Continuous people tracking system launches into UK market
February 2007 – A unique and affordable system to continuously track a person's exact location has this week been launched by Blue Tree Services into the UK market place. OurSOS™ was developed in response to the needs of those in the caring profession, who are responsible for the safety of others; it allows them to constantly review the location and wellbeing of those they care for.
Each individual being monitored wears a unit which allows the carers to constantly monitor their location on a personalised mapping system. This can be performed either through a secure site on the internet or through a mobile PDA device. The mobile device shows its own location as well as the monitored unit, making it easier to find someone on the move. The internet based application is designed to make it easy to track large numbers of people.
OurSOS™ incorporates an alarm for emergencies which will alert carers if the wearer is in trouble, as well as movement sensors and battery charge warnings.
Although it has been possible for people to carry alarms for some time, these alarms were either linked to a physical location or based on a single location request. With OurSOS™ continuous tracking avoids the problems associated with not having a "position fix" at critical moments. It also allows the use of "geofences" and other dynamic indicators such as fall alarms and movement sensors.
These sensors tell the carer if the unit is being worn or has been left behind. They can even tell if a person falls. The wearer, and/or its sensor, can let people know if they are in trouble at any time and the carer will know exactly where they are.
Mike Smuts, Managing Director of Blue Tree Services, commented "We are seeing a huge demand for this product from across all sectors of society, not just from the professional caring market. This device can give freedom back to individuals without compromising their safety. This is an exciting time for our company and we look forward to this new generation of device, giving independence back to those who desire it, whilst still in the safe sight of a carer."
Key features include:
- An alarm button - for emergencies
- A movement sensor - shows the carer if the unit is being worn.
- A power sensor - checking the power and alerts the carer if the unit is running low.
- Boundary alerts - allowing the wearer freedom to move within a designated area.
- Group monitoring - enabling staff to use their time more efficiently
OurSOS™ portable units use GPS and the Cell phone network to send encrypted positioning information to secure servers, they are then able to relay information back to the license holder showing the location of the units anywhere in the UK or Europe.
The units are designed to maintain a fixed cost for data transmission, allowing the operators of the unit to budget efficiently. Units are also able to prolong their battery life by reducing the amount of charge used when the battery power falls below a certain threshold.
A "kids" version is also being launched and has added features for schools and institutions such as:
- Instant Register – giving teachers the ability to know who is missing from the school
- Activity and other reporting
A medical version designed to transmit personal medical information as well as location and activity will be available from May 2007. Various sensors are being tested; however those most in demand are for heart monitoring and blood sugar level checks.
Notes to Editor:
For more information contact Susan Neil on susan.neil@bluetreeservices.co.uk or Michiel (Mike) Smuts on michiel.smuts@bluetreeservices.co.uk.
Phone number: +44 207 043 0842
The units are manufactured by Blue Tree Services in the UK and Ireland
Company details
Registered Office
Forge Cottage, High Banks
Loose, Maidstone
Kent, ME15 0EG
Email: susan.neil@bluetreeservices.co.uk
Northern Ireland Office
Unit 8, Greenshoots Innovation Centre
Newry Institute Greenbank Campus
Ballinacraig Way, Newry, BT34 2QX
Email: jasmine.woo@bluetreeservices.co.uk