacist, a physio, a doctor or a social worker.

Although only one user 2 is shown in the figure, the system is intended to have a large number of users. Each user can have their own correspondents, or correspondents shared with another or several other users of the system.

The system 1 comprises a centralized processing center 10. The center 10 is connected to the home 3 by a local network 11, preferably unique and secure. The center 10 is connected to the correspondents by a remote network 12, preferably multiple.

In the example illustrated, the local network 11 is a fixed telephony network. The remote network is multiple, that is to say that it advantageously comprises, in the example shown, the fixed and mobile telephone communication networks, internet and postal mail. Each correspondent can be reached according to one or more of these modes of communication.

The system 1 further comprises a communication device 20 according to the invention. The device 20 is available to the user 2 at his home. In the example illustrated, the device 20 is unique, that is to say that each user has only one device 20, despite the multiplicity of networks used by the correspondents. The uniqueness of the device 20 is to be compared to the multiplicity of networks 12 to which it provides access. The device is connected to the network 11, so that it can transmit in the upstream direction, that is to say in the direction 11M of the center 10, or receive a downlink communication, that is to say from the center 10. The center 10 is intended to being able to transmit through the remote network towards the corresponding A-7, that is to say in the upstream direction, respectively 4M-7M. The center 10 is also provided to be able to receive through the remote network 12 communications issued by the corresponding 4-7, that is to say in the downward direction respectively 4D-7D.

Preferably, the center 10 comprises a database 13 mapping given correspondents 4-7 with a given user 2 and communication modes 4D-7D, 4M-7M specific to each of said correspondents. Thus, a specific housekeeper 4 can be assigned to the user.

This database 13 is advantageously dynamic, so that when the housekeeper is on vacation or unavailable, the database 13 can be modified, so that the coordinates of a replacement housekeeper is, at least temporarily, associated with user 2, instead of the usual housekeeper. In this way, if the user 2 sends a mail to his usual housekeeper, this mail is automatically redirected to the replacement housekeeper. Thus, continuous service is provided for the user 2, without interruption or effort. In addition, the center 10 may be provided to warn the user 2 of the change of housekeeper. In the example shown, the device 20 is of the fax type, that is to say, it uses a protocol to send or receive a fax. It comprises a scanner function 21 and a printing function 22. The device does not include a keyboard. In the uplink direction HM, the device 20 is designed to transmit only towards the center 10. One or more call numbers to the center 10 are preprogrammed in the device 20 and masked to the user.

The user 2 who wants to send a letter to a correspondent writes on a sheet 25 that he enters the device 20. In the example shown, it is expected that the sending is done when the user 2 presses a send button 26. The sheet may take the form of a form which advantageously comprises a stubborn zone, to identify a final correspondent of the sending, among the corresponding 4-7. Preferably, the center 10 comprises automatic means for identifying the correspondent from the header. The header may further comprise means for identifying the sender, i.e. the user 2, or the sender can be identified automatically from the call number of the line 11. The identification can be done using a label specific to the user, and that the user can at his convenience place on an ordinary sheet. The form advantageously also includes a zone reserved for a text for the correspondent.

The header may be specific to a correspondent, that is to say, there is a form specifically assigned to the correspondent, so that the mail is automatically redirected to this correspondent.

In addition, the header can identify a third party. Thus, a doctor visiting the user can be identified by a form whose header is his own and whose text area is provided for writing an order. When this doctor sends the form, the user 2 is identified by the number of his telephone line, the mail is identified as an order and certified by his header, and the order is automatically retransmitted by the center 10 to a pharmacy 6, pharmacy which is assigned in the database 13 to the user 2. The physical address of the user 2 can be added automatically to the prescription before its retransmission by the center 10, and when this is provided conventionally with the pharmacy 6, drugs can be prepared and delivered directly to the user 2.

When a header is specific to a sender or a correspondent, it can include a barcode to it.

The header can be generic, that is to say that there can exist forms whose header includes a list of correspondents, each correspondent can be checked there, the list can include names (Pierre, Mom, Doctor X) or services (grocery store, pharmacy, housekeeper, concierge). Thus, the user checks one or more correspondents of the list, before inserting the sheet in the device 20. When this sheet is received by the center 10, it automatically identifies the correspondents in the list, and retransmits the mail corresponding audits, each according to its specific mode of communication.

The header may also provide a free text box in which the sender can identify a correspondent or an address (telephone, email, physical address, etc.) intended to be decrypted by the center 10, preferably automatically by a system character recognition, so that the mail can be redirected to this address.

It can also be expected that the text box contains a list. Thus, it can be provided a specific form containing a list of consumer goods, in which the user 2 checks the items he wishes to be delivered.

In any case, for each mail sent by a user 2, the center 10 processes it so that each correspondent receives it in a form, or in several forms, previously specified and stored in the database 13. In addition, Specific procedures may be associated with a particular correspondent. Thus, for example, when a mail is sent to a service correspondent 4, for example to a housekeeper, according to the arrow 30, a copy of the mail can be simultaneously sent for information to a relative 5 of the user 2.

When the center 10 receives a mail sent by the user, the center can process it according to an automatic process, in particular according to the data of the base 13. Thus, it can be expected that the initial header can be replaced by another , or deleted, before retransmission. According to the retransmission mode provided in the database 13, the mail can be retransmitted as a fax, for example to a correspondent using another device 20, or as an attachment or in the body of an email . he can also be expected that the mail can be automatically printed and put in an envelope. It can also be expected that a center operator 10 can read the mail aloud on the phone. It can also be provided that the center or the device 20 includes means for automatically transforming a message received in writing from a correspondent into a spoken message. Such means are perfectly suited to a visually impaired user.

In the downward direction, when a mail is received from a correspondent, it is formatted, so that it can be retransmitted as a fax to the device 20. In the example illustrated in the figure, it is is provided a reception button

27. Thus, received mails are only printed when the user presses the receiving button 27, and this avoids, for example, that a mail is dispersed by a draft or a jam occurs when too many mails are accumulating in the receiving tray. The system is flexible. It can be supplemented by various equipment, for example a screen, a home automation system, speakers to vocally broadcast a message, a microphone to record another.

In the example illustrated, the device 20 is provided so that the mail can be read on screen-type display means 31, which does not require the systematic printing of the received mail. The screen is here part of a computer 32. This computer can be coupled to the device so that the user can write and send his mail, including check if necessary the boxes representing correspondents or a shopping list. In the example illustrated, the device 20 comprises home automation means, that is to say it is advantageously provided connected to local equipment 34, including motorized shutters 35 and a thermostated heating 36.

The system 1 according to the invention is designed to transmit, according to HD, instructions to the device 20, through the telephone line of the network local 11, instructions for activating or controlling one of the equipment. Similarly, in the uplink direction, HM, the device 20 is provided to return information to the center 10, for example an instruction acknowledgment, a report of the completion of these instructions, or possibly a alarm relating to a malfunction or intrusion, detected by an alarm system. The alarm system may be that of a remote assistance system dedicated to the user. Such a device may also be adapted to transmit useful data to a telemedicine, transmitted and possibly processed by the center 10, or even by a doctor or a specialist.

A system according to the invention is also perfectly suited to home delivery, for example shopping, medicine or meals. Thus, it may be provided that a provider specializing in the preparation of meals, possibly dietary meals, sends daily a form with a specific header on which a menu with choice of dishes possible. If the user wishes to be delivered a meal, it is then sufficient to return the form with his choices through the device 20. The specific header is then automatically recognized and the form directly redirected to the provider. The proposed menu can be established, that is to say certain dishes to be chosen, possibly in an automated manner, according to the personal information contained in the database 13, for example to take into account a pathology of the user 2.

Other services may be included in the system 1. For example, it may be provided that the user's appointments are managed by the center 10, and that a mail is sent.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Thus, the device can be provided to send automatically, mainly to the center, but also when it detects a correspondent previously designated, send the message directly to the correspondent without going through the processing center.

Also, the device may not include a send button. The device can be provided to detect the presence of a sheet to be sent, and to scan and send the sheet when it is detected, possibly after a time delay. The operation, in the upstream direction, is then similar to that of a mailbox.

A device according to the invention may comprise voice recognition means, either for sending or for receiving, in particular as a replacement for the buttons or the electronic key. Other means of biometric recognition may also be used, for example a fingerprint. Thus, this may allow the user to use a device other than the one that is specific to him, while ensuring that the messages sent will be to his own correspondents, and that the mail he will collect will be the same. his.

In the same way, it may not be expected button for the reception, and printing of a received mail can be done automatically at the reception.

When several people use the same device according to the invention, it can be advantageously provided a key to identify one of these people. For example, if this person wants to make a shipment, it introduces the sheet to be sent in the device and then identifies itself, so that the sending is done according to the parameters of this person. In the same way, when a person picks up his mail, he first identifies himself with his key, so that only his personal mail is printed. Such a key can be a badge, using radio frequency means. This can be for example the means of alert often worn by the elderly around the neck.

Devices according to the invention can thus take the form of public terminals. Each user can be identified by biometric means, or, if he has a key, for example a bank card or cellphone. The terminal may have a scanner for sending mail, and means for viewing the received mail. Preferably these display means are a screen, because a printer requires regular maintenance and supply and binding, especially to supply paper and ink.

If the user of the system according to the invention is at a place devoid of the device according to the invention, it can be advantageously provided that it can connect remotely to the treatment center, and collect, by other means, and after identifying himself, the mail stored there in the center. These other means may be a mobile phone or a computer. The messages can be retrieved, for example, in the form of image files.

A device according to the invention can also be adapted to telemedicine, for example by providing means for connecting diagnostic means and / or a camera. A portable version of a device according to the invention is conceivable.

Such a device may comprise a screen on which is reproduced a suitable form, the device being intended to be connected to the center, either by a reception key or by a send key. The screen is advantageously provided to be able to write a text by handwriting, for example using a stylus, and to display a fax sent by the center.

The means of broadcasting the message to the user, as described with reference to the figure, are printing means. The broadcasting means may also be loudspeakers, a screen or a photo frame, replacing or complementing one another.

Since the device is designed to communicate automatically with the center, or with persons pre-registered for this purpose, it offers a secure interface. Such an interface can also be used as a payment terminal. In the same way, the database can include confidential data relating to a user, for example persons to prevent in case of emergency, data relating to his medical profile, pathologies and diets, or simply relating to his interests.

Advantageously, a device according to the invention may comprise periodic update means. This update can be done online or by the exchange of an update card stored in the device, and replaced by a speaker, or with a USB key.

When using forms in the form of a paper sheet, it can advantageously be provided to supplement them with a volatile ink, so that the form can be reused after a relatively short time. The same may be provided for the printing ink of the mails received.

In addition, the device offers a cheap means of communication, to date with certainty mail, received or sent. In addition, it does not require specific equipment for the correspondents who can continue to use a mode of communication which is habitual to them. A correspondent can of course also use a communication device according to the invention.

The device can offer a gateway to all the services developed or developed for the internet, especially for remote surveillance, remote assistance, tele-vigilance, remote alarm, tele-services, telehealth, tele-solidarity or telemedicine. Especially for remote assistance, remote monitoring or remote alarm, it can be provided wireless sensors or cameras connected to the communication device. The system may further comprise means for recovering and / or analyzing and / or processing data transmitted by the sensors or cameras. We can analyze the circulation in rooms, the use of doors, appliances, a presence in a bed or chair. After analysis or processing, the data can advantageously be transmitted to a professional or a remote assistance center in the event of an anomaly. Similarly, a health professional can read the data received modify a treatment, issue recommendations, intervene on programs, for example, mobility, nutrition, exercises, health, or, modify the parameters of the warning system.

When using a button for sending and / or receiving, each button can be designed so that it can be recognized universally, by its shape or an image that is affixed to it, as a send button and / or reception. It can also be designed to be recognized by blind people.

The device can be completed and electronically connected to one or more tools, including a television, a telephone, an audio system, a stereo, a photo frame, or pillbox ordered. The means for broadcasting all or part of a message may comprise a digital photo frame or a television. The television can also be used to send a message, for example with the help of a remote controlling the television which can be used to check the recipients on a virtual sheet displayed on the television screen. The sending of a message and / or the information of a form can also be provided with a touch screen.

The communication device may comprise means for exchanging RFID type information, that is to say using a radio frequency chip. In particular, an identification key may be provided in the form of an RPID card, recognized by the device.

Advantageously, the system and the communication device can be provided for remote handling of the communication device. This grip can be automatic or made by an operator. Such handling can in particular allow an update of the device or the information it contains. It can also allow a control a control parameters measured by the sensors.

A device and a system according to the invention are perfectly adapted to participate in the home care of the elderly. Indeed, they allow by a simple means to help them in their daily activities and allows them to maintain a social and family link. They do not require learning a specific communication technique, or a specific installation.

Such a system and such a device thus make it possible to favor a communication method known to the user, which requires little or no learning, regardless of the mode of privileged communication or chosen by each correspondent. The user is thus assured of receiving communications in a form, for example written, which he favors. Similarly, he does not need to worry about the mode of communication used by each correspondent but can send each of his messages in a form, for example written, he favors.

Claims

claims

A communication system (1) characterized in that it comprises a processing center (10) and at least one communication device (20), said device (20) being arranged to transmit a message automatically towards said center ( 10), said system further comprising means (13) for recognizing a user (2) in whose name said message is issued and for recognizing at least one correspondent (4-7) for the transmitted message, and means for redirecting said message to said correspondent (4-7), the processing center (10) comprising means for receiving a message from a correspondent, according to a communication mode chosen by the correspondent, and means for processing the message and redirecting the message of the correspondent to said device (20) according to a communication mode specific to said device (20).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing center (10) is centralized and accessible to several users (2) each of said users (2) being connected to said server (10) by a communication network (11) , preferably a fixed telephony network.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system comprises a database for storing data specific to each user of the communication device, including data relating to one or more correspondents (4-7) of said user.

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises means for recognizing the user (2) and / or the device (20).

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a sheet (25), preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, said sheet comprising a zone to identify the sender of the message and / or at least one correspondent (4-7) recipient of said message and in that the device (20) comprises means for reading said identification, preferably means for scanning said sheet.

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a sheet (25), preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, said sheet comprising a zone for entering the message to be sent and that the device (20) comprises means for reading said message, preferably means for scanning said sheet.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, preferably in the center (10), means for processing the message sent, so that it is retransmitted to each correspondent (4-7). ) according to a transmission mode specific to said correspondent (4-7).

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means for broadcasting a received message, preferably the display means.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the display means comprise printing means, in particular sheets, preferably reusable and / or biodegradable, and ink, preferably biodegradable.

10. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the center (10) further comprises means for redirecting, on request, a message to the user to another terminal that the communication device ( 20), including a computer and / or a telephone.

1 1. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for collecting and / or analyzing and processing data transmitted by sensors and in that the communication device (20) comprises means for transmitting or receiving data related messages.

12. A communication device (20) characterized in that it comprises means for transmitting a message automatically, preferably only to a processing center (10), means (21) for reading a message to be sent, and broadcast means (22) for a received message.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it uses an exchange protocol of analog type, preferably of the fax type, and in that the reading means comprise a scanner (21), and in that the broadcast means (22) includes a printer for displaying a received message.

14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the presence of a message to be sent, for scanning and for sending it automatically to the processing center (10).

15. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises a single button for controlling the sending of a message and / or a single button for controlling the reception of a message.

16. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises means for recognizing a user (2).

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises means for signing a message sent with an identity of the recognized user.

18. Device according to claims 16 or 17, characterized in that it comprises means for displaying only messages to the user (2) recognized among several users of said device (20).

19. Device according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a card reader, preferably at least a bank card reader and / or social insurance card.

20. Device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that it comprises means for local updating, preferably a USB port.

21. Device according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that it comprises means for receiving and transmitting a message relating to sensor data connected to the device.