WO2007066896A1

WO2007066896A1 - System and method for controlling accident using location-based service

Info

Publication number: WO2007066896A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004452
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong-Lea Jo; Seong-Bok Hong; Seong-Goog Park
Original assignee: Huha Systems Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-30
Publication date: 2007-06-14
Also published as: KR100620792B1

Abstract

Disclosed are a system and a method for controlling accidental situation using a location-based service. The system and the method are capable of allowing data exchangers to establish the best counter measures upon emergency by communicating with each other using images including location information. In the case of an emergency situation, sufficient information on the situation can be acquired beforehand, then a respond can be made after establishing an optimum counter measures. By actively using location information, geographic information about accidental situation is obtained in a short time. Various forms of communication methods such as images and short messages can be used to transmit instructions or count ermeasures instead of using a conventional voice communication. In the case of unpredictable situations, various forms of communication methods are much more effective and appropriate than the conventional method. In addition, the scene can be preserved in visual and audio, so the information is used as good evidence in the investigation of the accident or the legal dispute regarding the casualties, in the future.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[Invention Title]

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCIDENT USING LOCATION-BASED SERVICE

[Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling/handling accidental situation using a location-based service. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method, capable of allowing data exchangers to establish the best countermeasures during an emergency by communicating with each other using images including location information.

<2>

[Background Art]

<3> In the case of emergencies, such as a fire, the rescuers who have been alerted to the situation go to the scene to take care of the situation. In this process, currently, the exchange of information is limited to voice communication through wireless or wired network. Thus, since the information regarding the type, scale and seriousness of the emergency situation is transmitted/received only through the voice communication, the ability to acquire information and communicate is greatly limited.

<4> For instance, in the case of a fire, it is necessary to provide all relevant information regarding the type of fire extinguishing materials required, such as special materials suitable for suppressing combustion of chemicals, the characteristics of the fire location, casualties, scale of the fire, risk of the fire spreading, required equipment, and current status. However, it is almost impossible to completely and precisely deliver such a wide variety of information through voice communication. Therefore, emergency workers may arrive on the scene with insufficient information, so that various trials and errors may occur while controlling the situation, resulting in difficulty in managing the emergency.

<5> In particular, although an immediate arrival at the scene is necessary, in some cases, it is difficult to approach the scene or it takes much time to find the exact location of the scene, due to insufficient information about the scene.

<6> In addition, in the case of emergencies, such as a car accident, the immediate managing of the accident is also necessary similar to the occurrence of a fire. If the scene is not well preserved, there may be a dispute between persons concerned when investigating the accident. Thus, an accurate delivery and control of the situation is necessary.

<7> Meanwhile, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002/0017829, titled "Evacuating Emergency Casualty System, .Linked with Providing System of Geological Information and Self-Positioning, and the Service Offering Method" " discloses a method capable of maximizing the survival rate while preventing aggravation of the patient 'S condition. According to the above document, when a patient or a guardian tries to communicate through a wired or a wireless telephone, a signal is delivered to an exchanger at a main center, and then the signal is transmitted from the exchanger of the main center to an administration PC, via a hub which connects a plurality of serial data lines. An address management server, to which the control signal of the administration PC is transmitted, reads out location data of the patient. Then, a geographic information server, to which the control signal of the administrating PC is transmitted, reads out map information of the location corresponding to the address data of the patient from a map memory to map data. Then, a video control server, to which the control signal of the administration PC is transmitted, displays images through a video terminal. And, the address management server acquires the most recent exact address linked with the stored address data of each police station and Korea Telecom. While the ambulance is en route to the patient by using the address data and map information of the location to rescue the patient, the current place is found through a satellite of a self-positioning information system. The main center, to which the location information is transmitted through the satellite, transmits the location of the en route ambulance to the hospital in charge of the emergency treatment and to the local center, and the main center reads the map information of the current location through the geographic information server to indicate the map information on the video terminal through the video control server, while informing the optimum path. A video medical diagnostic system including an X-ray photograph, an ultrasonograph, a pathology analyzer, an endoscope and a picture archival communication system is installed in the ambulance and the patient 'S home to deliver the condition of the patient to the video medical diagnostic system at the hospital via the main center. Thus, a doctor examines the condition of the patient through the video medical diagnostic system in the hospital, and then the doctor prescribes the emergency treatment, in such a manner that a guardian or a nurse having qualification can treat the patient. Accordingly, the doctor in the hospital is capable of remotely consulting the patient at their home through the communication network of images and voices. In addition, in the case of an urgent evacuation of the patient, the patient is immediately and efficiently transported using the geographic information and self-positioning information system while simultaneously performing the treatment according to the condition of the patient by using the wireless communication network of images and voices of the ambulance.

<8> However, even though the above invention employs the location information, it is not based on the GPS but based on address management, and it relies on the voice information by the telephone call. For this reason, it is difficult to acquire sufficient information about the patient 'S condition before arriving at the location of the evacuation.

<9>

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

<io> The present invention has been made to solve the above problem occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for managing an emergency situation using a location-based service, capable of immediately acquiring location information based on a location-based service (LBS) and acquiring more reliable information about the situation by using audio-visual data such as short messages, images, and moving pictures rather than relying only on voice. Thus, it is possible to efficiently establish the countermeasures and transmit instructions for controlling the scene and handling the situation. Also, it is possible to make bidirectional communication easier and to preserve sufficient information, thereby improving the application of the data.

<11>

[Technical Solution]

<i2> In order to accomplish the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling an emergency situation using a location-based service, the system comprising: a central control server incorporated with a location based service platform gateway processing location requests from an external location information service application client, a multimedia messaging system gateway processing requests regarding multimedia information such as moving pictures or music from an external client, and a short message service gateway processing a request from a short message service application client, in which the central control server processes communication of information and various requests; a database server connected with the central control server so as to transmit data requested from the database server or store information received from the database server; and a geographic information content server connected with the central control server in order to store and manage geographic information and generate a map and an address, wherein the central control server receives the information about a current accidental situation, transmits/receives necessary countermeasure, and manages a record of the emergency situation, and the geographic information content server generates the map by using location information received from the central control server, indicates the location in the map and then transmits the location to the central control server.

<13> In addition, the central control server includes a report receipt module which systematically receives information from a reporter by classifying the information according to data characteristics, a measurement module for allowing countermeasures to be easily relayed between communicators, a situation management module for transmitting/receiving information causing the situation to be ended and storing a series of management information about the situation, a statistics module for enabling statistical analysis for past accidental situations according to specific conditions, a record management module for allowing a user to systematically view the record based on subjects, .situations and locations, a user management module for easily changing various functions in operation of the central control server, and a gateway link module serving as an interface to allow the central control server to easily exchange data with exterior gateways. The database server includes operation information, picture information about the accidental situation, location information, record information and reporter information. The geographic information content server includes a POI management module for providing various searching methods when finding a specific location and notifying the location of a destination within a peripheral area, a map generating module for generating and providing a local map including a requested location, and a coordinate conversion module for converting coordinate values required for designating the location when generating the map.

<14> According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing an emergency situation using a location-based service, the method comprising the steps of: receiving information about the accidental situation transmitted from a reporter; analyzing location information of the reporter transmitted together with the information about the accidental situation; generating a map by matching an analysis result with the map; displaying the information about the accidental situation and the map on a screen; and transmitting the information about the emergency situation and the map together with instructions to a^" corresponding subject of a location selected based on the location information. <i5> The method further comprises the steps of requesting the location information of the reporter and receiving the location information, before the step of receiving the information, and further comprises a step of transmitting the information about the emergency situation and the map together with a countermeasure for managing the emergency situation to a member of the corresponding subject, after the step of transmitting the information about the accidental situation and the map.

<16>

[Advantageous Effects]

<17> As described above, according to the present invention, in the case of an emergency situation, sufficient information on the situation can be acquired beforehand, so the response can be made after establishing optimum countermeasures. By actively using location information, geographic information about accidental situation can be obtained in a short time. Various forms of communication methods such as images and short messages can be used to transmit instructions or countermeasures instead of using a conventional voice communication. And, in the case of unpredictable situations, various forms of communication methods can be much more effective and appropriate than the conventional method. In addition, the scene can be preserved in visual and audio formats, so the information can be used as good evidence in the investigation of the accident or the legal dispute regarding the casualties, in the future.

<18> Furthermore, maximum amount of information can be obtained beforehand, so specific and effective countermeasures can be established. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively operate the personnel and the equipment, and it is possible to achieve improved effect in the aspect of the time spent on the management and the quality.

<19>

[Description of Drawings]

<20> FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the structure of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; <2i> FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing an emergency situation using a location-based service according to the present invention;

<22> FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure for controlling an accident according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<23> FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for receiving information about an emergency situation according to an embodiment of the present invention!

<24> FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for managing an emergency according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<25> FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a reporter's screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<26> FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of an administrator's screen upon an alarm signal according to an embodiment of the present invention; <27> FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of an administrator's screen showing an emergency situation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<28> FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of an administrator's screen showing an accident location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<29> FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of an administrator's screen showing administrator's instruction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

<30> FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of a rescuer's screen showing emergency situation information according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

<3i> FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a rescuer's screen showing emergency situation information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<32>

[Mode for Invention] <33> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present invention may not be limited to the meanings defined in the dictionary, but can be variously defined by the inventors of this application matching with the scope of the present invention.

<34> Thus, the description and the claim of the present invention will be made with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein.

<35> FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<36> As shown in FIG. 1, the network system includes a central control server 11, a database server 13 and a geographic information content server 15.

<37> The central control server 11 incorporates with a location based service platform gateway (LBSP G/W) 23 processing a location request from an external location information service application client, a multimedia messaging system gateway (MMS G/W) 21 processing a request regarding multimedia information such as moving pictures or music from an external client, and a short message service gateway (SMS G/W) 25 processing a request from a short message service application client, in which the central control server 11 processes communication of information and various requests between communicators. Particularly, the central control server 11 incorporates with the location based service platform gateway 23 so as to acquire location information of a reporter 33.

<38> The database server 13 systematically preserves all data transmitted to the central control server 11 by using a self database management system (DBMS), and reads outs stored data as requested from the central control server 11.

<39> The geographic information content server 15 stores and manages information about the map, and generates a map including the location, after converting corresponding coordinates by receiving the location information requested from the central control server 11, thereby providing the map back to the central control server 11. It is preferable that the geographic information content server 15 is equipped with a geographic information system (GIS) engine, and is connected with the central control server 11 through a GIS gateway.

<40> A conventional network, which is connected to the system according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, is connected to the central control server 11 so as to perform data communication with the central control server 11. The network includes a wired or wireless internet network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile communication network, etc. However, for convenience's sake of description, hereinafter, the network refers to a mobile communication network 51 including three major mobile communication companies, and a reporter 33 refers to a person using the mobile communication network 51 through portable devices such as cell phones. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention.

<4i> FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling accidental situation using a location-based service according to the present invention.

<42> Referring to FIG. 2, the central control server 11 includes a report receipt module, a measurement module, a situation management module, a statistics module, a record management module, a user management module and a gateway link module.

<43> The report receipt module is a program which systematically receives information sent by a reporter 33 from the scene 31 by classifying the information according to data characteristics, the measurement module allows countermeasures to be easily communicated between communicators, and the situation management module is a program which transmits/receives information causing the situation to be ended and stores a series of management information about the situation and further preserves additional information for analyzing the causes and establishing follow-up countermeasures.

<44> The statistics module is a program which enables statistical analysis for past accidental situations according to specific conditions by using data accumulated in the database server 13, the record management module allows a user to systematically view the record based on subjects, situations and locations, the user management module easily changes various functions in operation of the central control server 11, and a gateway link module serves as an interface to allow the central control server 11 to easily exchange data with exterior gateways.

<45> Meanwhile, the database server 13 includes operation information, picture information about the accidental situation, location information, record information and reporter information.

<46> The operation information includes the contents of countermeasures taken while managing the accidental situation. The picture information about the accidental situation includes various pictures of the scene exchanged while the reporting and the countermeasures are being made, as well as the time information. The location information is data of the specific location of the scene. The record information includes a time-series record of each accidental situation. The reporter information includes personal details such as the phone number of the reporter.

<47> In addition, the geographic information content server 15 includes a

POI management module, a map generating module and a coordinate conversion module.

<48> The POI management module is a program for providing various searching methods when finding a specific location and notifying the location of a destination within a peripheral area, the map generating module generates and provides a local map including a requested location, and a coordinate conversion module converts coordinate values required for designating the location when generating the map.

<49> FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure for controlling an accident according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience's sake of description, a fire control center represents the central control server 11. In addition, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for receiving information about accidental situation according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for controlling an accident according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 through 12 are views illustrating examples of screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<50> Referring to the drawings, first, the reporter 33 takes a picture or a video record (SlOl) of the accidental situation at a fire scene. As shown in FIG. 1, when the reporter 33 uses the mobile communication network 51, it can be assumed that taking the picture or video record is performed by using a cell phone. However, this is just an embodiment and any devices capable of capturing, storing and transmitting the images or moving picture information can be used as portable communication terminals. Particularly, the device includes a terminal employing a wireless broadband internet service and a wideband code division multiple access service (WCDMA).

<5i> The captured information can be transmitted through various methods.

Currently, a service of uploading the images and moving pictures through an internet can be used. In addition, a system can be established in such a manner that a specific phone number (for instance, #0119) is allotted for immediate transmission and by connecting through pressing phone buttons, the captured information can be easily transmitted (S103) through the mobile communication network 51. In this case, a short message including brief information about the situation of the scene can also be transmitted together with the images.

<52> When the reporter 33 transmits the information such as the images, the location information of the reporter is also transmitted S109. The method for transmitting the location information can be classified into two big groups. First, an accurate latitude and longitude of the reporter are sent by a built-in global positioning system (GPS) chip. Second, in the case where there is no such chip, approximate value of the reporter's location is measured and sent through the base station in the mobile communication network (cell tracking system). Both of the above cases can be applied through currently performed technology, the location information can be automatically transmitted, and the step of allowing S107 whether the location information may be transmitted to the reporter 33 can be further comprised.

<53> The central control server 11 of the fire control center receives Sill the transmitted information such as the images and the location information through the gateway. The central control server 11 classifies the received data based on characteristics and stores them, and then displays S117 trie information on the screen of an administrator 17 together with an alarm signal. The displayed information specifically includes the number identification, the short message information, the receiving time and the picture of the scene.

<54> Meanwhile, when the report on the fire occurrence is received, the central control server 11 transmits the received location information of the reporter to the geographic information content server 15, and requests generation of the map about the location. In the step of analyzing S113 the location information, the central control server 11 discerns whether the location information is transmitted from the reporter, and if the location information is received, the location information is transmitted to the geographic information content server 15, and if the location information is not received, the process of transmitting the value is not performed. The geographic information content server 15 converts the received location information into coordinate value for the map generating, and after matching the coordinate value using the map information, the map including the location is generated S115, and then the generated information is transmitted to the central control server 11. After that, the central control server 11 displays the information about the accidental situation and the generated information on the screen S117. Therefore, the administrator 17 can obtain accurate geographic information about the location of the fire occurrence besides the image information sent by the reporter 33. <55> When accurate analysis of the location information is done, the central control server 11 can search the fire department in charge of the fire scene, and transmit S131 the information about the accidental situation and instructions. The transmission of the information and the instructions can be performed manually, but if the geographic information and the information about a corresponding fire department are managed by making the database, the transmission and the instruction of the general situation can be performed immediately through the system according to the present invention.

<56> Receiving the pictures and moving pictures data of the fire scene together with the location information received from the reporter 33 has the following advantages: Reliable information about the fire and the casualties can be acquired before actually heading to the scene and it is possible to reach the scene with appropriate countermeasures according to the type or the scale of the situation prepared beforehand. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently administer first-aid, reduce the waste of rescue equipment and manpower, and manage the emergency most adequately.

<57> Accordingly, the administrator of the fire control center can decide the most timely and effective controlling of the scene with more complete information.

<58> The information and the instruction transmitted to the corresponding fire department by the central control server 11 can be re-transmitted S133 to a fireman 41 of the corresponding fire department who is heading to the accident scene. That is, the picture of the scene, the map of the scene and the phone number of the reporter can be transmitted to the fireman 41 through the cell phone, and the fireman 41 who receives such information can have the time to prepare for the countermeasures before arriving at the scene, and the fireman 41 can also receive the report on the progress of the situation through the information transmitted in real-time, beforehand. In addition, the fireman 41 can easily contact the reporter even after arriving at the scene, so the fireman 41 can analyze the situation more accurately and the fireman 41 can effectively establish the appropriate countermeasures according to the analysis.

<59> Meanwhile, the fireman 41 who is en route to the scene can report the progress of the situation through short messages or image information to the corresponding fire department, while immediately managing the situation. And, the corresponding fire department and the fire control center can use such information to establish the follow-up measures or to give second and third instructions to the fireman at the scene more effectively.

<60> When the emergency is under control, the fireman 41 can film the management of the scene or describe the management of the scene in short messages to transmit S137 it to the fire control center and the corresponding fire department. The fire control center can systematically use the information, which is transmitted/received thus far, to find the cause of the fire or establish the follow-up measures after the analysis. And, the various information ranging from reporting the accident to managing the situation is stored in the database server 13. Because of this data preservation, it is possible to use the image of the scene, the detailed information and the management result as references, and it is possible to search by conditions, in the future. Particularly, the preserved data can be used in making statistics of the emergency based on the type (medical emergency/rescue/fire), making analysis and statistics of the cause of the fire by using the images, and in the case of an accident in the future, the preserved data can be used in making analysis of correlation and establishing the countermeasures.

<6i> Moreover, in the process of managing the above-mentioned'accident, the function of enabling the reporter 33 to receive the progress of the situation through the short message service can be further added to the central control server 11.

<62> Meanwhile, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations thereof within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the above embodiments only describes the central control server as the fire control center which uses the mobile communication network, but the present invention is not limited to this. So it can include various subjects that deals with an emergency situation, such as the police station which receives and takes care of casualties and property damage together with the accident, the insurance company which requires preserving the scene and arranging the accident immediately in the case of the traffic accident, and the traffic broadcasting system or the general broadcasting system which requires an accurate and immediate reporting and detachment of personnel on various happenings and accidents.

<63>

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1]

<65> A system for controlling an accidental situation using a location- based service, the system comprising:

<66> a central control server 11 incorporating with a location based service platform gateway 23 processing a location request from an external location information service application client, a multimedia messaging system gateway 21 processing a request regarding multimedia information such as moving pictures or music from an external client, and a short message service gateway 25 processing a request from a short message service application client, in which the central control server 11 processes communication of information and various requests;

<67> a database server 13 connected with the central control server 11 so as to transmit data requested from the database server 13 or store information received from the database server 13; and

<68> a geographic information content server 15 connected with the central control server 11 in order to store and manage geographic information and generate a map and an address, wherein

<69> the central control server 11 receives the information about a current accidental situation, transmits/receives necessary countermeasure, and manages a record of the accidental situation, and the geographic information content server 15 generates the map by using location information received from the central control server 11, indicates the location in the map and then transmits the location to the central control server 11.

[Claim 2]

<70> The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control server

11 includes a report receipt module which systematically receives information from a reporter 33 by classifying the information according to data characteristics, a measurement module for allowing countermeasures to be easily communicated between communicators, a situation management module for transmitting/receiving information causing the situation to be ended and storing a series of management information about the situation, a statistics module for enabling statistical analysis for past accidental situations according to specific conditions, a record management module for allowing a user to systematically view the record based on subjects, situations and locations, an user management module for easily changing various functions in operation of the central control server 11, and a gateway link module serving as an interface to allow the central control server 11 to easily exchange data with exterior gateways 21, 23 and 25.

[Claim 3]

<7i> The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the database server 13 includes operation information, picture information about the accidental situation, location information, record information and reporter information.

[Claim 4]

<72> The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geographic information content server 15 includes a POI management module for providing various searching methods when finding a specific location and notifying the location of a destination within a peripheral area, a map generating module for generating and providing a local map including a requested location, and a coordinate conversion module for converting coordinate values required for designating the location when generating the map.

[Claim 5]

<73> A method Jfor controlling an accidental situation using a location- based service, the method comprising the steps of:

<74> receiving Sill information about the accidental situation transmitted from a reporter!

<75> analyzing S113 location information of the reporter 'transmitted together with the information about the accidental situation!

<76> generating S115 a map by matching an analysis result with the map!

<77> displaying S117 the information about the accidental situation and the map on a screen! and

<78> transmitting S131 the information about the accidental situation and the map together with instructions to a corresponding subject of a location selected on a basis of the location information.

[Claim 6]

<79> The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising steps of requesting S107 the location information of the reporter 33 and receiving S109 the location information, before the step of receiving Sill the information.

[Claim 7]

<80> The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein .the information about the accidental situation transmitted to the corresponding subject includes one or at least two selected from the group consisting of a short message, a picture, a moving picture and a voice.

[Claim 8]

<8i> The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a step of transmitting S133 the information about the accidental situation and the map together with a countermeasure for controlling the accidental situation to a member of the corresponding subject, after the step of transmitting S131 the information about the accidental situation and the map.

<82>