Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Emergency or alarm communication
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-03
2001-09-04
Cumming, William (Department: 2684)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Emergency or alarm communication
C455S564000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285867
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention relates to personal wireless communication devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that combines a single-button emergency cellular telephone with a personal audio device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personal audio devices, such as portable compact disc players, cassette tape players, and AM/FM stereo radios, have become increasingly popular with persons wishing to have audio entertainment on the go. Typically, these devices are small and lightweight, and are carried by the user in one hand, or are attached to the user's clothing, or strapped to the user's body. Such devices are frequently used by joggers, bikers, bicyclists, and others who want to combine personal audio entertainment with personal mobility.
Joggers, hikers, and bicyclists usually wish to minimize the weight they must carry so as to minimize the amount of energy expended. Therefore, one common characteristic of these users of personal audio devices is that they tend to travel as lightly as possible. Another common characteristic of these users of personal audio devices is that they tend to travel into areas where hazardous situations are plentiful. For example, hikers may travel into remote wilderness areas where natural hazards abound. Joggers may travel into city parks and through dark streets or alleys where they are susceptible to attack from muggers. All of these travelers need a way to summon help when they are injured or attacked.
Emergency response services, such as the familiar 911 service, provide individuals with a quick and easy way to contact emergency response personnel when an emergency situation arises. By providing a standardized method of contacting emergency personnel, these emergency response services are effective in reducing the amount of time necessary to respond to an emergency. In an emergency, the amount of time required to respond can often mean the difference between life and death.
With the advent of cellular telephone technology, it is now possible for a jogger, hiker, or bicyclist to carry a cellular telephone that allows them to contact an emergency response service from practically anywhere. However, the typical cellular telephone adds further weight, fills another pocket, and further impedes mobility. Another drawback associated with the typical cellular phone is the high cost of cellular service. Most cellular services charge a periodic fee, regardless of whether the user actually makes a cellular call during the service period.
Cellular devices and services have been offered that are limited to emergency use only. These devices have several buttons that allow a variety of emergency services such as fire, medical and police to be summoned. By restricting use of the cellular phone to emergency situations, the user can either avoid or defer some of the costs associated with a full service cellular phone. However, these prior art emergency devices have multiple buttons and functions which may cause confusion in an emergency situation. Because of the stress often associated with emergency situations, an operator of such a complex emergency communication device may fail to properly summon emergency personnel. Furthermore, these devices do not have the capability to summon individuals in the immediate area around the device that may be able to provide assistance.
Thus, both personal audio devices and cellular phones provide desirable benefits to persons on the go. The personal audio device provides entertainment, while the cellular phone provides peace of mind. However, when lightweight travel is a goal, it is undesirable to carry two separate electronic devices to provide these benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a user with personal audio entertainment, while also providing full duplex wireless communication with an emergency response service. The apparatus includes a rigid housing constructed from lightweight materials. Disposed within the housing is an audio information access device, such as a compact disc player, for accessing audio information from an audio information source, and for generating an electrical audio information signal based upon the audio information. The apparatus also includes a transmitter disposed within the housing for generating an outgoing communication signal that is capable of reaching and being received by the emergency response service. This outgoing communication signal contains communication information necessary to establish communications with the emergency response service. A receiver disposed within the housing receives an incoming communication signal from the emergency response service, and generates an audio communication signal based upon the incoming communication signal. An audio amplifier receives and amplifies the electrical audio information signal and the audio communication signal to produce an amplified electrical audio information signal and an amplified audio communication signal. The apparatus also has a sound production device electrically connected to the audio amplifier. The sound production device converts the amplified electrical audio information signal and the amplified audio communication signal into acoustical sound waves capable of being aurally perceived by the user.
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a single emergency response switch on the apparatus, which is the user's sole means for activating the transmitter. When pressed, the emergency response switch activates the transmitter to generate the outgoing communication signal to establish communications with the emergency response service.
The apparatus includes an aural alarm such as a siren, and a visual alarm, such as a flashing light, to alert individuals in an area surrounding the apparatus that an emergency situation exists.
Thus, the present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by combining the functions of a personal audio device and the functions of an emergency cellular phone in a single package. The housing, battery, and several electronic components are used by both the personal audio device and the cellular phone, thus significantly reducing weight and volume as compared to having two separate devices.
Further, activation of the emergency cellular phone by use of a single emergency response switch makes contacting an emergency response service exceedingly simple. Thus, even in an extremely stressful situation, the emergency cellular phone is almost impossible to operate incorrectly. Furthermore, the simplicity of the device makes it especially adaptable for use by young children and physically or mentally impaired individuals.
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Bernstein Michael C.
Boling Brian M.
Natale Nicolas A.
American Secure Care, LLC
Corsaro Nick
Cumming William
Luedeka Neely & Graham P.C.
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