Bluetooth-enabled panic alarm

Design consultancy Fen Technology has teamed with Securecom to develop a Bluetooth-enabled panic alarm that can work with a Bluetooth-based GSM phone or a satellite phone.

The Wireless Personal Alarm is a button-size Bluetooth pendant that enables the user to send an alarm, with embedded location information to preselected recipients, while the user’s GSM or satellite mobile handset is beyond their immediate reach. For GSM, the latest network-based location technology is used; for satellite handsets, embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is utilized.

“When we had the idea for this, back in 2002, we made certain assumptions. For instance that GPS would be in the Bluetooth range, and so it is not necessary to put a GPS in the device, thus saving on costs, power consumption and size. And that anyone using it would subscribe to a network positioning service.

We were right on these assumptions, and we have developed a product that is ready to be commercialized. However, we need to negotiate distribution agreements with interested parties in different parts of the world, and we are open to suggestions as regards partnerships to get this product to market as quickly as possible” [ Patrick Hartigan, CEO of Securecom ]

The product comes in two parts, either the alarm on its own that can be used with a Bluetooth enabled handset, or in conjunction with a dongle that is needed to connect with a satellite handset.

“We anticipate the vast majority of users would just take the tiny alarm, which we have now got down to measuring just 32-mm in diameter” said Hartigan.

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