(19)
(11)EP 2 059 307 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
01.11.2017 Bulletin 2017/44

(21)Application number: 07823085.1

(22)Date of filing:  06.09.2007
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A62B 18/08(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/FI2007/000224
(87)International publication number:
WO 2008/028995 (13.03.2008 Gazette  2008/11)

(54)

COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

KOMMUNIKATIONSVORRICHTUNG, -SYSTEM UND -VERFAHREN FÜR EIN IN SICH GESCHLOSSENES BEATMUNGSGERÄT

APPAREIL DE COMMUNICATION, SYSTÈME ET PROCÉDÉ POUR APPAREIL RESPIRATOIRE AUTONOME


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
HR

(30)Priority: 08.09.2006 FI 20060802

(43)Date of publication of application:
20.05.2009 Bulletin 2009/21

(73)Proprietor: Savox International S.A.
1273 Luxembourg (LU)

(72)Inventors:
  • WESTERLUND, Mikael
    FI-10300 Karjaa (FI)
  • SINIVAARA, Hasse
    FIN-04360 Tuusula (FI)

(74)Representative: Berggren Oy, Helsinki & Oulu 
P.O. Box 16 Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 10A
00101 Helsinki
00101 Helsinki (FI)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-03/103773
GB-A- 2 336 319
US-A- 5 404 577
US-A- 6 121 881
US-A1- 2002 008 625
US-A1- 2006 125 623
WO-A1-03/103773
GB-A- 2 336 319
US-A- 5 404 577
US-A- 6 121 881
US-A1- 2002 008 625
US-A1- 2006 273 894
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The invention concerns a self-contained breathing apparatus arranged to a wireless group communication with identification tag. Furthermore the invention concerns a wireless group communications system for the breathing apparatus. Yet furthermore the invention concerns a method for wireless group communications with the safety masks on a basis of identification tag.

    BACKGROUND ART



    [0002] Communication between fire fighters wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus, such as a safety face mask, for example, is extremely difficult under the best conditions and almost impossible in most fire situations. Fire fighters must yell through their masks or use elaborate hand signals, or in some cases, may even remove their mask, just to be able to talk to each other.

    [0003] Since fire fighting often requires split-second decision making, often with serious consequences at stake, there is a need for rapid and coherent communication to avoid exposing fire fighters and the public to undue risk.

    [0004] Existing mechanisms typically employ a microphone which is "push-to-talk" activated and coupled via an interface box and corded link to a speaker placed in proximity to a wearer's ear, thereby providing a walkie-talkie type arrangement. A wearer of the self-contained breathing apparatus must push a button to talk into the microphone, which requires that the wearer can only have one hand free while talking into the apparatus. Moreover, a voice signal picked up by the microphone is usually amplified to be presented to a speaker of another user, which often picks up interference in the form of ambient noise encountered in most fire situations. This interference can cause false triggering of voice detection circuitry. In addition, the geometry of the cavity inside the self-contained breathing apparatus enhances low frequencies, making analog voice signals virtually unintelligible. The cord connecting the microphone and speaker to the interface box can often frustrate a user as it can become entangled in other fire fighting equipment or the user's clothes, or it may loosen and become detached, preventing communication between fire fighters. In short the cord can be a safety hazard. In addition, the absence of communication with a fire fighter may indicate that the fire fighter is in a dangerous situation and that the other members of the crew should locate and help the person in need, possibly in a smoke-filled room with zero visibility.

    [0005] A known fire fighter's communications apparatus, system and method is disclosed in patent application WO 03/103773 A1. A method of facilitating communications for a wearer of a mask, such as a fire fighter's breathing apparatus, involves receiving a removable transmitter apparatus in a receptacle in the mask, to permit the transmitter apparatus to receive acoustic utterances made by the wearer of the mask and to transmit electromagnetic radiation representing the utterances for reception by a receiver. The receiver, which is positioned at the waist of the fire fighter, receives the electromagnetic radiation and broadcasts an audible reproduction of the acoustic utterances. The receiver may be supported by a wearer of the mask so that listeners in the vicinity of the wearer can hear the utterances. A plurality of wearers of masks may each have the apparatus described above to create a mobile public address system in which the utterances of a plurality of wearers may be broadcast from each wearer to other people in the vicinity of the wearers.

    [0006] However the known system, apparatus and the method have problems in particularly for group communication and/or data transport. Also, there's no automated voice communication i.e. user must perform some level of manual activation to open the channel and sometimes that is not possible when the alarm is on. However the major problem is that the wireless, i.e. radio, communications between the breathing apparatus (i.e. fire fighter's mask) and the worn receiver of the breathing apparatus is only one-way communications. This emerges major difficulties in group and data communications for modern safety and emergency equipments.

    [0007] Another known protective mask communication device and system is known from a patent publication US 6,121,881. The systems allow wearers of protective masks working in a hazardous area to readily communicate both with each other and with personnel and automated systems outside of the area. Preferred systems provide Bluetooth communications between mask wearers. Furthermore the mask has a higher power transceiver communicating to and from a remote transceiver located further than the other masks. The higher power communications is used to identify the mask and is actuated by an actuator in the mask.

    [0008] However the Bluetooth transmission between the safety masks is too weak and has too small coverage in order to allow fire fighters to work effectively. Typical coverage range of Bluetooth is so small that the fire fighters may easily drift away from the coverage range of the mask communication system, thereby losing contact with the group. This is a clear safety hazard. However major problem is the actual group creation. In particularly problem arise when establishing or changing the group composition or use conditions. For example the group composition may be needed to change or amend, even on the fly, group members (remove or add fire fighters), rename the group, use different frequencies, channels or transmission power, use different network parameters, etc. This is particularly relevant for real-time safety hazard situations such as during the fire accident.

    SUMMARY



    [0009] It is therefore the object of the invention to better provide breathing apparatuses with multiple wireless group communications.

    [0010] In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a breathing apparatus for a user, the breathing apparatus comprising radio frequency identification tag reader arranged to communicate with a radio frequency tag, and at least one wireless radio communications unit for two-way wireless radio group communication with a wireless radio communications unit of a second breathing apparatus of another user, wherein the radio frequency identification tag reader is arranged to obtain an identification of the user of the breathing apparatus for the wireless radio group communication with the second breathing apparatus. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for group communication, the method comprising:

    obtaining information from a radio frequency identification tag by using a radio frequency identification tag reader (108) arranged in a safety mask that comprises at least one wireless radio communication system unit for two-way wireless radio group communication (102) with a wireless radio communications unit of a second safety mask of another user, wherein said information comprises an identification of a user for the wireless radio group communication (102) with the second safety mask and in that the method comprises establishing a wireless two-way radio connection at least to said second safety mask in accordance with said data information.



    [0011] Various embodiments of the invention contain a radio frequency identification system such as RFID (i.e. RFID tag). The RFID is used to parameterize the radio communication system. Furthermore RFID can be used to change group channel allocation. Furthermore the identification can be used to activate the system. Yet furthermore the identification can be used to give identification for the breathing apparatus or the RSM device.

    [0012] Various embodiments of the invention relate to the breathing apparatus, i.e. the safety mask comprising wireless radio data communication systems. An example of the breathing apparatus is a fire fighter's safety fire mask. The breathing apparatus can be facilitated with a number of RF systems to host different means of communication that is used in a fire fighter group and/or between fire fighters and group leaders. Different technology can be used depending on the link and the receiver. Various embodiments are capable of transporting both audio and data, depending on the use scenarios.

    [0013] In various embodiments the breathing apparatus hosts generally three wireless radio communication systems for multiple purposes. There can be several different alternatives to use, which are then allocated for certain communication path, and accordingly become operable for that purpose.

    [0014] In the embodied systems main communication links are the group communications between the users such as the fire fighter group. Typically the system includes capacity for average 20-30 persons, but higher number of users can be used. Also a level of data transport can be adjusted accordingly. The system can thus have a high channel throughput capacity and also potentially number of frequencies to be used and allocated for a number of groups. The coverage is about 50 meters, preferably minimum, at indoor environment and system can be an ad-hoc capable. The system can, for example, be based on 802.11a/b/g and 802.15.3/4 technologies. Also UWB technology may be used.

    [0015] Thus the first wireless communications link is between two breathing apparatuses. Another link is the link from the breathing apparatus to the second wireless short range communications units, which can be attached to user's waist. An example of the second unit is a remote speaker microphone RSM type of device that is typically cable connected to the TETRA type of terminals or other digital and analog radio standard devices. The second unit is used primarily for communicating outside group. For example the breathing apparatus is Bluetooth connected to the second unit such as RSM device and through TETRA radio communication outside the group.

    [0016] Various embodiments establish a personal fire fighter communication system where group communication is used as a primary function. Secondary communication is used in a PTT (Push-To-Talk) mode when the PTT is activated in the breathing apparatus's Bluetooth or similar link, thereby activating communications between the breathing apparatus and the RSM device. Alternatively the PTT function can be replaced with Voice recognition technology where system can include a "key word" for team radio access or RSM link access. Functional wise fire fighter can say the "key word" and the system activates the correct radio link accordingly. This technology is well known and implemented e.g. in GSM/3G phones as voice tags. Only difference is that in this system the alternative wording will activate certain pre-programmed RF system. In case voice recognition is used, PTT switches can be removed and the system becomes fully autonomous in transporting audio on-line. Accordingly the audio transport is enabled outside the team. Generally one radio is active, for example when the group communication is active the PTT link is in idle state. When PTT (by switching PTT or using voice recognition) is activated the group radio goes into idle state accordingly. When communication towards team is originated from outside, the RSM devices wireless link activates the connection between RSM device and mask unit. This activation will force the team radio into idle state as far as communication through RSM link is active. This communication can be routed to each team member individually or to whole team. While this link is active and team link is in idle state, no voice activated link needs to be used. Primarily system can use topology such that after RSM link is switched to idle state after communication, the mask system switches automatically into team link.

    [0017] The RFID can be used when the parameterization and/or identification is performed.

    [0018] Advantageously various embodiments of the invention allow broader communication means for fire fighter, being also a safety issue. Communication is partially fully automated and can be online. Especially the communication is more automatic when using the communication within the group. Furthermore also links to outside the group exists for sending or getting additional information. Various radio embodiments are fully wireless. For example they simplify the wearable parts for fire fighters. Thus cables can be replaced that is a clear safety issue.

    [0019] Furthermore various embodiments of the invention help to mitigate the required manual actives of fire fighters, and are more automated by means of voice/data transmission.

    [0020] Especially various embodiments provide means for identification, upgrading the different group parameters, changing channel or group allocation and also enabling to change the geographical parameters, which are set by the frequency regulators. The multiple radios are operating dynamically and used in a situation that the user is selecting or acting on.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0021] The invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Figure 1 depicts breathing apparatuses in wireless radio group communication system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,

    Figure 2 depicts a breathing apparatus communicating with a RSM unit by a short range wireless radio communications link in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and

    Figure 3 depicts fire fighter group communicating with each other by the breathing apparatuses and RSM units in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,

    Figure 4 depicts a breathing apparatus containing RFID tag reader communicating with RFID tag in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and

    Figure 5 depicts a system wherein breathing apparatus communicates with RSM device, which contains RFID tag reader communicating with RFID tag in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.


    DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION



    [0022] Various further embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

    [0023] Various embodiments of the invention include generally two individual products that will create at least a part of the communications system: a self-contained breathing apparatus 100 with a wireless radio communications unit (alternatively referred to as a safety mask, a safety mask communication unit, a fire fighter mask etc.) and a short range wireless radio communication unit 106 attachable to user's waist (alternatively referred to as a remote speaker microphone RSM, RSM unit, RSM device, etc.). The breathing apparatuses 100 communicate through wireless radio communications 102 with each other. Thus the breathing apparatus 100 comprising the unit communicates with other breathing apparatuses 100 through wireless team radio 102. The RSM unit 106 is cable connected to the Mobile radio (e.g. TETRA phone). The RSM unit 106 communicates through short range wireless radio communications 104 with the breathing apparatus 100.

    Breathing Apparatus



    [0024] The breathing apparatus 100 comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus. In various embodiments the breathing apparatus can be a protective mask having a communication device for use in hazardous environments. The protective is adapted to be worn over a person's face and to supply air to the wearer. The breathing apparatus may or may not contain the RFID tag reader 108.

    [0025] The breathing apparatus 100 with the communications unit is battery operated, currently 9V ATEX certified battery.

    Group Radio



    [0026] The communications 102 between the breathing apparatuses 100 is generally carried out by wireless data communications radio 102 in various embodiments of the invention. The wireless communications radio 102 can be either WLAN based, for example (802.11a ad-hoc), or similar 802.15.3/4 type of connection. General coverage range is about 50-60m range in indoors, support for up to 20 simultaneous users per group (with a main function with audio transmission). Advantageously the embodied system can also support routing function in case that some of the group members does not sense all parties in a group. Thus certain members have to act as a routing node for broadcast transmission/reception. Including routing method into MAC level can do the routing. Alternatively the routing can be done in the application level. In this case a routing function is used to control the TCP/IP properties.

    [0027] The group radio, by the wireless radio communications 102, is also able to transport data information. For example each member can share any data information that each individual is carrying. This could be e.g. some head-up display stream or individual biometric information, identification etc.

    [0028] The system has simple ON-OFF switch which will automatically activate the group radio 102 in its selected group. For example, the breathing apparatus 100 or the RSM device 106 contains the switch. The change of the group is explained later. Typically once the radio has been parameterised, it will authenticate itself into that group. The communication link 102 is generally always on and utilises the standard means of transmitting.

    Voice activated transmission



    [0029] Some embodiments of the invention uses voice activated transmission VoX. It can be used to control the system transmit times. Thus it will have advantageous effects on battery life time. VoX is used to sense the fire fighter speech and Tx 102 is activated always when Vox sends a trigger pulse to Tx link. Typically each device, e.g. the breathing apparatus 100 or the RSM device 106, listens certain broadcast channel for audio/data transport. Vox can be used to minimise empty Tx packets. For example only the header or protocol is transmitted in time according to standard implementation and user data (when empty) is minimised from the Tx packets. Advantageously that will free up the channel capacity and speed up the system response time by having shorter protocol packages on air per time.

    [0030] Additionally the system can also have Voice amplifier (VA) and DNR system implemented.

    RSM unit



    [0031] Various embodiments of the invention disclose the RSM unit 106. The secondary wireless connectivity 104 is established between the breathing apparatus 100 and the RSM device 106. The connection 104 is through Bluetooth or equal short-range wireless radio connectivity. Also the main function is to transport audio up-down, thus by two-way communications. Generally the secondary wireless link 104 is in idle state at the times when the group/team radio is active. The secondary wireless link 104 is activated when the PTT button in the mask 100 is activated. Fire fighter may push the PTT button in the mask body, that will activate the link 104 from idle to Tx/Rx state and audio is routed through RSM device 106 and further on through e.g. TETRA terminal. The secondary wireless communications 104 can be advantageously used when communicating outside the group members. The link 104 activation has a very short delay, e.g. very short idle to active time with minimum amount of "extra trigger pushes/buttons". The RSM device 106 may or may not contain the RFID tag reader 108.

    RFID



    [0032] Various embodiments of the invention can use RFID. Third RF technology in the system is the RFID. RFID is used to parameterize the breathing apparatus communication system 102,104 to operate with other fire departments/districts that may have different channel/group allocation. RFID can be used to operate with different or specific groups giving appropriate channel and group allocation. RFID is for example used to have different ESSID network name list for grouping, and to separate different districts from each others, etc. This may also require having different channel allocation per each group in order to minimize frequency interference. Furthermore by this way advantageously the channel capacity can be increased and number of users increased. Some level of data could be transmitted as well, but still using audio as primary transport packets.

    [0033] Each user, for example fire fighter, is handed with an identification that is containing RFID tag and RFID reader 108. The identification card RFID tag is be editable in station through a personal portal, or readable from other users. Typically the ID card holds information such as group name (ESSID or Network name), channel allocation for that group, IP network settings and country specific parameters (e.g. US vs. EU area frequency allocation + Tx power settings). Of course the parameters and information may vary. At the base, the parameters can be read into ID card through portal. The parameters can be edited through portal, or read from other users ID cards.

    [0034] Because of fairly difficult pairing operation of the Bluetooth BT, also pairing information could be stored in the ID card. Since BT does not have any specific algorithm or method to select certain pair, the added functionality and parameter set could compensate this. Typically these parameters can be e.g. Bluetooth MAC addresses that are hardware coded in each unit. That specific MAC address is used in link establishment and MAC address is a device "identification" as such.

    [0035] ID card could be hosting as well the RSM specific node information that is used for pairing the breathing apparatus 100 and the correct RSM unit 106. By giving the parity data to the mask 100, it will only pair with the specific RSM device 106, not by randomly selecting.

    [0036] Activating the breathing apparatus 100 with correct settings requires the user to touch the breathing apparatus's communications unit where the antenna of the RFID reader 108 is located. The unit 108 reads the data from the ID card, pushes the settings to configuration database and activates the breathing apparatus 100 radios to operate into correct settings. This action can be triggered e.g. by adding a special button into the breathing apparatus 100 that is used to activate the RFID reader 108 in the communications unit. Advantageously this will save battery so that the RFID reader 108 does not have to be scanning in periodical cycle. Alternatively the breathing apparatus 100 is simply activated always when the breathing apparatus 100 is switched ON. After that there would a certain timer that the user has to touch the RFID reader 108 for data transport.

    [0037] Additionally the RFID can contain additional information such as TETRA terminal group info, default talk group etc. Those could be transported through BT connection 104 established first time between the breathing apparatus 100 and the RSM device 106, parameter transport within initialization period (only changed if the database settings in the mask unit 100 is changed).

    [0038] Thus there are several alternatives implementing the RFID in the system. The breathing apparatus 100 can comprise RFID tag and RSM RFID reader 108. The RSM device 106 can comprise RFID tag and the breathing apparatus 100 RFID tag. Furthermore the RFID tag can also be a separate id card. The RFID reader can be in either one of the breathing apparatus 100 and the RSM device, etc.

    [0039] In an embodiment the RFID tag contains MAC address of the short range RF unit. That MAC address is used for forced pairing operation. Furthermore RFID tag can also contain IP address and broadcast IP addresses/multicast IP addresses for application detection level for future purposes.

    [0040] An operation is such that whenever devices need to be paired, user activates the pairing. For example touches the headset of the breathing apparatus 100 with RSM device 106 (with external bottom module RFID reader 108) for a specific time. RFID reader 108 activates the magnetic field between the tag - the reader. The reader 108reads the data from tag.

    [0041] The data is then transported, for example into the RSM device communication database. The received MAC address is used for base for pairing. This step can also activate the RF radio itself in the RSM device 106. For example the RF systems can be in OFF-state until reading occurs. Advantageously this function can be used for power saving.

    [0042] When short range RF then is activated in both ends 100,106, the RF radios can scan only for that specific MAC address. The RSM device 106 picks the correct MAC from the list. Even though other MAC addresses could be found only that specific MAC is used for forced pairing.

    [0043] Once both ends 100,106 have found each others, pairing and link establishment can be performed. These settings can be saved in both devices i.e. also headset RF can use that specific received MAC address for initial pair. But, in order to provide a "freedom", headset could be paired afterwards with other devices as well. Therefore it is not necessary to use the received MAC as forced entry in headset side i.e. only for activated links that received Mac address is used as a "base".

    [0044] The further embodiment using the RFID allow safe pairing of devices 100 and 106 without the manual configuration or manual user interaction (except, of course the touching operation). Thus system is more automated network establishment between the RF devices 100,106. Also, this system can be used to power up-down other RF systems and therefore having power saving capabilities.


    Claims

    1. A breathing apparatus (100) for a user, the breathing apparatus (100) comprising
    a radio frequency identification tag reader (108) arranged to communicate with a radio frequency identification tag, and
    at least one wireless radio communications unit for two-way wireless radio group communication (102) with a wireless radio communications unit of a second breathing apparatus of another user,
    characterized in that the radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is arranged to obtain an identification of the user of the breathing apparatus (100) for the wireless radio group communication (102) with the second breathing apparatus.
     
    2. A breathing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain radio channel allocation for the wireless radio group communication (102).
     
    3. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain group channel allocation for the wireless radio group communication (102).
     
    4. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain frequency allocation for the wireless radio group communication (102).
     
    5. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain transmission power settings for the wireless radio group communication (102).
     
    6. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain an identifier identifying said breathing apparatus (100) for the wireless radio group communication (102).
     
    7. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain IP network settings or group identity.
     
    8. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radio frequency identification tag reader (108) is further arranged to obtain Bluetooth pairing data for establishing a Bluetooth connection between the breathing apparatus (100) and a Bluetooth based device.
     
    9. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless radio group communication (102) between the breathing apparatus (100) and the second breathing apparatus comprises communication via a wireless local area network, WLAN.
     
    10. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising
    wherein said at least one wireless radio communications unit is further arranged to

    two-way short range wireless communication with a short range wireless communications unit attachable to said user, and

    short range wireless radio communication with the radio frequency identification tag.


     
    11. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two-way short range wireless communication is further arranged to provide the breathing apparatus (100) with communications with a mobile communications system such as TETRA.
     
    12. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said breathing apparatus (100) comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus for a fire fighter.
     
    13. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a single device in the breathing apparatus is arranged to carry out the radio communications.
     
    14. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two or three devices in the breathing apparatus are arranged to carry out the radio communications.
     
    15. A breathing apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a detector to sense a speech of the user arranged to control activation of transmission by the wireless radio group communication (102) respectively.
     
    16. A breathing apparatus (100) according to claim 15, further comprising means for transmitting a header or protocol and substantially no data packet when the speech is not sensed.
     
    17. A method for group communications comprising:

    obtaining information from a radio frequency identification tag by using a radio frequency identification tag reader (108) arranged in a safety mask that comprises at least one wireless radio communication system unit for two-way wireless radio group communication (102) with a wireless radio communications unit of a second safety mask of another user,

    characterized in that said information comprises an identification of a user for the wireless radio group communication (102) with the second safety mask and in that the method comprises establishing a wireless two-way radio connection at least to said second safety mask in accordance with said information.


     
    18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising
    establishing a short-range wireless two-way data radio connection between one of the safety masks and a terminal capable of mobile phone communications.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Atemschutzgerät (100) für einen Benutzer, wobei das Atemschutzgerät (100) umfasst:

    ein Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108), das ausgelegt ist, um mit einer Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke zu kommunizieren, und

    mindestens eine drahtlose Funkverbindungseinheit für eine wechselseitige drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) mit einer drahtlosen Funkverbindungseinheit eines zweiten Atemschutzgeräts eines anderen Benutzers,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) ausgelegt ist, um eine Identifizierung des Benutzers des Atemschutzgeräts (100) für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) mit dem zweiten Atemschutzgerät zu erhalten.


     
    2. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um eine Funkkanalzuteilung für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu erhalten.
     
    3. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um eine Gruppenkanalzuteilung für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu erhalten.
     
    4. Beatmungsgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um eine Frequenzzuteilung für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu erhalten.
     
    5. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um Sendeleistungseinstellungen für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu erhalten.
     
    6. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um Kennungsidentifizierung des Atemschutzgeräts (100) für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu erhalten.
     
    7. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um IP-Netzwerkeinstellungen oder eine Gruppenidentität zu erhalten.
     
    8. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) außerdem ausgelegt ist, um Bluetooth-Kopplungsdaten zum Einrichten einer Bluetooth-Verbindung zwischen dem Atemschutzgerät (100) und einer Bluetooth-gestützten Vorrichtung zu erhalten.
     
    9. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zwischen dem Atemschutzgerät (100) und dem zweiten Atemschutzgerät eine Kommunikation über ein drahtloses lokales Netzwerk (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN) umfasst.
     
    10. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das außerdem umfasst:

    wobei die mindestens eine drahtlose Funkverbindungseinheit außerdem ausgelegt ist für

    eine wechselseitige Nahbereichskommunikation mit einer drahtlosen Nahbereichsfunkverbindungseinheit, die an dem Benutzer anbringbar ist, und

    eine wechselseitige Nahbereichskommunikation mit der Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke.


     
    11. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die wechselseitige Nahbereichskommunikation außerdem ausgelegt ist, um dem Atemschutzgerät (100) Kommunikationen mit einem mobilen Kommunikationssystem wie zum Beispiel TETRA bereitzustellen.
     
    12. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Atemschutzgerät (100) ein unabhängiges Atemschutzgerät für einen Feuerwehrmann umfasst.
     
    13. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine einzige Vorrichtung in dem Atemschutzgerät ausgelegt ist, um die Funkkommunikationen auszuführen.
     
    14. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei mindestens zwei oder drei Vorrichtungen in dem Atemschutzgerät ausgelegt sind, um die Funkkommunikationen auszuführen.
     
    15. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das außerdem einen Detektor umfasst, um ein Sprachsignal des Benutzers zu erfassen, das geeignet ist, um eine jeweilige Aktivierung der Übertragung durch die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) zu steuern.
     
    16. Atemschutzgerät (100) nach Anspruch 15, das außerdem ein Element zum Übertragen einer Kopfzeile oder eines Protokolls und im Wesentlichen keines Datenpakets umfasst, wenn das Sprachsignal nicht erfasst wird.
     
    17. Verfahren für Gruppenkommunikationen, umfassend:

    Erhalten von Informationen von einer Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke, indem ein Lesegerät für eine Hochfrequenz-Identifikationsmarke (108) verwendet wird, das in einer Sicherheitsmaske angeordnet ist, das mindestens eine drahtlose Funkverbindungssystemeinheit für eine wechselseitige drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) mit einer drahtlosen Funkverbindungseinheit einer zweiten Sicherheitsmaske eines anderen Benutzers umfasst,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Informationen eine Identifizierung eines Benutzers für die drahtlose Funkgruppenkommunikation (102) mit der zweiten Sicherheitsmaske umfassen, und dadurch, dass das Verfahren ein Einrichten einer drahtlosen wechselseitigen Funkverbindung mindestens mit der zweiten Sicherheitsmaske gemäß den Informationen umfasst.


     
    18. Verfahren nach Anspruch 17, das außerdem umfasst:

    Einrichten einer drahtlosen wechselseitigen Nahbereichsfunkverbindung zwischen einer der Sicherheitsmasken und einem Endgerät, das die Fähigkeit für Mobiltelefonkommunikationen besitzt.


     


    Revendications

    1. Appareil respiratoire (100) pour un utilisateur, l'appareil respiratoire (100) comprenant un lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) conçu pour communiquer avec une étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence et
    au moins une unité de radiocommunication sans fil pour une radiocommunication de groupe sans fil bidirectionnelle (102) avec une unité de radiocommunication sans fil d'un second appareil respiratoire d'un autre utilisateur,
    caractérisé en ce que le lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est conçu pour obtenir une identification d'un utilisateur de l'appareil respiratoire (100) pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102) avec le second appareil respiratoire.
     
    2. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir une attribution de canal radio pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102).
     
    3. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir une attribution de canal de groupe pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102).
     
    4. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir une attribution de fréquence pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102).
     
    5. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir des paramètres de puissance de transmission pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102).
     
    6. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir un identifiant qui identifie ledit appareil respiratoire (100) pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102).
     
    7. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir des paramètres de réseau IP ou une identité de groupe.
     
    8. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) est en outre conçu pour obtenir des données d'appariement Bluetooth pour établir une connexion Bluetooth entre l'appareil respiratoire (100) et un dispositif Bluetooth.
     
    9. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102) entre l'appareil respiratoire (100) et le second appareil respiratoire comprend une communication par le biais d'un réseau local sans fil, WLAN.
     
    10. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre dans lequel ladite ou lesdites unités de radiocommunication sans fil sont en outre conçues pour
    une communication sans fil bidirectionnelle de courte portée avec une unité de communication sans fil de courte portée qui peut être fixée au dit utilisateur et
    une radiocommunication sans fil de courte portée avec l'étiquette d'identification par radio fréquence.
     
    11. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la communication sans fil bidirectionnelle de courte portée est en outre conçue pour fournir à l'appareil respiratoire (100) des communications avec un système de communication mobile tel que TETRA.
     
    12. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit appareil respiratoire (100) comprend un appareil respiratoire autonome pour un pompier.
     
    13. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un seul dispositif dans l'appareil respiratoire est conçu pour réaliser les radiocommunications.
     
    14. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins deux ou trois dispositifs dans l'appareil respiratoire sont conçus pour réaliser les radiocommunications.
     
    15. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un détecteur pour détecter une parole de l'utilisateur conçu pour commander l'activation d'une transmission par la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102) respectivement.
     
    16. Appareil respiratoire (100) selon la revendication 15, comprenant en outre un moyen pour transmettre un en-tête ou un protocole et sensiblement aucun paquet de données lorsque la parole n'est pas détectée.
     
    17. Procédé pour des communications de groupe consistant :

    obtenir des informations en provenance d'une étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence à l'aide d'un lecteur d'étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (108) disposé dans un masque de sécurité qui comprend au moins une unité de système de radiocommunication sans fil pour une radiocommunication de groupe sans fil bidirectionnelle (102) avec une unité de radiocommunication sans fil d'un second masque de sécurité d'un autre utilisateur,

    caractérisé en ce que lesdites informations comprennent une identification d'un utilisateur pour la radiocommunication de groupe sans fil (102) avec le second masque de sécurité et en ce que le procédé consiste à établir une connexion radio bidirectionnelle sans fil au moins avec ledit second masque de sécurité en fonction desdites informations.


     
    18. Procédé selon la revendication 17, consistant en outre
    à établir une connexion radio de données bidirectionnelle sans fil de courte portée entre l'un des masques de sécurité et un terminal capable de communications de téléphone mobile.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description