Description: 
PERSONAL SECURITY DEVICE

RELATED ART

[0001] Embodiments of the present specification relate generally to a personal security device, and more particularly to a device that can be covertly activated by a user without the knowledge of individuals in the vicinity of the user to notify one or more concerned authorities of a prevailing emergency situation.
[0002] Present day smart phones are equipped with an emergency save our souls (SOS) feature that allows users to notify concerned authorities or pre-stored emergency contacts if they are in dangerous, life-threatening, or emergency situations. Examples of such emergencies posing threats to the life of the users include bank robberies, business store robberies, automatic teller machine (ATM) robberies, muggings, firings, road-rage incidents, and kidnappings. In such emergencies, the users cannot not freely access their smart phones and seek help by activating the emergency SOS feature without risking their lives. Further, under such emergencies, any minor suspicious movements or actions performed by the users can prove to be fatal to the users.
[0003] Certain present day approaches have been explored to enable the users to covertly provide alerts to the concerned authorities when they are in emergencies without using their smart phones. For example, Korean patent application KR1020060046208 describes micro-switches that are disposed inside shoes of a user to secretly report an occurrence of a crime incident to a law enforcement authority. To report the ongoing crime incident, the user is required to press both the micro-switches disposed inside the shoes simultaneously, which causes a transmitter in the shoes to transmit an alert to the law enforcement authority.
[0004] Though the shoes described in the Korean patent application KR1020060046208 allow the user to report an ongoing crime, a micro-switch based mechanism is prone to false-positive activations in non-emergency situations such as while the user is exercising and jumping. As a result, the transmitter may transmit the alert to the law enforcement authority even though the user is not really experiencing an emergency.
[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved personal security device that allows the user to covertly notify prevailing emergency situations to concerned authorities without the knowledge of people around the user, while preventing transmission of false emergency alerts to the concerned authorities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a personal security device coupled to a wearable apparel. The personal security device includes a touch-sensing input device that is disposed on an inner surface of the wearable apparel, and a protective cover that is adapted to move between a closed state and an open state based on a force exerted by a user wearing the wearable apparel. The protective cover completely covers the touch-sensing input device when disposed in the closed state to prevent any physical contact between the touch-sensing input device and the user. The protective cover at least partially uncovers the touch-sensing input device when disposed in the open state to allow physical contact between the touch-sensing input device and the user. Further, the personal security device includes a pattern-sensing unit that senses an input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device, and a pattern database coupled to the pattern-sensing unit.
[0007] The pattern-sensing unit identifies if the input pattern matches with one of a plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database. Furthermore, the personal security device includes an emergency alert unit that is communicatively coupled to the pattern-sensing unit. The emergency alert unit identifies a specific nature of an emergency situation affecting the user based on the input pattern and transmits a selected alert message to one or more emergency response systems corresponding to the input pattern when the input pattern matches one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database. The wearable apparel includes one of a footwear, a glove, and one of a pair of socks. The personal security device is coupled to one of an insole portion when the wearable apparel corresponds to the footwear, an inner finger portion when the wearable apparel corresponds to the glove, and an inner toe portion when the wearable apparel corresponds to one of the pair of socks.
[0008] The protective cover includes a set of left guide rails and a set of right guide rails, a left slot that is disposed between the set of left guide rails, and a right slot that is disposed between the set of right guide rails. Further, the protective cover includes a forward stopper and a backward stopper. The forward stopper is disposed at a proximal end of the set of left guide rails and the set of right guide rails. The forward stopper prevents the protective cover from disengaging from the set of left guide rails and the set of right guide rails when the protective cover is moved towards the proximal end. The backward stopper is disposed at a distal end of the set of left guide rails and the set of right guide rails. The backward stopper prevents the protective cover from disengaging from the set of left guide rails and the set of right guide rails when the protective cover is moved towards the distal end.
[0009] The protective cover is moveably fitted within the sets of left and right guide rails such that corresponding left and right ends of the protective cover are adapted to slide along the left slot and the right slot towards the proximal end when the user exerts the force on the protective cover towards the proximal end. The sliding of the protective cover towards the proximal end uncovers the touch-sensing input device and allows a limb of the user to physically contact the touch-sensing input device. The protective cover includes one of a click-to-open latch, a push latch, a spring-loaded latch, a pull-down latch, a toggle latch, a cam latch, a compression latch, and a sliding snap latch adapted to move the protective cover from the closed state to the open state to uncover the touch-sensing input device based on the force exerted by the user. The input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device includes a predetermined geometrical pattern, a predetermined alphabetical pattern, a predetermined numerical pattern, a predetermined tactile pattern, a predetermined timed tapping pattern, a predetermined pressure pattern, a predetermined gesture pattern, or combinations thereof.
[0010] The emergency response systems include one or more of a law enforcement authority system, a hospital system, an ambulance service system, and a fire service system. Each of the emergency response systems is mapped to a corresponding pattern, selected from the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database and indicative of a specific nature of the emergency situation. The specific nature of the emergency situation includes one of occurrence of a crime, theft, fire incident, underground mine accident, kidnapping, road-rage incident, mugging, and medical emergency. The emergency alert unit transmits the selected alert message including a first customized message to the law enforcement authority system to notify the law enforcement authority system of an ongoing theft in an identified location of the user when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided on the touch-sensing input device corresponds to a circular pattern. Further, the emergency alert unit transmits the selected alert message including a second customized message to one or more of the hospital system and the ambulance service system to notify the hospital system and the ambulance service system that the user is in a medical emergency. The emergency alert unit transmits the second customized message when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a tactile pattern that includes tapping on the touch-sensing input device for a designated number of times with a limb of the user.
[0011] Furthermore, the emergency alert unit transmits the selected alert message including a third customized message to the fire service system to notify the fire service system that a fire accident has occurred at the location of the user. The emergency alert unit transmits the third customized message when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a combined pattern that includes inputting a concave-shaped curve on the touch-sensing input device followed by tapping on the touch-sensing input device for a selected number of times with the limb of the user. In addition, the emergency alert unit transmits the selected alert message including a fourth customized message to the law enforcement authority system to notify the law enforcement authority system that the user is kidnapped when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device corresponds to a triangular pattern.
[0012] Moreover, the emergency alert unit transmits the selected alert message including a fifth customized message to the law enforcement authority system to notify the law enforcement authority system of an ongoing mugging incident when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a pressure pattern. The pressure pattern includes pressing down on the touch-sensitive input device with a designated force for a predetermined period of time. The emergency alert unit further transmits the selected alert message including a sixth customized message to the law enforcement authority system to notify the law enforcement authority system of a road-rage incident when the pattern-sensing unit identifies that the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device corresponds to a square pattern. Each of the first customized message, second customized message, third customized message, fourth customized message, fifth customized message, and sixth customized message includes one or more of an identification information of the user, a current location of the user, and an audio message customized based on the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user.
[0013] The personal security device includes a vibration generator. The vibration generator includes a vibration motor that generates and provides a vibration feedback when the input pattern matches with one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database. The personal security device includes a communications link, and is operatively coupled to one or more of a location sensor, an audio recorder, and a camera. The location sensor determines a current location of the user. The audio is adapted to record ambient audio. The camera adapted to capture a video of surroundings of the user. The personal security device transmits the ambient audio captured using the audio recorder and the video captured using the camera to one or more of an emergency contact of the user, one or more of the emergency response systems that are mapped to the input pattern, and a public service infrastructure via an associated communications link. The public service infrastructure includes one or more of a traffic management system, a transceiver device, and a communications device that is used by a law enforcement authority. The location sensor, the audio recorder, the camera, the pattern database, and the emergency alert unit are located within one or more of the personal security device and a user device associated with the user.
[0014] The user device transmits one or more of the ambient audio captured using the audio recorder, the video captured using the camera, and the selected alert message to one or more of an emergency contact of the user, one or more of the emergency response systems that are mapped to the input pattern, and a public service infrastructure via the communications link. The selected alert message includes one or more of an identification information of the user, the current location of the user, and an audio message that is customized based on the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user.
[0015] The user device automatically initiates a phone call to one or more of the emergency contact and a helpline number associated with one or more of the emergency response systems that are mapped to the input pattern. The user device is further adapted to play the audio message to notify one or more of the emergency contact and one or more of the emergency response systems of one or more of the specific nature of emergency situation, user identification information, the current location of the user, and the ambient audio. The personal security device is detachably coupled to one of the insole portion of the footwear, the inner finger portion of the glove, and the inner toe portion of one of the pair of socks via a detachable unit. The detachable unit includes one of double-sided adhesive tape, a guide-rail-based mechanism, a snap fit fastener, a magnetic fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a nut bolt based fastener.
[0016] The touch-sensing input device includes one of a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an infrared touch screen, an optical touch screen, a dispersive-signal technology touch screen, an acoustic pulse-based touch screen, a pressure sensing touchpad, an electromagnetic touchpad, an optical touchpad, and an acoustic touchpad. The pattern-sensing unit includes one of a self-capacitive sensor device and a mutual capacitance sensor device. The emergency alert unit includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) subscriber identity module (SIM) electronic module that includes a pre-activated subscriber identity module card and a microcontroller that is preconfigured to dial and message the one or more emergency response systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting exemplary components of an embodiment of a personal security device that allows a user to covertly report a prevailing emergency situation to one or more concerned authorities, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary protective cover that is coupled to an insole portion of a footwear and is disposed in a closed state to prevent physical contact between the user and a touch-sensing input device in the personal security device of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting the protective cover that is coupled to the insole portion of the footwear and is disposed in an open state to allow physical contact between the user and the touch-sensing input device in the personal security device of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary coupling mechanism including a set of double-sided adhesive tapes that is used to detachably couple the personal security device of FIG. 1 to the insole portion of the footwear, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a flow diagram depicting an exemplary method for covertly alerting one or more of the concerned authorities of a prevailing emergency situation affecting the user using the personal security device of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description presents an exemplary personal security device that allows a user to report a prevailing emergency to one or more concerned authorities. Particularly, embodiments described herein disclose an exemplary personal security device that can be hidden within an apparel or a personal device such as a footwear or a glove worn by the user. During an emergency, such as during occurrence of a crime, the personal security device can be activated covertly by the user without knowledge of individuals in the surroundings of the user for notifying concerned authorities of the specific type of prevailing emergency for seeking assistance. The concerned agencies, for example, may include one or more of designated SOS contacts, a law-enforcement agency, a healthcare provider, an ambulance service, and a hospital.
[0024] As noted previously, users may not be able to freely access their smart phones during occurrence of criminal incidents to seek assistance by activating an emergency SOS feature without risking their lives. Accordingly, the present personal security device is designed to allow a user to covertly alert concerned authorities of a prevailing emergency without being noticed by the criminal perpetrators around the user. To that end, the personal security device is integrated, for example, within a footwear worn by the user. During an emergency, the user may draw a predetermined pattern on a touch-sensing input device in the personal security device. When the predetermined pattern matches with one a plurality of patterns stored in a pattern database of the personal security device, the personal security device transmits a selected alert message, for example, to a law-enforcement agency to notify that the user is in an emergency situation and requires assistance.
[0025] Thus, the personal security device allows the user to notify the concerned authorities of the emergency by simply drawing the predetermined pattern using his or her toe inside the footwear worn by the user, which is not visible to individuals around the user. Further, the personal security device includes a protective cover that completely covers the touch-sensing input device and prevents the user’s toes from touching the touch-sensing input device during non-emergency situations, such as, while the user is exercising and jumping. As a result, the personal security device prevents transmission of any false-positive alerts to the concerned authorities during non-emergency situations.
[0026] It may be noted that different embodiments of the present personal security device may be used in many application areas. For example, the personal security device allows users to notify law enforcement authorities of ongoing theft incidents such as bank robberies, ATM robberies, and attempts being made to loot individual homes and business establishments such as jewelry shops and private financial institutions. When used in a healthcare application, the personal security device allows a user to transmit an emergency notification to one or more of an ambulance service, a hospital network, and family members, for example, when the user falls down or is experiencing a heart attack.
[0027] Similarly, the personal security device allows a user to notify a fire department or a fire fighter of his or her presence inside premises where a fire incident has occurred. When used in a mining safety application, the personal security device allows a user working in an underground mine to notify help and rescue services of prevailing emergency situations such as a sudden leakage of toxic gases. Additionally, the personal security device may allow a user to notify a law enforcement authority of an attempt being made by a hijacker to hijack a vehicle owned by the user by sharing the type of the emergency situation and a live location of the user via an associated location tracking device such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).
[0028] Thus, various embodiments of the present personal security device can be used in a variety of application areas where a user needs to notify one or more concerned authorities of a prevailing emergency to seek appropriate help. However, for clarity, an embodiment of the present personal security device is described in FIG. 1 in greater detail with reference to alerting concerned authorities of an ongoing theft incident.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a personal security device (100) that allows a user to covertly report a prevailing emergency situation to an emergency response system (104). Examples of the emergency response system (104) includes one or more of a law enforcement authority (LEA) system (104A), a hospital system (104B), an ambulance service system (104C), a fire service system (104D), and one or more pre-stored contacts of the user. Concerned authorities that manage the LEA system (104A), hospital system (104B), ambulance service system (104C), a traffic control system, and a fire service system (104D) include law enforcement authorities, hospital administrative staff, ambulance providers, and a fire department, respectively.
[0030] In one embodiment, the emergency response system (104) includes a centralized, distributed, and/or cloud-connected server, a special purpose processor, a learning system, or any other device that is capable of receiving a selected alert message from the personal security device (100), notifying the concerned authorities of the prevailing emergency situation affecting the user, and analyzing and learning patterns in the received data for improving emergency response services. Examples of the prevailing emergency situation notified to the concerned authorities include occurrence of a bank robbery, an ATM robbery, a fire incident, underground mine accident, a hijacking, a road-rage incident, a medical emergency, or any other incidents where the user requires assistance from the concerned authorities but is unable to access other emergency response devices.
[0031] In one embodiment, the security device (100) may be integrated into a wearable apparel (108) such as a footwear, a glove, or one of a pair of socks worn by the user. In one embodiment, the security device (100) is coupled to an insole portion when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to the footwear. In another embodiment, the security device (100) is coupled to an inner finger portion when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to the glove. Alternatively, the security device (100) is coupled to an inner toe portion when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to one of the pair of socks. For clarity, the security device (100) is subsequently described as being integrated with an insole portion of a footwear (108) worn by the user. However, it is to be understood that the security device (100) may be integrated with any other devices worn by the user.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the security device (100) includes a touch-sensing input device (110) that is coupled to the insole portion of the footwear (108), as depicted in FIG. 3. Examples of the touch-sensing input device (110) coupled to the insole portion include a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, surface acoustic wave touch screen, an infrared touch screen, an optical touch screen, dispersive-signal technology touch screen, an acoustic pulse-based touch screen, a pressure sensing touchpad, an electromagnetic touchpad, an optical touchpad, and an acoustic touchpad.
[0033] Specifically, in various embodiments, the touch-sensing input device (110) is either permanently or detachably coupled to the insole portion such that when the user wears the footwear (108), the touch-sensing input device (110) is aligned below a particular toe, for example, a big toe of the user. Accordingly, the user can conveniently reach the touch-sensing input device (110) using his or her toe during an emergency situation and can covertly input a predetermined pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110) to transmit a selected alert message to one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) to seek suitable assistance.
[0034] As the touch-sensing input device (110) is aligned below a particular toe, day-to-day activities such as walking, jumping, exercises, or other physical activities may inadvertently lead to input of a predetermined pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110), thereby triggering a false-positive alert to the emergency response systems (104A-D) even though the user is not really in an emergency situation.
[0035] Accordingly, in order to prevent transmission of such false-positive alert messages to the emergency response systems (104A-D), the security device (100) includes a protective cover (114) that acts as an outer enclosure for the touch-sensing input device (110). By default, the protective cover (114) covers the touch-sensing input device (110) completely and prevents toes of the user from physically contacting the touch-sensing input device (110) when disposed in a default position, including during non-emergency situations such as when the user is walking, jumping, exercising, or doing other physical activities.
[0036] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram (200) depicting an exemplary protective cover (114) that is coupled to the insole portion (201) and is disposed in a closed state covering the touch-sensing input device (110) completely to prevent a limb, for example, a toe (221) of the user from physically contacting the touch-sensing input device (110) during non-emergency situations.
[0037] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the protective cover (114) includes a plurality of guide rails including a set of left guide rails (202A-B) and a set of right guide rails (204A-B). The set of left guide rails (202A-B) includes a left slot (206) extending between the set of left guide rails (202A-B). Similarly, the set of right guide rails (204A-B) includes a right slot (208) extending between the set of right guide rails (204A-B). Additionally, a left end and a right end of the protective cover (114) are moveably fitted within the left slot (206) and the right slot (208), respectively such that the protective cover (114) is adapted to slide from a distal end (224) to a proximal end (218) of the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B) when the user exerts a force on the protective cover (114) towards the proximal end (218). In an alternative embodiment, the protective cover (114) is coupled to the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B) via an independent slider mechanism.
[0038] Further, in certain embodiments, the protective cover (114) includes a forward stopper (216) disposed at the proximal end (218) of the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B). In one embodiment, the forward stopper (216) prevents the protective cover (114) from disengaging from the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B) when the protective cover (114) is moved by the toe (221) of the user towards the proximal end (218).
[0039] Similarly, the protective cover (114) includes a backward stopper (222) disposed at the distal end (224) of the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B). In one embodiment, the backward stopper (222) prevents the protective cover (114) from disengaging from the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B) when the protective cover (114) is moved towards the distal end (224). It may be noted that the embodiment depicting the protective cover (114) including a plurality of guide rails in FIG. 2 is exemplary. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover (114), for example, may instead include one of a click-to-open latch, push latch, spring-loaded latch, pull-down latch, toggle latch, cam latch, compression latch, and a sliding snap latch mechanism that is actuated by the user to move the protective cover (114) to uncover the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0040] In certain embodiments, during an emergency situation, the user may manually move the protective cover (114) from the closed state to an open state (depicted in a schematic diagram (300) in FIG. 3) to uncover the touch-sensing input device (110) to input a predetermined input pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110). Specifically, during the emergency situation, the user may manually exert a force using his or her toe (221) to displace the protective cover (114) towards the proximal end (218), which causes the left end to slide along the left slot (206) and the right end to slide along the right slot (208). The sliding movement of the left end and right end causes the protective cover (114) located at the distal end (224) to slide towards the proximal end (218) of the left and right guide rails (202A-B and 204A-B). This sliding movement of the protective cover (114) towards the proximal end (218) uncovers the touch-sensing input device (110), subsequently allowing the user to access the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0041] In one embodiment, for example, the protective cover (114) includes a concave-shaped dip (not shown in FIGS. 1-4) disposed on an exterior surface of the protective cover (114). The concave-shaped dip acts as a receiver of the toe (221) of the user, and provides a firm grip to the user while exerting the force on the protective cover (114) towards the proximal end (218). In another embodiment, the protective cover (114) includes a set of lines or a set of shaped curves disposed on an associated exterior surface of the protective cover (114). The set of lines or shaped curves provide a necessary grip required by the toe (221) for moving the protective cover (114) easily towards the proximal end (218).
[0042] In certain embodiments, upon uncovering the touch-sensing input device (110), the user, may input a predetermined pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110) using his or her toe (221) depending upon a specific nature of the emergency situation encountered by the user. For example, the user may draw a first geometrical pattern including a circle on the touch-sensing input device (110) when the user intends to transmit an alert message to the LEA system (104A) to notify a law enforcement authority of an ongoing theft incident in a supermarket. In this example, a pattern-sensing unit (116) in the security device (100) compares the first geometrical pattern drawn by the user with a plurality of geometrical patterns stored in the pattern database (112). Examples of the pattern-sensing unit (116) in the security device (100) include a resistive sensor device, a pressure sensor device, a self-capacitive sensor device, and a mutual capacitance sensor device. In certain embodiments, the pattern-sensing unit (116) detects and measures one or more of a proximity, pressure, position, displacement, force, humidity, fluid level, and acceleration associated with the user input received at the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0043] By way of example, when the first geometrical pattern drawn by the user matches with a similar circular pattern stored in the pattern database (112), the pattern-sensing unit (116) determines one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) that are mapped to the circular pattern in the pattern database (112). For example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) determines that the circular pattern in the pattern database (112) is mapped to the LEA system (104A). In this example, an emergency alert unit (118) in the security device (100) generates and transmits a selected alert message including a first customized message to the LEA system (104A) via a communications link (120) to notify the law enforcement authority of the ongoing theft incident. An example of the emergency alert unit (118) includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) subscriber identity module (SIM) 900 electronic module that includes a pre-activated SIM card and a microcontroller that is pre-programmed to dial or message one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D). Examples of the communications link (120) include a Wi-Fi network, an Ethernet, a cellular data network, and a Bluetooth protocol.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the first customized message transmitted to the LEA system (104A) includes a current location of the user determined using a location sensor (124) such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in the security device (100). The first customized message further includes an identification information of the user that is retrieved from a user information database (121) in the emergency alert unit (118). Examples of the identification information of the user includes a copy of an identity card of the user issued by the government or by a private institution, biometric information of the user, and name and address details of the user. In one embodiment, the first customized message also includes an audio message that is customized based on the specific nature of an emergency situation affecting the user. To that end, an audio database (123) in the emergency alert unit (118) stores a plurality of audio messages customized for various emergency situations. The emergency alert unit (118) selects a particular audio message from the plurality of stored audio messages based on the predetermined pattern input by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110). For example, the emergency alert unit (118) selects a particular audio message “A theft is ongoing at user location “XYZ.” Please send help” when the predetermined pattern input by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110) corresponds to the circular pattern. Further, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the first customized message along with the selected audio message to the LEA system (104A) to report the theft incident to the LEA system (104A).
[0045] In another example, the user may input a second combined pattern including a concave-shaped curve followed by tapping the touch-sensing input device (110) with the toe (221) three times when the user intends to transmit the selected alert message to the fire service system (104D) to notify occurrence of a fire accident to a fire department. In this example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the second combined pattern drawn by the user matches with a stored combined pattern in the pattern database (112). Further, the pattern-sensing unit (116) determines that the second combined pattern is mapped to the fire service system (104D) in the pattern database (112). Subsequently, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message including a second customized message, for example including the current location and identification information of the user, and a customized audio message, to the fire service system (104D) via the communications link (120).
[0046] In yet another example, the user, using his or her toe, may input a third tactile pattern by tapping on the touch-sensing input device (110) twice with his or her toe (221) when the user is in a medical emergency. In this example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the third tactile pattern drawn by the user matches with a tactile pattern stored in the pattern database (112) that is pre-calibrated to indicate medical emergencies. Particularly, the pattern-sensing unit (116) determines that the third tactile pattern is mapped to the hospital system (104B) and the ambulance service system (104C) in the pattern database (112). Subsequently, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message including a third customized message, for example including user identification information and location, and a customized audio message to the hospital system (104B) and/or the ambulance service system (104C) via the communications link (120). In one embodiment, the customized audio message notifies a hospital administrative staff that the user is experiencing a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance.
[0047] In another example, the user may draw a fourth geometrical pattern including a triangle on the touch-sensing input device (110) when a criminal perpetrator kidnaps the user. In this example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the fourth geometrical pattern drawn by the user matches with a triangular pattern stored in the pattern database (112) that indicates a kidnapping. Further, pattern-sensing unit (116) determines that the triangular pattern in the pattern database (112) is mapped to the LEA system (104A). Accordingly, in this example, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message including a fourth customized message, for example including the user identification information and location, and a customized audio message to the LEA system (104A) via the communications link (120). In one embodiment, the customized audio message notifies the law enforcement authority that the user is kidnapped.
[0048] In another example, the user may draw a fifth pressure pattern including a pressing down on the touch-sensing input device (110) with designated force for at least a predetermined period of time when the user intends to report an ongoing mugging incident to a law enforcement authority. In this example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the fifth pressure pattern drawn by the user matches with a pressure pattern stored in the pattern database (112), which is mapped to the LEA system (104A). Accordingly, in this example, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message including a fifth customized message including, for example, the user identification information and location and a customized audio message to the LEA system (104A) via the communications link (120). In one embodiment, the fifth customized message notifies the law enforcement authority of the ongoing mugging incident at the user location.
[0049] In another example, the user may draw a sixth geometrical pattern including a square on the touch-sensing input device (110) when the user spots a road-rage incident. In this example, the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the sixth geometrical pattern drawn by the user matches with a square pattern stored in the pattern database (112). Further, the pattern-sensing unit (116) determines that the square pattern in the pattern database (112) is mapped to both the LEA system (104A) and the hospital system (104B). Accordingly, in this example, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message including a sixth customized message including for example, the user identification information and location and a customized audio message to both the LEA system (104A) and the hospital system (104B). In one embodiment, the customized audio message notifies the LEA system (104A) and the hospital system (104B) of occurrence of the road accident in order to enable a nearby hospital to quickly arrange for an ambulance service.
[0050] Thus, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the selected alert message selectively to only a subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D) depending upon a particular input pattern provided as an input by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110). Though the aforementioned embodiments describe that the predetermined pattern input by the user corresponds to a geometrical, tactile, or pressure pattern, it is to be understood that the predetermined pattern may correspond to other types of patterns as well. For example, the predetermined pattern input by the user may correspond to a predetermined alphabetical pattern, a predetermined numerical pattern, a predetermined gesture pattern, a predetermined tactile pattern, or a predetermined timed tapping pattern.
[0051] For instance, when the predetermined pattern corresponds to the predetermined alphabetical pattern, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit a customized alert message to the LEA system (104A) when the user draws an alphabet ‘P’ on the touch-sensing input device (110). Similarly, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit another customized alert message to the hospital system (104B) when the user draws an alphabet ‘H’ on the touch-sensing input device (110). The emergency alert unit (118) may transmit yet another customized alert message to the fire service system (104D) when the user draws an alphabet ‘F’ on the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0052] In another example, when the predetermined pattern corresponds to the predetermined numerical pattern, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit a customized alert message to the LEA system (104A) when the user draws the number ‘1’ on the touch-sensing input device (110). Likewise, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit another customized alert message to the hospital system (104B) when the user draws the number ‘2’ on the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0053] In yet another example, when the predetermined pattern corresponds to the predetermined gesture pattern, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit a customized alert message to the LEA system (104A) when the user performs a double tap gesture on the touch-sensing input device (110). The emergency alert unit (118) may transmit another customized alert message to the hospital system (104B) when the user performs a long press gesture on the touch-sensing input device (110). Further, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit yet another customized alert message to the fire service system (104D) when the user performs a swipe to right gesture on the touch-sensing input device (110).
[0054] In certain embodiments, the security device (100) includes a vibration generator (122) that includes a vibration motor for generating and providing a vibration feedback when the predetermined pattern input by the user matches with one of the patterns stored in the pattern database (112). Examples of the vibration motor used in the vibration generator (122) include an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a linear resonant actuator vibration motor, a solenoid actuator, and a piezoelectric motor. The vibration feedback generated by the vibration motor indicates to the user that the user has correctly input the predetermined pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110), the alert message has been already transmitted to and/or has been acknowledged by one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D).
[0055] In one embodiment, the security device (100) includes an audio recorder (126), for example, a microphone that records ambient audio when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the predetermined pattern input by the user is matching with one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112). In one embodiment, the ambient audio recorded by the audio recorder (126) includes human voices such as voices of the user and/or voices of individuals located in the surroundings of the user, as well as ambient noise such as gunshot sounds, footstep sounds, and vehicle sounds.
[0056] In yet another embodiment, the security device (100) includes a camera (133) that is operationally coupled to, for example, an upper surface of the footwear (108) of the user. The camera (133) may be configured to record surrounding video when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the predetermined pattern input by the user is matching with one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112).
[0057] In certain embodiments, the emergency alert unit (118) in the security device (100) transmits one or more of the current location of the user, the ambient audio recorded by the audio recorder (126), and the video recorded by the camera (133) along with the selected alert message directly to one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D). In addition, the emergency alert unit (118) may transmit the current location of the user, the ambient audio, and the recorded video directly to one or more emergency contacts of the user pre-stored in the user information database (121), and/or to a public service infrastructure (134).
[0058] Examples of the public service infrastructure (134) include traffic management systems (134A) such as traffic cameras, road side units, and smart city sensing devices, transceiver devices (134B) such as walkie-talkies located within a particular radial distance around the current location of the user, and communications devices (134C) such as police vehicle communicators. Specifically, the emergency alert unit (118) in the security device (100) transmits the selected alert message along with the current location of the user, the ambient audio, and the recorded video to traffic cameras (134A) deployed at different traffic signals to configure the traffic cameras (134A) to capture videos of their ambient environment. The videos, thus captured by the traffic cameras (134A), may be used by law enforcement authorities to trace suspects of a criminal incident experienced by the user. Further, the security device (100) transmits the selected alert message as an audio message including one or more of the location information and the ambient audio, at a particular wireless frequency range used by the transceiver devices (134B) or the communications devices (134C) of law enforcement authorities for seeking necessary assistance for the user.
[0059] Alternatively, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits the one or more of the current location of the user determined by the location sensor (124), the ambient audio recorded by the audio recorder (126), and the video recorded by the camera (133) to a user device (130) associated with the user via the communications link (120). Examples of the user device (130) include a mobile phone, a desktop, a laptop, and a tablet. The user device (130) then transmits the selected alert message along with the current location of the user, the ambient audio, and the recorded video to one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D), one or more emergency contacts of the user pre-stored in the user device (130), and/or the public service infrastructure (134).
[0060] In certain further embodiments, the location sensor (124), the audio recorder (126), the camera (133), the pattern database (112), and the emergency alert unit (118) are part of the user device (130). In such an embodiment, the security device (100) simply transmits the input pattern received from the user via the touch-sensing input device (110) and/or the associated alert message identifying the nature of the emergency to the user device (130). Subsequently, the user device (130) identifies the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user by comparing the input pattern received from the security device (100) with a plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112). Further, the user device (130) selectively activates the location sensor (124), the audio recorder (126) and/or the camera (133) to capture relevant information such as location data, ambient audio and video that may be relevant to the specific prevailing emergency, respectively. The emergency alert unit (118) in the user device (130) then generates and transmits the selected alert message along with the relevant information to one or more appropriate emergency response systems (104A-D), one or more emergency contacts of the user stored in the user device (130), and/or the public service infrastructure (134).
[0061] In one embodiment, for example, the user device (130) automatically initiates phone calls to the emergency contacts stored in the user device (130) to notify that the user is in an emergency situation, who in turn, may share the received information with the appropriate authorities. In certain embodiments, the user device (130) automatically initiates phone calls to one or more appropriate emergency response systems (104A-D) and plays an audio message to notify that the user is in an emergency situation. For example, the user device (130) automatically initiates a phone call to a particular helpline number ‘100’ when the user inputs one of a circular pattern, a triangular pattern, a pressure pattern, and a square pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110), and further plays an audio message that the user is in the emergency situation.
[0062] In another example, the user device (130) automatically initiates a phone call to another helpline number ‘108’ when the user inputs a tactile pattern on the touch-sensing input device (110), and further plays an audio message that the user is in a medical emergency. Specifically, in one embodiment, the audio message transmitted by the user device (130) includes one or more of the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user, the identification information of the user, the current location of the user, and the ambient audio recorded using the audio recorder (126).
[0063] For example, the law enforcement authority (104A) may use the ambient audio and the recorded video to identify if the ambient audio or images indicate criminal activity and can be used to identify suspected criminals involved in a crime. In another example, a representative of a hospital system (104B) may listen to the ambient audio that may include a voice of the user requesting for an immediate medical support, and may view the recorded video to understand a present condition of the user. In this example, the representative may inform the hospital about the type and urgency of medical support required by the user.
[0064] In certain embodiments, the security device (100) includes a power source (135) that includes, for example, one or more batteries supplying power to various components in the security device (100). Specifically, the power source (135) supplies power to the components including the touch-sensing input device (110), pattern-sensing unit (116), emergency alert unit (118), vibration generator (122), location sensor (124), and audio recorder (126) in the security device (100).
[0065] In one embodiment, the pattern-sensing unit (116) and the emergency alert unit (118) in the security device (100) may be implemented by suitable code on a processor-based system, such as a general-purpose or a special-purpose computer. Accordingly, each of the pattern-sensing unit (116) and the emergency alert unit (118), for example, includes one or more general-purpose processors, specialized processors, graphical processing units, microprocessors, programming logic arrays, field programming gate arrays, integrated circuits, systems on chips, and/or other suitable computing devices.
[0066] In certain embodiments, the security device (100) further includes a detachable unit (136) that detachably couples the security device (100) to the insole portion (201) of the footwear (108). Alternatively, the detachable unit (136) includes the insole portion (201) that can be detached from the footwear (108) and can be subsequently reattached to another footwear. Examples of the detachable unit (136) that detachably couples the security device (100) to the insole portion (201) include double-sided adhesive tapes, a guide-rail-based mechanism, a snap fit fastener, a magnetic fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a nut bolt based fastener. For sake of simplicity, the detachable unit (136) is subsequently described to include double-sided adhesive tapes that detachably couple the security device (100) to the insole portion (201) to the footwear (108).
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a set of double-sided adhesive tapes (402A-B) including a first adhesive tape (402A) and a second adhesive tape (402B) that are used to detachably couple the personal security device (100) to the insole portion (201). Specifically, the first and second adhesive tapes (402A-B) are positioned between the insole portion (201) and the security device (100). The first adhesive tape (402A) is strongly attached to the insole portion (201), and the second adhesive tape (402B) is attached to the first adhesive tape (402A) on one side and to the security device (100) on another side. To detach the security device (100) from the footwear (108), the user may tear and separate the second adhesive tape (402B) from the first adhesive tape (402A) such that the first adhesive tape (402A) remains adhered to the insole portion (201) and the second adhesive tape (402B) along with the security device (100) detached from the footwear (108). Subsequently, the user may fasten the detached second adhesive tape (402B) along with the security device (100) to an insole portion of another footwear. Thus, the user may conveniently detach the security device (100) from the insole (201) of the footwear (108), and may reattach the detached security device (100) to another footwear irrespective of its size and shape using the set of double-sided adhesive tapes (402A-B). Alternatively, the security device (100) may be integrated into the detachable insole (201), which in turn, may be attached to a bottom portion of the shoe (108) using the double-sided adhesive tapes (402A-B). In this scenario, the insole (201) with the security device (100) may be inserted into different shoes of the user for enabling the user to covertly report a prevailing emergency situation using the personal security device (100).
[0068] An exemplary method for enabling a user to covertly report a prevailing emergency situation to one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) using the security device (100) of FIG. 1 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A-B.
[0069] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a flow diagram depicting an exemplary method (500) for covertly reporting the prevailing emergency to one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) using the security device (100) of FIG. 1. The order in which the exemplary method (500) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks may be combined in any order to implement the exemplary method disclosed herein, or an equivalent alternative method. Additionally, certain blocks may be deleted from the exemplary method or augmented by additional blocks with added functionality without departing from the claimed scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0070] At step (502), the user experiencing an emergency situation moves the protective cover (114) from the closed state to the open state, for example by exerting a sliding force on the protective cover (114) of the security device (100), as illustrated and described previously with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In alternative embodiments, the user may uncover the touch-sensing input device (110), for example, by moving the protective cover (114) using one of a click-to-open, push latch, spring-loaded latch, pull-down or toggle latch, cam latch, compression latch, and a sliding snap latch mechanism. The movement of the protective cover (114) to the open state uncovers the touch-sensing input device (110) at least partially. At step (504), the pattern-sensing unit (116) receives an input pattern provided by the user by moving his or her toe on the touch-sensing input device (110) of the security device (100). At step (506), the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies if the input pattern provided by the user matches with one of a plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112).
[0071] When the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern is matching with a specific pattern stored in the pattern database (112), at step (508), the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user, and thereby a subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D) mapped to the specific pattern stored in the pattern database (112). Subsequently, at step (510), the emergency alert unit (118) generates a selected alert message to notify the identified subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D) that the user is in a specific emergency situation. At step (512), the location sensor (124) disposed within the footwear (108) determines a current location of the user, the audio recorder (126) disposed within the footwear (108) records ambient audio, and the camera (133) coupled to the footwear (108) records a video of the surroundings of the user.
[0072] At step (514), the emergency alert unit (118) transmits one or more of the selected alert message, current location of the user, ambient audio, and recorded video to the subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D), emergency contacts of the user, and/or the public service infrastructure (134) to notify that the user is in the specific emergency situation. Alternatively, the emergency alert unit (118) transmits a set of information including one or more of the selected alert message, current location of the user, ambient audio, and recorded video to the user device (130) associated with the user. Subsequently, the user device (130) transmits the set of information to one or more of the subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D), one or more emergency contacts of the user stored in the user device (130), and the public service infrastructure (134).
[0073] Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the location sensor (124), audio recorder (126), and camera (133) are instead part of the user device (130). In this implementation, the user device (130) receives the input pattern provided by the user from the security device (100). The user device (130) further activates the location sensor (124), audio recorder (126), and camera (133) in the user device (130) to capture relevant information such as location data, ambient audio and video associated with the specific emergency situation, respectively when the input pattern matches with one of a plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112) residing in the user device (130). Subsequently, the user device (130) transmits the selected alert message along with the captured relevant information to the subset of the emergency response systems (104A-D), emergency contacts of the user stored in the user device (130), and/or the public service infrastructure (134) to notify that the user is in the specific emergency situation.
[0074] As noted previously, conventional solutions require the user to simultaneously press micro-switches placed inside a footwear to report occurrence of a crime incident. However, such a micro-switches based mechanism is prone to false-positive activations that lead to transmitting alerts to law enforcement authorities though the user is not really in emergency situations.
[0075] Unlike such conventional solutions, the personal security device (100) including the protective cover (114) prevents the user to covertly and safely transmission of false positive alerts to the emergency response systems (104A-D) when the user is involved in regular day-to-day activities such as walking and jumping. Additionally, moving the protective cover (114) from the closed state to the open state and inputting a predetermined pattern can be achieved unobtrusively and in a completely hidden manner inside the footwear (108) without alerting the criminals near the user. Therefore, the security device (100) allows the user to report occurrence of the crime incident to the concerned authorities safely without risking his or her life. Furthermore, use of different input patterns allows the emergency response systems (104A-D) to identify the specific nature of the emergency experienced by the user, thereby significantly reducing the time needed to locate and deploy the appropriate emergency response system personnel to assist the user as needed, likely saving the user from further injury or fatality.
[0076] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments shown in the different figures.
[0077] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes.

LIST OF NUMERAL REFERENCES:

100 Personal security device
104 Emergency response system
104A Law enforcement authority system
104B Hospital System
104C Ambulance service system
104D Fire service system
108 Wearable apparel including footwear
110 Touch-sensing input device
112 Pattern database
114 Protective cover
116 Pattern-sensing unit
118 Emergency alert unit
120 Communications link
121 User information database
122 Vibration generator
123 Audio database
124 Location sensor
126 Audio recorder
130 User device
133 Camera
134 Public service infrastructure
134A Traffic management systems
134B Transceiver devices
134C Communications devices
135 Power source
136 Detachable unit 
200 Closed state of protective cover
201 Insole portion of a footwear
202A-B Set of left guide rails
204A-B Set of right guide rails
206 Left slot
208 Right slot
216 Forward stopper
218 Proximal end
221 Toe of a user
222 Backward stopper
224 Distal end of guide rails
300 Open state of protective cover
402A-B Double-sided adhesive tape500-514 Steps of method for covertly reporting a prevailing emergency to one or more emergency response systems

, Claims:We claim:

1. A personal security device (100) coupled to a wearable apparel (108), comprising:
a touch-sensing input device (110) that is disposed on an inner surface of the wearable apparel (108);
a protective cover (114) that is adapted to move between a closed state and an open state based on a force exerted by a user wearing the wearable apparel (108), wherein the protective cover (114) completely covers the touch-sensing input device (110) when disposed in the closed state to prevent any physical contact between the touch-sensing input device (110) and the user, wherein the protective cover (114) at least partially uncovers the touch-sensing input device (110) when disposed in the open state to allow physical contact between the touch-sensing input device (110) and the user;
a pattern-sensing unit (116) that senses an input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110);
a pattern database (112) coupled to the pattern-sensing unit (116), wherein the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies if the input pattern matches with one of a plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112); and
an emergency alert unit (118) that is communicatively coupled to the pattern-sensing unit (116), wherein the emergency alert unit (118) identifies a specific nature of an emergency situation affecting the user based on the input pattern and transmits a selected alert message to one or more emergency response systems (104A-D) corresponding to the input pattern when the input pattern matches one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112).

2. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable apparel (108) comprises one of a footwear (108), a glove, and one of a pair of socks, and wherein the personal security device (100) is coupled to one of an insole portion (201) when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to the footwear (108), an inner finger portion when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to the glove, and an inner toe portion when the wearable apparel (108) corresponds to one of the pair of socks.

3. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protective cover (114) comprises:
a set of left guide rails (202A-B) and a set of right guide rails (204A-B);
a left slot (206) that is disposed between the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and a right slot (208) that is disposed between the set of right guide rails (204A-B);
a forward stopper (216) that is disposed at a proximal end (218) of the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and the set of right guide rails (204A-B), wherein the forward stopper (216) prevents the protective cover (114) from disengaging from the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and the set of right guide rails (204A-B) when the protective cover (114) is moved towards the proximal end (218); and
a backward stopper (222) that is disposed at a distal end (224) of the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and the set of right guide rails (204A-B), wherein the backward stopper (222) prevents the protective cover (114) from disengaging from the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and the set of right guide rails (204A-B) when the protective cover (114) is moved towards the distal end (224), and
wherein the protective cover (114) is moveably fitted within the set of left guide rails (202A-B) and the set of right guide rails (204A-B) such that corresponding left and right ends of the protective cover (114) are adapted to slide along the left slot (206) and the right slot (208) from the distal end (224) towards the proximal end (218) when the user exerts the force on the protective cover (114) towards the proximal end (218), thereby uncovering the touch-sensing input device (110) and allowing a limb of the user to physically contact the touch-sensing input device (110).

4. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective cover (114) comprises one of a click-to-open latch, a push latch, a spring-loaded latch, a pull-down latch, a toggle latch, a cam latch, a compression latch, and a sliding snap latch adapted to move the protective cover (114) from the closed state to the open state to uncover the touch-sensing input device (110) based on the force exerted by the user.

5. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110) comprises a predetermined geometrical pattern, a predetermined alphabetical pattern, a predetermined numerical pattern, a predetermined tactile pattern, a predetermined timed tapping pattern, a predetermined pressure pattern, a predetermined gesture pattern, or combinations thereof.

6. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency response systems (104A-D) comprise one or more of a law enforcement authority system (104A), a hospital system (104B), an ambulance service system (104C), and a fire service system (104D), and wherein each of the emergency response systems (104A-D) is mapped to a corresponding pattern, selected from the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112) and indicative of a specific nature of the emergency situation, wherein the specific nature of the emergency situation comprises one of occurrence of a crime, theft, fire incident, underground mine accident, kidnapping, road-rage incident, mugging, and medical emergency.

7. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the emergency alert unit (118):
transmits the selected alert message comprising a first customized message to the law enforcement authority system (104A) to notify the law enforcement authority system (104A) of an ongoing theft in an identified location of the user when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110) corresponds to a circular pattern;
transmits the selected alert message comprising a second customized message to one or more of the hospital system (104B) and the ambulance service system (104C) to notify the hospital system (104B) and the ambulance service system (104C) that the user is in a medical emergency when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a tactile pattern that comprises tapping on the touch-sensing input device (110) for a designated number of times with a limb of the user;
transmits the selected alert message comprising a third customized message to the fire service system (104D) to notify the fire service system (104D) that a fire accident has occurred at the location of the user when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a combined pattern that comprises inputting a concave-shaped curve on the touch-sensing input device (110) followed by tapping on the touch-sensing input device (110) for a selected number of times with the limb of the user;
transmits the selected alert message comprising a fourth customized message to the law enforcement authority system (104A) to notify the law enforcement authority system (104A) that the user is kidnapped when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110) corresponds to a triangular pattern;
transmits the selected alert message comprising a fifth customized message to the law enforcement authority system (104A) to notify the law enforcement authority system (104A) of an ongoing mugging incident when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user corresponds to a pressure pattern that comprises pressing down on the touch-sensitive input device (110) with a designated force for a predetermined period of time; and
transmits the selected alert message comprising a sixth customized message to the law enforcement authority system (104A) to notify the law enforcement authority system (104A) of a road-rage incident when the pattern-sensing unit (116) identifies that the input pattern provided by the user on the touch-sensing input device (110) corresponds to a square pattern, and
wherein each of the first customized message, second customized message, third customized message, fourth customized message, fifth customized message, and sixth customized message comprises one or more of an identification information associated with the user, a current location of the user, and an audio message customized based on the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user.

8. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personal security device (100) comprises a vibration generator (122), wherein the vibration generator (122) comprises a vibration motor that generates and provides a vibration feedback when the input pattern matches with one of the plurality of patterns stored in the pattern database (112).

9. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personal security device (100) comprises a communications link (120), and is operatively coupled to one or more of:
a location sensor (124) that determines a current location of the user;
an audio recorder (126) adapted to record ambient audio; and
a camera (133) adapted to capture a video of surroundings of the user, and
wherein the personal security device (100) transmits the ambient audio captured using the audio recorder (126) and the video captured using the camera (133) to one or more of an emergency contact of the user, one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) that are mapped to the input pattern, and a public service infrastructure (134) via an associated communications link (120), wherein the public service infrastructure (134) comprises one or more of a traffic management system (134A), a transceiver device (134B), and a communications device (134C) that is used by a law enforcement authority.

10. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the location sensor (124), the audio recorder (126), the camera (133), the pattern database (112), and the emergency alert unit (118) are located within one of the personal security device (100) and a user device (130) associated with the user, wherein the user device (130) transmits one or more of the ambient audio captured using the audio recorder (126), the video captured using the camera (133), and the selected alert message comprising one or more of an identification information of the user, the current location of the user, and an audio message that is customized based on the specific nature of the emergency situation affecting the user to one or more of an emergency contact of the user, one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) that are mapped to the input pattern, and a public service infrastructure (134) via the communications link (120).

11. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the user device (130) automatically initiates a phone call to one or more of the emergency contact and a helpline number associated with one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) that are mapped to the input pattern and is adapted to play the audio message to notify one or more of the emergency contact and one or more of the emergency response systems (104A-D) of one or more of the specific nature of emergency situation, user identification information, the current location of the user, and the ambient audio.

12. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the personal security device (100) is detachably coupled to one of the insole portion (201) of the footwear (108), the inner finger portion of the glove, and the inner toe portion of one of the pair of socks via a detachable unit (136), wherein the detachable unit (136) comprises one of double-sided adhesive tape, a guide-rail-based mechanism, a snap fit fastener, a magnetic fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a nut bolt based fastener.

13. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch-sensing input device (110) comprises one of a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an infrared touch screen, an optical touch screen, a dispersive-signal technology touch screen, an acoustic pulse-based touch screen, a pressure sensing touchpad, an electromagnetic touchpad, an optical touchpad, and an acoustic touchpad.

14. The personal security device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern-sensing unit (116) comprises one of a self-capacitive sensor device and a mutual capacitance sensor device, and wherein the emergency alert unit (118) comprises a global system for mobile communication (GSM) subscriber identity module (SIM) electronic module that comprises a pre-activated subscriber identity module card and a microcontroller that is preconfigured to dial and message the one or more emergency response systems (104A-D).