Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Emergency or alarm communication
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-16
2001-05-01
Le, Thanh Cong (Department: 2684)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Emergency or alarm communication
C455S521000, C340S574000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226510
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention relates to personal wireless communication devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hand-held cellular communication device that summons help from multiple emergency response services with the push of a single button.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Emergency response numbers such as 911 are utilized to provide individuals with a quick and easy way to contact an emergency response service when an emergency situation arises. By providing a standardized method of contacting emergency personnel, these emergency response numbers 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. Response time may be further minimized by employing caller identification technology that allows an operator with the emergency response service to automatically determine the phone number of the caller without requiring the caller to provide such information. If the call was placed from a stationary telephone, the operator with the emergency response service can also determine the location of the caller. Thus, even if the user is unable to verbally request assistance, the emergency response service can still send emergency response personnel to the location from which the call was placed.
One of the primary shortcomings of the prior art devices for utilizing the 911 emergency response system is that a phone terminal is needed to contact the emergency response service. If the emergency situation occurs in a remote area, it is often impossible to place a call to the emergency response service. However, with the advent of cellular telephone technology it is now possible to carry a cellular telephone that allows an emergency caller to contact an emergency response service from practically anywhere. The primary drawbacks of the cellular system are the high cost of cellular service and the inability of the emergency response service to automatically determine the location of the caller.
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. However, the multiple buttons and functions 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. In addition, these emergency communication devices fail to integrate the functioning of the cellular device with home alarm systems that the user of the device might have. Furthermore, the devices do not have the capability to summon individuals in the immediate area around the device that may be able to provide assistance.
In addition to contacting emergency response services, victims in emergency situations may wish to summon other persons for help, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor. If the victim were to try to contact these persons using a typical cellular phone, the victim would have to make several separate and sequential calls. The nature of the emergency situation may make it impossible for the victim to dial several phone numbers to contact several different individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a hand-held wireless communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving cellular radio signals that are compatible with a cellular network, and for summoning assistance in an emergency situation. The apparatus comprises a lightweight and rigid housing with a cellular transmitter disposed within the housing. When activated, the cellular transmitter generates first outgoing cellular radio signals that contain information for a private emergency response service, and second outgoing cellular radio signals to communicate with a public emergency response service. The apparatus includes an emergency response button which is the sole means of activating the transmitter. When pressed, the emergency response button alone activates the transmitter to cause the transmitter to generate the first and second outgoing cellular radio signals. The apparatus also includes receiver means disposed within the housing for receiving incoming cellular radio signals over the cellular network from at least one of the emergency response services, and for converting the incoming cellular radio signals into audio signals. An audio output device receives the audio signals from the receiver means and generates audible messages based on the audio signals. The apparatus includes an electrical power source disposed within the housing for supplying electrical power to the apparatus.
Preferred embodiments of the apparatus include an audible alarm for audibly alerting, and a visual alarm for visually alerting individuals in the area surrounding the apparatus that an emergency situation exists.
In another aspect, the invention provides a security system for summoning assistance in an emergency situation. The security system includes a home security system for producing alarms in response to a variety of emergency situations, and that is capable of activation by wireless communications. The security system also includes a hand-held personal security device having a radio frequency transmitter for establishing wireless communications with the home security system if the hand-held personal security device is within communications range of the home security system when the radio frequency transmitter is activated. The device includes a home security alarm button that activates the radio frequency transmitter and causes the hand-held personal security device to establish radio communications with the home security alarm system. The device also includes a cellular transmitter that, when activated, generates first outgoing cellular radio signals that contain information for a private emergency response service. When activated, the cellular transmitter also generates second outgoing cellular radio signals to communicate with a public emergency response service. The device has an emergency response button which is the sole means of activating the transmitter. When pressed, the emergency response button alone activates the cellular transmitter to cause the cellular transmitter to generate the first and second outgoing cellular radio signals. The device further includes receiver means for receiving incoming cellular radio signals over the cellular network from at least one of the emergency response services, and for converting the incoming cellular radio signals into audio signals. An audio output device receives the audio signals from the receiver means and for generates audible messages based on the audio signals. The device has an electrical power source for supplying electrical power to the device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5542100 (1996-07-01), Hatakeyama
patent: 5740532 (1998-04-01), Fernandez
patent: 5742666 (1998-04-01), Alpert
patent: 5742904 (1998-04-01), Pinder
patent: 5745849 (1998-04-01), Britton
patent: 6014555 (2000-01-01), Tendler
patent: 6047196 (2000-04-01), Makela
Bernstein Michael C.
Boling Brian M.
Natale Nicolas A.
American Secure Care, LLC
Cong Le Thanh
Corsaro Nick
Luedeka Neely & Graham P.C.
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