WO2008120917A1

WO2008120917A1 - Emergency call device

Info

Publication number: WO2008120917A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/001758
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eui-Su Kang
Original assignee: Eui-Su Kang
Priority date: 2007-03-30
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-09

Abstract

Disclosed therein is an emergency call device, which allows a user to automatically send his or her present position by a simple manipulation while wearing it on the wrist or grasping it with the hand, thereby protecting the user from danger. The emergency call device comprises: a first case of a curved shape, the first case having a button section and a locking device part formed on a side thereof to provide locking and unlocking functions by an exclusive key; a second case of a curved shape, the second case having a locking protrusion formed on a side thereof in correspondence with the locking device part; a hinge section adapted to connect the other sides of the first case and the second case with each other; a pair of breakage-prevention members of a ring type respectively disposed inside the first and second cases; an emergency call section respectively mounted inside the first and second cases to send an emergency call signal by an input of the button section; protection members adapted to receive and protect the emergency call section therein; and a battery adapted to supply electric power to the emergency call section.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

EMERGENCY CALL DEVICE [Technical Field] The present invention relates to an emergency call device, and more particularly, to an emergency call device, which allows a user to automatically send his or her present position by a simple manipulation while carrying it, thereby protecting the user from danger.

[Background Art] Along with a rapid development of modern cities and acceleration of a nuclear family, the intercourse among neighbors is gradually reduced, and hence, it is difficult for children, women and old or feeble persons, which are weak physically, to receive help from their surroundings. Thus, they become targets of a crime.

Such a social phenomenon gets more terrible due to seriousness of social pathology, such as overflowing of materialism and social polarization.

Thus, persons, who are relatively weak, carry various self-protection tools, such as gas guns and electric shockers, or a portable emergency alarm in order to protect themselves from crimes.

However, since the self-protection tools require a predetermined use time, it is not easy for them to cope with unexpected violence. Furthermore, in case of the portable emergency alarm, it is difficult for them to give an alarm to cope with the unexpected violence since people carry while putting it in a bag. Since such an emergency alarm mainly provides a temporary alarm, it cannot give any help in case where a harmer kidnaps the weak by force without regard for the alarm. Recently, a position information service (Korean Patent Laid-open Publication

No. 2006-24552) for informing a user's position through a mobile communication network has been disclosed. However, such a position information service has several problems in that the user has to buy an expensive mobile terminal to use it, and in that it is not easy to utilize due to complexity in manipulation of the mobile terminal. Moreover, such a mobile terminal has another problem in that it is difficult to continuously provide the user's position since the harmer may easily damage a position information device mounted in the mobile terminal. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above- mentioned problems occurring in the prior arts, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an emergency call device, which allows a user to automatically send his or her present position by a simple manipulation while wearing it on the wrist or holding it in the hand, thereby protecting the user from danger. [Technical Solution] To achieve the above objects, according to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an emergency call device comprising: a first case of a curved shape, the first case having a button section and a locking device part formed on a side thereof to provide locking and unlocking functions by an exclusive key; a second case of a curved shape, the second case having a locking protrusion formed on a side thereof in correspondence with the locking device part; a hinge section adapted to connect the other sides of the first case and the second case with each other; a pair of breakage-prevention members of a ring type respectively disposed inside the first and second cases; an emergency call section respectively mounted inside the first and second cases to send an emergency call signal by an input of the button section; protection members adapted to receive and protect the emergency call section therein; and a battery adapted to supply electric power to the emergency call section.

According to a second preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an emergency call device comprising: a cylindrical body; an emergency call button protrudingly mounted on an upper portion of the body; an operation lamp mounted on a side of the body for guiding an operational state of the emergency call button; a GPS receiving section mounted inside the body for receiving position information of GPS; an RF processing section mounted inside the body for sending an emergency call signal and position information; a processor for controlling the RP processing section to transmit the emergency call signal and position information to the outside when the operation of the emergency call button is detected; and a rechargeable battery mounted inside the body for supplying electric power to the RF processing section and the processor.

According to a third preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an emergency call device comprising: a case; a connection section separably coupled to the case; a band part connected at both ends thereof to the case and the connection section, respectively; a case locking section for locking the case and the connection section; an emergency button mounted on the outer periphery of the case; and an emergency call section for sending an emergency call signal by an input of the emergency button.

According to a fourth preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an emergency call device comprising: a plurality of half-ring shaped bodies opposed to each other; a body hinge section for connecting one ends of the bodies with each other; a body locking section formed on the other ends of the bodies in such a way as to correspond to the body hinge section, the body locking section being adapted to connect and separate the other ends of the bodies with each other and from each other; a call section connected with a call button mounted on the outer periphery of the body to send a call signal of the call button; and a cover section for covering and protecting the call button. [Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electrically configurative view of an emergency call device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configurative view of essential parts of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a configurative view of other essential parts of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outward appearance of the emergency call device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outward appearance in an unlocked state of the emergency call device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a configurative view showing the inside of first and second cases of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, in section, of the emergency call device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outward appearance of an emergency call device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an emergency call device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a separated state of a band part of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the inside of a case of FIG. 10.

FIGs. 13 to 15 are views showing a process that the band part is coupled to the case of FIG. 10.

FIGs. 18 and 19 are views showing a process that the band part is separated from the case.

FIG. 20 is a detailed configurative view of a separation part of FIG. 10.

FIG. 21 is a detailed configurative view of the band part.

FIGs. 22 and 23 are views of a process that the other end of the band part is coupled to the case.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an emergency call device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an opened state of a body of FIG.

24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of essential parts of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a cover section of the emergency call device. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an operational state of the cover section of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a transportation fare processing section of the emergency call device.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a used sate of the transportation fare processing section of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the transportation fare processing section of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing an operational state of the transportation fare processing section of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a body protection section of the emergency call device.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing an operation process of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a completion of operation of FIG. 34.

<Explanation on reference numerals of main elements in drawings> : processor 12: display section 14: button section 16: microphone

18: battery 20: lamp section

22: GPS receiving section 24: RF processing section 26: memory 28: vibration section 30: speaker

30a: first case 30b: second case

81 : case 83: band part

86: cover 82: connection section

84: case locking section 85: emergency button 84g: separating portion

110: body 130: body hinge section

150: body locking section 111 : call button 120: call section 140: cover section

150: body locking section 170: transportation fare processing section

190: body protection section [Mode for Invention]

Reference will be now made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. As shown in FIGs. 1 to 7, an emergency call device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a curved-shaped first case 30a and a second case 30b, and is put on the wrist in such a way as to couple the first case 30a and the second case 30b with each other. The first case 30a has an emergency button 42 and a locking device part 46 formed on a side thereof for providing locking and unlocking functions by an exclusive key.

The second case 30b has a curved shape corresponding to a shape of the first case 30a and includes a locking protrusion 44 formed on a side thereof in such a way as to correspond to the locking device part 46. Here, the locking protrusion 44 is movable along a protrusion insertion hole 44b formed on the locking device part 46, and the locking protrusion 44 provides the locking and unlocking functions in such a way that a locking recess 44a formed on the locking protrusion 44 acts in correspondence with a locking key 48 of the locking device part 46.

That is, a key insertion portion 40 formed on the locking device part 46 is actuated by the exclusive key. When a user inserts the exclusive key into the key insertion portion 40 and rotates it in a predetermined direction, the locking key 48 moves along a sliding groove 48a. In this instance, when the locking key 48 deviates from the locking recess 44a of the locking protrusion 44 while moving along the sliding groove 48a, a locking state is released. The locking device part 46 is provided to prevent that the emergency call device according to the present invention is unexpectedly separated from the user. That is, the locking device part 46 is provided to prevent that a harmer remove the emergency call device from the user since it is difficult to continuously track the user's position if the emergency call device is separated from the user's body.

The first case 30a is hinge-coupled with the other side of the second case 30b via a hinge portion 32 in such a way as to rotate within a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. 5.

A pair of breakage-prevention members 50a and 50b are disposed inside the first case 30a and the second case 30b. The breakage-prevention members 50a and 50b are made of a rigid material to prevent that the emergency call device is broken by an external force but is flexible. One side of each breakage-prevention member is fixed to a first fixing portion 46a, and the other side is fixed to a second fixing portion 46b.

In addition, a plurality of bulkheads are mounted inside the first case 30a and the second case 30b, and hence, a plurality of space portions to mounted various electric devices shown in FIG. 1 are formed by the bulkheads. Non-conductive members 56a to 56c are disposed in the space portions to protect the electric devices. The non- conductive members 56a to 56c provide a waterproof function and serve to protect various electric devices from an external electric shock. The various electric devices shown in FIG. 1 are mounted inside the non- conductive members 56a to 56c mounted in the space portions of the first and second cases 30a and 30b.

That is, inside the non-conductive members 56a to 56c of the first and second cases 30a and 30b provided are a button section 14 adapted to generate a command to send an emergency call signal and release the sending of the signal, a GPS receiving section 22 adapted to receive GPS information, an RF processing section 24 adapted to send and process the emergency call signal and position information, and a processor 10 adapted to control the RF processing section 24 to send the emergency call signal and position information received and processed through the GPS receiving section 22 when the emergency button 42 of the button section 14 is pressed. In this instance, the processor

10 includes a lamp portion 20 having at least one lamp to show an operational state of the button section 14. Furthermore, the processor 10 further includes a memory 26.

Moreover, the emergency call signal sent by the button section 14 may be transmitted to the outside. In this instance, the emergency call signal may be sent to a police office or a member of the user's family or to a phone number of the police office or one of the user's family members, friends and acquaintances stored in the memory 26 connected to the processor 10.

The RF processing section 24 and the processor 10 can be supplied with electric power from a battery 18, and in this instance, the battery 18 may be a rechargeable battery. Here, the button section 14 includes the emergency button 42 for sending the emergency call signal and a cancellation button 52 for releasing the sending of the emergency call signal. Particularly, the cancellation button 52 may be composed of a plurality of number keys, and hence, the user can cancel the sending of the emergency call signal by manipulating the keys. For this, the user has to previously set an ID number through the number keys.

As described above, the wirelessly sent emergency call signal and position information are transmitted to, for example, a guard company through a mobile communication network, and accordingly, the guard company promptly takes an action to protect the user.

In the meantime, when the emergency button 42 is pressed, the emergency call device according to the present invention can promptly send the emergency call signal, but may send the emergency call signal after a predetermined time period passes. For this, the processor 10 further includes a time check section 70. The time check section 70 includes a time setting module 71 for setting a waiting time, a counting module 73 for counting time when a command of the button section 14 is inputted, a time judging module 75 for judging whether or not the time set by the time setting module 71 coincides with the time counted by the counting module 73 after comparing them with each other, and an operating module 77 for transmitting an operating signal to the RF processing section 24 when the time judging module 75 judges that the set time and the counted time coincide with each other. Here, the user can previously set the set time using the time setting module 71, and the counting module 73 may be a timer.

That is, when the user presses the emergency button 42, the button section 14 sends the commend to the processor 10, and then, the processor 10 controls a vibration section 28 and the speaker 30 to generate vibration and a warning sound, so that the user can recognize generation of the emergency call signal. In this instance, when the user presses the cancellation button 52 within a predetermined period in case where the emergency call signal is generated in a unintended state, the processor 10 inputs a cancellation command to cancel the emergency call. Moreover, if the cancellation command is not inputted for the predetermined time period, the processor 10 controls to send the emergency call. Here, the waiting period can be set up to 10 minutes by one second, and it is preferable that the waiting period is set to 1 minute to 3 minutes.

Here, the vibration section 28 sends vibration to the user, so that only the user can realize that the emergency button 42 is operated. Accordingly, only the user can realize that the emergency call signal is transmitted normally when he or she feels vibration, and cancel the emergency call the moment he or she feels vibration when he or she judges that the emergency button 42 is operated in the unintended state.

In addition, the processor 10 may further include a dangerous zone setting section 72 for controlling the RF processing section 24 to send the emergency call signal and position information after a predetermined period passes. Here, the dangerous zone setting section 72 includes a dangerous zone operating button 72a, a dangerous time setting module 72b for setting the predetermined time period, a dangerous time counting module 72c for counting time when a command of the dangerous zone operating button 72a is inputted, and a danger operating module 72d for transmitting an operating signal to the RF processing section 24 when counting of the dangerous time counting module 72c is completed. Furthermore, the dangerous zone operating button 72a may be included in the button section 14.

That is, when the user wants to pass by a zone where the user judges that the zone is a dangerous zone, assuming that an expected necessary time to pass by the zone is 10 minutes, the user sets the necessary time, 10 minutes, using the dangerous time setting module 72b in a state where the dangerous zone operating button 72a is operated, and passes by the dangerous zone. After passing by the zone with accident, the user can cancel the sending of the emergency call signal using the cancellation button 52.

However, when the user does not press the cancellation button 52 after 10 minutes passed from occurrence of a dangerous situation, the danger operating module 72d transmits the operating signal to the RF processing section 24 to inform the dangerous situation by generating the emergency call signal.

Inside the non-conductive members 56a to 56c of the first case 30a and the second case 30b, disposed is a microphone 16. Sound information obtained by the microphone 16 can be stored in the memory 26. When the emergency call button section 14 is pressed, the processor 10 controls the operation of the microphone 16 in such a way as to store surrounding sounds to the memory 26

Moreover, damage detection lines 54 are mounted inside the first case 30a and the second case 30b and connected with each other in a ring type. The damage detection lines 54 are connected with each other in the ring type through line insertion holes 54a.

The processor 10 of the emergency call section controls a wireless transmission of the emergency call signal and position information when the damage detection lines 54 are damaged. Additionally, the first case 30a and the second case 30b may respectively include grooves 34a and 34b.

The grooves 34a and 34b are respectively formed at central portions of the first and second cases 30a and 30b. When the first and second cases 30a and 30b are distorted by an external force of a predetermined level, the groove areas 34a and 34b are damaged easier than other parts to thereby protect the parts.

As described above, the various electric devices are mounted in each space formed on the first and second cases 30a and 30b, where the grooves 34a and 34b are not formed, and signal lines and electric lines connected between the electric devices pass through the recess areas, so that there is no trouble in the emergency call function even though the groove areas 34a and 34b are damaged. For your reference, in this specification, the button section 14 and the emergency button 42, a display section 12 and a display window 38, and the lamp section 20 and the lamp 36 have different meanings.

That is, the button section 14 includes the emergency button 42 and the cancellation button 52, wherein the emergency button 42 is a button mounted outside the first case 30a for the emergency call, and the cancellation button 52 is a button to cancel an emergency call mode operated by the emergency button 42. When the emergency button 42 is pressed, the button section 14 informs it to the processor 10 to generate the emergency call. When the cancellation button 52 is pressed, the button section 14 informs it to the processor 10 to cancel the sending of the emergency call.

Furthermore, the display window 38 is simple displaying means mounted on the first case 30a in such a way as to protrude outwardly to allow the user to see it, and the display section 12 includes the display window 38 and means a display module of displaying messages of the present operational state and the present time under a control of the processor 10.

Moreover, the lamp 36 means a lamp to allow the user to see, and the lamp section 36 includes the lamp 36 and means a lamp module for lighting and lighting out a specific lamp under a control of the processor 10.

In the meantime, as shown in FIGs. 8 and 9, an emergency call device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a cylindrical body 60; an emergency call button 62 protrudingly mounted on an upper portion of the body 60; an operation lamp 66 mounted on a side of the body 60 for indicating an operational state of the emergency call button 62; a GPS receiving section 63 mounted inside the body 60 for receiving position information of GPS; an RF processing section 65 mounted inside the body 60 for sending an emergency call signal and position information; a processor 67 for controlling the RF processing section 65 to transmit the emergency call signal and position information to the outside when the operation of the emergency call button 62 is detected; and a rechargeable battery 69 mounted inside the body 60 for supplying electric power to the RF processing section 24 and the processor 67. It is preferable that the cylindrical body 60 has a size that the user can grasp it with the hand. Additionally, the body 60 include the GPS receiving section 63, the processor 67, the RF processing section 65 and the rechargeable battery 69 therein (not shown).

The emergency call button 62 is mounted on the top of the body 60 and always protrudes outwardly from the body 62 by an elastic member disposed therein (not shown). When the emergency call button 62 is pressed, the processor 67 controls the RF processing section 65 to wirelessly send the emergency call signal and position information computed based on GPS information received through the GPS receiving section 63.

The body 60 may further include a power switch 64, a rechargeable battery state display section 68 and the operation lamp 66 on one side thereof. The power switch 64 is to restrict power input, the rechargeable battery state display section 68 is to display the present capacity of the rechargeable battery, and the operation lamp 66 is to guide the present operational state while flickering.

When the user judges the dangerous zone, the user presses the emergency call button 62 in a state where the user grasps the body 60 with the hand to rapidly cope with a danger.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGs. 10 and 11, an emergency call device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a case 81; a connection section 82 separably coupled to the case 81; a band part 83 connected at both ends thereof to the case 81 and the connection section 82, respectively; a case locking section 84 for locking the case 81 and the connection section 82; an emergency button 85 mounted on the outer periphery of the case 81; and an emergency call section for sending an emergency call signal by an input of the emergency button 85.

Here, the emergency call section is embedded in the case 81, and the band part 83 may be made of a flexible material. That is, the user can wear the emergency call device on the wrist through the steps of opening the case locking section 84, wearing the band part 83 on the wrist, locating the case 81 on the wrist, and locking the case locking section

84.

Furthermore, on the upper portion of the case 81 disposed is a cover 86, and the cover 86 includes a lamp 86a mounted thereon for indicating an operational state of the emergency button 85, and a display window 86b for displaying the present time or an operational state of the emergency button 85 in characters.

As shown in FIG. 12, the emergency button 85 for the emergency call is disposed on the case 81. The emergency call section includes a GPS processing part 81b for receiving position information of a GPS; an RF processing section for sending the emergency call signal and position information generated from the emergency button 85, and a control part 8 Id for controlling the GPS processing part 81b and the RF processing section 81c.

Moreover, the case 81 may further include a shock-preventive section 81f for preventing a damage of the emergency call section. Here, the shock-preventive section 8 If may be made of flexible synthetic resin or sponge to absorb an external shock.

In addition, the case 81 may further include a vibration section 86c mounted therein to inform the operational state of the emergency button 85 into vibration. The vibration section 86c can inform the operational state of the emergency button 85 only to the user without attracting any attention.

Additionally, the case 81 may further include a speaker 86d for informing the operational state into sound, a memory 86g connected to the control part 81d for inputting the sound thereinto, and a battery 86e mounted therein for supplying electric power to the emergency call section, the lamp 86a and the vibration section 86c. Furthermore, the case locking section 84 includes a key insertion portion 84a disposed on the case 81 for inserting a key thereto, a rotary shaft 84b to which the key insertion portion 84a is fixed, a base 84c for rotatably supporting the key insertion portion 84a and the rotary shaft 84b, a retaining portion 84e having a retaining protrusion 84d retained to a retaining ring 82a formed on the connection section 82, a spring 84f insertedly mounted to the rotary shaft 84b for providing a rotational force to the retaining portion 84e, and a separating portion 84g for separating the connection section 82 from the case 81.

Here, the key insertion part 84a can be rotated by the rotary shaft 84b mounted on the case 81. The retaining portion 84e may be elastically supported in such a way that an end thereof is elastically supported on the retaining portion 84e and the other end is supported on the case 81. Furthermore, it is preferable that a plurality of the separating portions 84g are opposed to each other at both sides of the case locking section 84 in a state where the retaining portion 84e is interposed therebetween. The case locking section 84 prevents that the band part 83 is unintentionally separated from the case 81 since the retaining protrusion 84d of the retaining portion 84e is joined to the retaining ring 82a formed on an end of the connection section 82, which is fixed and connected to an end of the band part 83.

As shown in FIGs. 13 to 15, a process of joining the case locking section 84 with the connection section 82 connected to the band part 83 will be described. When the connection section 82 connected to the band part 83 is located at an end of the case 81 and is pushed into an insertion hole 8 Ig formed on a side of the case 81, the retaining protrusion 84d of the retaining portion 84e is pushed upwardly to the retaining ring 82a and inserted and joined to an opening of the retaining ring 82a. An end portion of the spring 84f supported on the rotary shaft of the case locking section 84 is in contact with the retaining portion 84e in such a way as to provide elasticity to the retaining portion 84e.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the retaining ring 82a pressurizes an inclined portion of the retaining protrusion 94d, the retaining protrusion 84d is rotated. As shown in FIG. 17, when the retaining ring goes beyond the retaining protrusion 84d, the retaining portion

84e is rotated by the spring 84f, and hence, the retaining protrusion 94d is inserted into the retaining ring 82a of the connection section 82.

As described above, in the state where the connection section 82 is joined to the case locking section 84, an exclusive key is needed to separate the connection section 82 from the case locking section 84. The user inserts the exclusive key into the key insertion portion 84a and rotates it to separate the connection section 82 from the case locking section 84.

When the user rotates the exclusive key, the rotary shaft 84b connected with the key insertion portion 84a is rotated, and hence, the retaining portion 84e overcomes the elasticity of the spring 84f and is rotated by the rotation of the rotary shaft 84b. After that, when the retaining protrusion 84d gets free from the retaining ring 82a, the connection section 82 is separated from the case locking section 84.

In this instance, the connection section 82 is separated from the case locking section 84 more easily by elasticity of the separating portion 84g shown in FIGs. 18 and 19.

As shown in FIG. 20, the separating portion 84g includes a fixing member 84i mounted on the case 81 and having a space 84h formed therein, a separation member 84j received in the space 84h, and a compression spring 84k supported on the fixing member 84i for elastically supporting the separation member 84j. The compression spring 84k supplies elasticity to the separation member 84j.

When the retaining ring 82 of the connection section 82 is separated from the retaining protrusion 84d while the retaining portion 84e is rotated by the exclusive key, the separation member 84j is moved by elasticity of the compression spring 84k and pushes out the connection section 82, whereby the connection section 82 is easily separated from the case locking section 84.

As described above, the case locking section 84 is adapted to prevent that the emergency call device according to the present invention is unintentionally separated from the user. That is, when the emergency call device is separated from the user's body, since it is difficult to continuously trace the user's position, the case locking section 84 is adapted to prevent that the harmer dismantles the emergency call device without leave. As shown in FIG. 21, inside the band part 83 included are a damage detector 83a for detecting a damage of the emergency call device and a breakage preventer 81a made of a high-strength material to prevent a breakage of the emergency call device. Here, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the band part 83 to show the damage detector 83a and the breakage preventer 81a. In this instance, when the band part 83 is damaged by an external force, the damage detector 83a detects it and informs the outside of this emergency situation.

The damage detector 83a is connected with the control part 8 Id. When the damage detector 83a detects the damage of the band part 83, the control part 81d outputs an emergency warning and sends the emergency call signal including the present position information.

Furthermore, the damage detector 83a is disposed on the outer surface of the band part 83 to easily detect the damage of the band part 83, and the breakage preventer 81a is disposed on the inner surface of the band part 83 to prevent a damage of other portions even though a portion of the band part 83 is damaged.

As shown in FIGs. 22 and 23, the other end of the band part 83 is inserted into a band insertion portion 8 Ie formed at the other end of the case 81 and coupled to the case via a bolt 83c corresponding with a bolt hole 83b. As shown in FIG. 21, it is preferable that a plurality of the bolt holes 83b are longitudinally formed on the band part 83 at predetermined intervals to thereby regulate a length of the band part 83 according to a thickness of the wrist.

The user regulates the length of the band part 83 properly while sliding the other end of the band part 83 along the band insertion portion 8 Ie, and then, couples and fixes the bolt 83c to the bolt hole 83b. Here, the connection section 83b joined to the other end of the case 81 has a slot for allowing movement of the other end of the band part 83.

In the meantime, when the emergency button section 85 is pressed, the control part 81d controls the operation of the vibration section 36 for a predetermined time period, and then, processes to send the emergency call signal and the present position information to the outside.

That is, it is preferable that the control part 81d is configured to cancel the emergency call within the predetermined time period even after the emergency button section 85 is pressed. In this instance, after the emergency button section 85 is pressed, the emergency call can be canceled through a manipulation of the cancellation button section 82c disposed on the connection section 82b coupled to the case 81. The cancellation of the emergency call can be carried out by clicking one button, or inputting a previously stored ID number. Here, buttons to set the ID number must be provided sufficiently, and the set ID number must be nonvolatilely stored in the memory 86g of the control part 8 Id. Meanwhile, as shown in FIGs. 24 to 26, an emergency call device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of half-ring shaped bodies 110 opposed to each other; a body hinge section 130 for connecting one ends of the bodies 110 with each other; a body locking section 150 formed on the other ends of the bodies 110 in such a way as to correspond to the body hinge section 130, the body locking section 150 being adapted to connect and separate the other ends of the bodies 110 with each other and from each other; a call section 120 connected with a call button 111 mounted on the outer periphery of the body 110 to send a call signal of the call button 111; and a cover section 140 for covering and protecting the call button 111. Here, the plural bodies 110 may be constructed of a semi-circular ring type to be worn on the user's wrist, mutually rotated by the body hinge section 130, and fastened to the user's wrist by the body locking section 150.

Furthermore, the call section 120 may be embedded in a call space 113 disposed inside the body 110. In this instance, the call button 111 connected with the call section 120 may protrude from the outer periphery of the body 110.

Moreover, the call section 120 includes: a GPS processing part 121 for receiving position information of a GPS; an RF processing section 123 for sending and processing the emergency call signal of the call button 111 and the position information of the GPS processing part 121; and a control processor 125 for controlling the RF processing section 123 to send the emergency call signal and the position information processed through the

GPS processing part 121 by sensing an input of the call button 111.

In addition, the call section 120 further includes: a data converting part 129 connected to the control processor 125 for converting inputted characters or numbers into data; and an SMS message service section 200 for transmitting characters or numbers to the outside.

In the meantime, the body locking section 150 includes: a locking hole 155 formed on one of the plural bodies 110; a locking member 153 disposed on the other of the plural bodies 110 and locked to the locking hole 155; and an opening button 151 for separating the locking member 153 from the locking hole 155. That is, the user can press the opening button 151 to separate the bodies 110 from the user's arm, and fasten the bodies 110 on the user's arm using the locking member 153.

As shown in FIGs. 27 and 28, the cover section 140 includes: a sliding space 141 formed on the body 110 in predetermined depth and width; a plurality of sliding members 143 formed at both sides of the sliding space 141; a cover member 145 movable along the sliding members 143; and a female-retaining member 147 disposed on a side of the sliding space 141 and a male-retaining member 149 disposed on an end of the cover member 145 to fix the cover member 145.

Here, it is preferable that the call button 111 is formed on the sliding space 141. The cover member 145 may be constructed in the same curved line as the outward appearance of the body 110. The sliding members 143 may be U-shaped grooves opposed to each other. In this instance, the cover member 145 may be made of synthetic resin of elasticity, and easily fit to the sliding members 143 in such a way as to be slid.

Furthermore, the male-retaining member 149 is constructed of a triangular form, and detachably joined to the female-retaining member 147 in ease.

As described above, the user normally closes the cover member 145 to cover the call button 111, so that it can be prevented that the call button 111 is unintentionally pressed. When a dangerous situation occurs, the user can open the cover member 145 and press the call button 111. In the meantime, a plurality of buttons 115 may be further disposed on a side of the call button 111 to cancel the input of the call button 111 and input characters or numbers. In this instance, the inputted characters or numbers are converted by the data converting part 129 and stored in a memory 127.

When the call section 120 is operated, the characters inputted and stored by the buttons 115 can be sent to a phone number, which was previously stored to the SMS message service section 200 by the buttons 115. That is, when the user previously stores several names or addresses of roads, buildings, and so on, at least one of them can be also sent through the SMS message service section 200 when the emergency call signal is sent. As shown in FIGs. 29 and 30, the body 110 may further include a transportation fare processing section 170 mounted thereon for processing fares of public transportation. Furthermore, the transportation fare processing section 170 includes: transportation fare processing means 171 disposed on the body 110 for processing transportation fares; a receiving space 172 for receiving the transportation fare processing means 171; and a restriction member 173 disposed on a side of the receiving space 172 for restricting the transportation fare processing means 171.

Here, the transportation fare processing means 171 may be a micro chip, a transportation card, or a T-money, which can process the transportation fares. Moreover, it is preferable that the receiving space 172 is equal to or larger than the outward appearance of the transportation fare processing means 171 in thickness and size. In this instance, the transportation fare processing means 171 received in the receiving space 172 is restricted by the restriction member 173 to thereby be fixed to the body 110.

As shown in FIGs. 31 and 32, the restriction member 173 includes: a spring space 174 formed on a side of the receiving space 172; a restricting spring 175 fixed at one end thereof to the spring space 174; a restricting protrusion 176 adapted to be movable in a state where it is elastically supported on the other end of the restricting spring 175 to thereby restrict an end of the transportation fare processing means 171; and a restraining protrusion 177 formed on the other side of the receiving space 172 in correspondence to the restricting protrusion 176 in such a way that the other end of the transportation fare processing means 171 is caught thereto. Here, the restricting spring 175 may be a compression spring. That is, in a state where the transportation fare processing means 171 is inserted into the receiving space 172 till the other end of the transportation fare processing means 171 is caught to the restricting protrusion 177, an end of the transportation fare processing means 171 can be restricted to the restricting protrusion 176 elastically supporting on the restricting spring 175.

Additionally, in a state where the restricting protrusion 176 is released, the transportation fare processing means 171 can be separated from the receiving space 172.

Furthermore, the restriction member 173 may further include a protruding spring 178 mounted beneath the receiving space 172 and a protruding member 179 fixed and supported to the protruding spring 178. Then, the transportation fare processing means

171 can be separated from the receiving space 172 more easily when the restricting protrusion 176 is released.

As described above, when the transportation fare processing means 171 is received and restricted in the receiving space 172, the user can pay a transportation fare without cash when he or she uses public transportation.

As shown in FIGs. 33 to 35, a body protection section 190 may be further included to cover and protect the bodies 110.

Moreover, the body protection section 190 includes: a plurality of exterior cases 191, each outer case being coupled to each body 110 and having a curved groove 192 formed therein; a coupling protrusion 193 formed on the inner periphery of each outer case 191; a coupling slot 195 formed on the outer periphery of each body 110 in correspondence to the coupling protrusion 193; and an exterior opening 197 formed on any one of the plural exterior cases 191. Here, it is preferable that the curved groove 192 of the outer case 191 is formed in the same depth and width as the outward appearance of the body 110. That is, the plural exterior cases 191 are connected with each other in such a way as to surround the plural bodies 110. In this instance, the outer case 191 can be coupled to the bodies 110 by joining the coupling protrusion 193 and the coupling groove 195 with each other. Additionally, the exterior opening 197 of the outer case 191 is located in such a way as to expose the call button 111 to the outside. That is, even though the exterior cases 191 are coupled to the bodies 110, the user can easily press the call button 111 through the exterior opening 197 in a state where the exterior cases 191 are not separated from each other. While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims.

It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability] As described above, the emergency call device according to the present invention allows the user to automatically send his or her present position with a simple manipulation while wearing it on the wrist or holding it in the hand, thereby protecting the user from danger. Furthermore, the emergency call device can send the emergency call without the harmer's being the wiser, thereby protecting the user from danger more effectively.

Moreover, since the recess areas are damaged easier than other parts to thereby set the harmer at ease by making the harmer easily accept that the emergency call device completely gets broken, the emergency call device according to the present invention can continuously provide the user' s position information.

Additionally, the emergency call device according to the present invention can cancel the command of the emergency call if the user presses the emergency button in error.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1 ]

An emergency call device comprising: a first case (30a) of a curved shape, the first case (30a) having a button section (14) and a locking device part (46) formed on a side thereof to provide locking and unlocking functions by an exclusive key; a second case (30b) of a curved shape, the second case (30b) having a locking protrusion (44) formed on a side thereof in correspondence with the locking device part (46); a hinge section (32) adapted to connect the other sides of the first case (30a) and the second case (30b) with each other; a pair of breakage-prevention members (50a; 50b) of a ring type respectively disposed inside the first and second cases (30a; 30b); an emergency call section respectively mounted inside the first and second cases (30a; 30b) to send an emergency call signal by an input of the button section (14); protection members (56a to 56c) adapted to receive and protect the emergency call section therein; and a battery (18) adapted to supply electric power to the emergency call section. [Claim 2] The emergency call device according to claim 1, wherein the emergency call section comprises: a button section (14) adapted to generate a command to send the emergency call signal; a GPS receiving section (22) adapted to receive position information of a GPS; an RF processing section (24) adapted to send and process the emergency call signal and position information; and a processor (10) adapted to control the RF processing section (24) to send the emergency call signal and the position information processed by the GPS receiving section by sensing the input of the button section (14). [Claim 3]

The emergency call device according to claim 2, wherein the emergency call section further comprises: a microphone (16); and a memory (26) for storing sound information obtained by the microphone (16), and wherein the processor (10) controls the operation of the microphone 16 when the button section (14) is pressed in such a way as to store surrounding sounds inputted through the microphone (16) in the memory (26). [Claim 4]

The emergency call device according to claim 2, wherein the emergency call section further comprises a speaker (30) for outputting a predetermined warning sound or a vibration section (28) having a vibrator to inform a user of an operational state of the button section (14) when the button section (14) is operated. [Claim 5]

The emergency call device according to claim 2, wherein the processor (10) further comprises a time check section (70) for controlling the RF processing section (24) to send the emergency call signal and position information after waiting for a predetermined time period when the command of the emergency call is inputted from the button section (14), the time check section (70) including: a time setting module (71) for setting a waiting time; a counting module (73) for counting time when the command of the button section

(14) is inputted; a time judging module (75) for comparing the time set by the time setting module (71) with the time counted by the counting module (73) and judging whether or not they coincide with each other; and an operating module (77) for transmitting an operating signal to the RF processing section (24) when the time judging module (75) judges that the set time and the counted time coincide with each other. [Claim 6]

The emergency call device according to claim 5, wherein the processor (10) further comprises a dangerous zone setting section (72) for controlling the RF processing section (24) to send the emergency call signal and position information after the predetermined time period passes, the dangerous zone setting section (72) including: a dangerous zone operating button (72a); a dangerous time setting module (72b) for setting the predetermined time period; a dangerous time counting module (72c) for counting time when a command of the dangerous zone operating button (72a) is inputted; and a danger operating module (72d) for transmitting an operating signal to the RF processing section (24) when counting of the dangerous time counting module 72c is completed. [Claim 7]

The emergency call device according to claim 2, wherein the button section (14) further comprises a cancellation button (52) adapted to release the sending of the emergency call signal while waiting for the predetermined time period after the command of the emergency call is inputted from the button section (14). [Claim 8]

The emergency call device according to claim 1, further comprising damage detection lines (54) disposed inside the first case (30a) and the second case (30b), so that the emergency call section wirelessly sends the emergency call signal when the damage detection lines (54) are damaged. [Claim 9] The emergency call device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cases

(30a; 30b) respectively have grooves (34a; 34b) formed on central portions thereof. [Claim 10]

An emergency call device comprising: a cylindrical body (60); an emergency call button (62) protrudingly mounted on an upper portion of the body (60); an operation lamp (66) mounted on a side of the body (60) for indicating an operational state of the emergency call button (62); a GPS receiving section (63) mounted inside the body (60) for receiving position information of GPS; an RF processing section (65) mounted inside the body (60) for sending an emergency call signal and position information; a processor (67) for controlling the RF processing section (65) to transmit the emergency call signal and position information to the outside when the operation of the emergency call button (62) is detected; and a rechargeable battery (69) mounted inside the body (60) for supplying electric power to the RF processing section (24) and the processor (67). [Claim 11 ] The emergency call device according to claim 10, wherein the body (60) comprises a power switch (64) mounted on the other side thereof for supplying electric power of the rechargeable battery (69) and interrupting the supply of the power and a rechargeable battery state display section (68) for displaying a charging state of the rechargeable battery (69)

[Claim 12]

An emergency call device comprising: a case (81); a connection section (82) separably coupled to the case (81); a band part (83) connected at both ends thereof to the case (81) and the connection section (82), respectively; a case locking section (84) for locking the case (81) and the connection section (82); an emergency button (85) mounted on the outer periphery of the case (81); and an emergency call section for sending an emergency call signal by an input of the emergency button (85). [Claim 13]

The emergency call device according to claim 12, wherein the case (81) comprises a shock-preventive section (8If) for preventing a damage of the emergency call section. [Claim 14] The emergency call device according to claim 12, wherein the band part (83) comprises a damage detector 83a for operating the emergency call section (86) when a damage of the band part (83) is detected.

[Claim 15] The emergency call device according to claim 12, wherein the band part (83) further comprises a breakage preventer (81a) for preventing a breakage of the band part (83). [Claim 16]

The emergency call device according to claim 12, wherein the case locking section (84) comprises: a key insertion portion (84a) disposed on the case 81 for inserting a key thereto; a rotary shaft (84b) to which the key insertion portion (84a) is fixed; a base (84c) for rotatably supporting the key insertion portion (84a) and the rotary shaft (84b); a retaining portion (84e) having a retaining protrusion (84d) retained to a retaining ring (82)a formed on the connection section (82); a spring (84f) insertedly mounted to the rotary shaft (84b) for providing a rotational force to the retaining portion (84e); and a separating portion (84g) for separating the connection section (82) from the case (81). [Claim 17]

The emergency call device according to claim 16, wherein the separating portion (84g) comprises: a fixing member (84i) mounted on the case (81), the fixing member (84i) having a space (84h) formed therein; a separation member (84j) received in the space (84h); and a compression spring (84k) supported on the fixing member (84i) for elastically supporting the separation member (84j).

[Claim 18] An emergency call device comprising: a plurality of half-ring shaped bodies (110) opposed to each other; a body hinge section (130) for connecting one ends of the bodies (110) with each other; a body locking section (150) formed on the other ends of the bodies (110) in such a way as to correspond to the body hinge section (130), the body locking section (150) being adapted to connect and separate the other ends of the bodies (110) with each other and from each other; a call section (120) connected with a call button (111) mounted on the outer periphery of the body (110) to send a call signal of the call button (111); and a cover section (140) for covering and protecting the call button (111). [Claim 19]

The emergency call device according to claim 18, further comprising an SMS message service section (200) for transmitting stored characters to a previously stored telephone number when the call section (120) is operated. [Claim 20]

The emergency call device according to claim 18, wherein the cover section (140) comprises: a sliding space (141) formed on the body (110) in predetermined depth and width; a plurality of sliding members (143) formed at both sides of the sliding space (141); a cover member (145) movable along the sliding members (143); and a female-retaining member (147) disposed on a side of the sliding space (141) and a male-retaining member (149) disposed on an end of the cover member (145) to fix the cover member (145).

[Claim 21 ] The emergency call device according to claim 18, further comprising a transportation fare processing section (170) mounted on the body (110) for processing fares of public transportation. [Claim 22]

The emergency call device according to claim 21, wherein the transportation fare processing section (170) comprises: transportation fare processing means (171) disposed on the body (110) for processing transportation fares; a receiving space (172) for receiving the transportation fare processing means (171); and a restriction member (173) disposed on a side of the receiving space (172) for restricting the transportation fare processing means (171). [Claim 23]

The emergency call device according to claim 22, wherein the restriction member (173) comprises: a spring space (174) formed on a side of the receiving space (172); a restricting spring (175) fixed at one end thereof to the spring space (174); a restricting protrusion (176) adapted to be movable in a state where it is elastically supported on the other end of the restricting spring (175) to thereby restrict an end of the transportation fare processing means (171); and a restraining protrusion (177) formed on the other side of the receiving space (172) in correspondence to the restricting protrusion (176) in such a way that the other end of the transportation fare processing means (171) is caught thereto. [Claim 24]

The emergency call device according to claim 18, further comprising a body protection section (190) for covering and protecting the plural bodies (110). [Claim 25]

The emergency call device according to claim 24, wherein the body protection section (190) comprises: a plurality of exterior cases (191), each outer case being coupled to each body (110) and having a curved groove (192) formed therein; a coupling protrusion (193) formed on the inner periphery of each outer case (191); a coupling slot (195) formed on the outer periphery of each body (110) in correspondence to the coupling protrusion (193); and an exterior opening (197) formed on any one of the plural exterior cases (191).