U.S. patent application number 11/830398 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for emergency phone with single button activation.
This patent application is currently assigned to SecureAlert, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael C. Bernstein, Brian M. Boling, Nicholas A. Natale.
Application Number | 20080096521 11/830398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36781850 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boling; Brian M. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
Emergency phone with single button activation
Abstract
An emergency-use-only cellular phone provides for contacting and
establishing full-duplex voice communication with emergency
personnel at either a public emergency response service or a
private roadside assistance service. The phone automatically places
a cellular call to the public emergency response service with a
single press of a first activation button, and to the private
roadside assistance service with a single press of a second
activation button. When either activation button is pressed, the
following functions are initiated: (1) electrical power from a
power supply is provided to a cellular transmitter and receiver,
(2) the cellular receiver is activated to search for an available
channel from among A or B cellular system channels, (3) an
emergency telephone number corresponding to the selected service is
accessed from memory, and (4) the cellular transmitter is activated
to establish communication with the selected emergency response
service. Since all of these functions are initiated by pressing one
button, communication with the selected emergency response service
may be established simply and speedily, even under stressful
conditions. The phone may include a modular GPS receiver unit for
providing location information to the public emergency response
service or a private roadside assistance service.
Inventors: |
Boling; Brian M.;
(Knoxville, TN) ; Bernstein; Michael C.;
(Knoxville, TN) ; Natale; Nicholas A.; (Knoxville,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI L.L.P
2200 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2800
DALLAS
TX
75201-2784
US
|
Assignee: |
SecureAlert, Inc.
Sandy
UT
|
Family ID: |
36781850 |
Appl. No.: |
11/830398 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11174191 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
7251471 |
|
|
11830398 |
Jul 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
09684831 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
7092695 |
|
|
11174191 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
09538364 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
6636732 |
|
|
09684831 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
|
|
|
09495080 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
|
|
|
09538364 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
|
|
|
09044497 |
Mar 19, 1998 |
6044257 |
|
|
09495080 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/404.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/50 20180201;
H04W 4/10 20130101; H04M 11/04 20130101; G08B 25/016 20130101; H04W
76/45 20180201; G08B 15/00 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; H04M
2250/10 20130101; H04M 1/72424 20210101; G08B 15/004 20130101; G08B
25/004 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; H04W 4/90 20180201; G08B
25/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/404.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 11/04 20060101
H04M011/04 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a communication apparatus comprising:
pressing a button accessible through a housing; activating a
cellular transceiver in response to the pressing of the button, the
cellular transceiver allowing an operator of the apparatus to
maintain a voice conversation with a response center using a
speaker and a microphone which communicate with the cellular
transceiver; and providing a signal indicative of the location of
the communications apparatus to the response center.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the location signal is generated
by a location detection circuit in the housing, the location
detection circuit comprising a Global Positioning Satellite system
receiver.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the location signal is generated
by a location detection circuit in the housing, the location
detection circuit comprising a cellular location system.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein a secondary contact number
associated with the response center is called when the
communication apparatus is unable to establish a call using a
primary contact number.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the communications device further
comprises an interface port electrically connected to a
microprocessor and accessible through the housing, wherein the
microprocessor is operable to exchange signals with an external
device via the interface port.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the communications device further
comprises an emergency button in the housing, the emergency button
operable to call a 911 center.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the communications device further
comprises a microprocessor for controlling the communication
apparatus based on execution of a set of operational instructions,
wherein the single button when pressed causes activation of the
microprocessor to begin executing the set of operational
instructions.
8. A method comprising: receiving a cellular signal from a
communications device at a response center as a result of a user
pressing a button on the communication device; maintaining a voice
conversation between the response center and the user of the
communication device using a speaker and a microphone in the
communications device; and receiving at the response center a
location signal from the communications device indicative of the
location of the communications apparatus.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the location signal is generated
by a location detection circuit in the housing, the location
detection circuit comprising a Global Positioning Satellite system
receiver.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the location signal is generated
by a location detection circuit in the housing, the location
detection circuit comprising a cellular location system.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the cellular signal from the
communications device is received at the response center using a
secondary contact number associated with the response center is
called when the communication apparatus is unable to establish a
call using a primary contact number.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the communications device further
comprises an interface port electrically connected to a
microprocessor and accessible through the housing, wherein the
microprocessor is operable to exchange signals with an external
device via the interface port.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the communications device further
comprises a microprocessor for controlling the communication
apparatus based on execution of a set of operational instructions,
wherein the button when pressed causes activation of the
microprocessor to begin executing the set of operational
instructions.
14. The method of claim 8 where the response center is a private
response center.
15. A method comprising: initiating an emergency signal at a
communications device, the emergency signal initiated by a user of
the communications device pressing a button on the communications
device, the pressing of the button causing the activation of a
cellular transceiver operable to send the emergency signal;
receiving at a private response center the emergency signal from
the communications device; establishing two way voice
communications between the private response center and the
communication device in response to the emergency signal from the
communications device; and sending location information from the
communications device to the private response center identifying
the location of the communications device.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the button, when pressed, calls
a primary contact number associated with the private response
center.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein a secondary contact number is
called when the communication apparatus is unable to establish
communication with the private response center using the primary
contact number.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the location information is
determined using a Global Positioning Satellite system receiver in
the communications device.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the location information is
determined using a cellular location system.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein the communications device
further comprises an emergency button in the housing, the emergency
button operable to call a 911 center.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] Priority is claimed as a continuation to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/174,191, filed Jun. 30, 2005, which is a
continuation of Ser. No. 09/684,831, filed Oct. 10, 2000, which is
a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/538,364, filed Mar. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,732, which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/495,080, filed Jan. 31, 2000, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/044,497, filed
Mar. 19, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,257. The disclosure of each
aforementioned priority document is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] In general, the present invention relates to cellular
telephones for use only in emergency situations. In particular, the
present invention relates to a cellular telephone for calling a
public emergency response center or an emergency roadside
assistance service.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] In the past, conventional, full-service cellular telephones
have been used in emergency situations to call for help from public
emergency response services by dialing 911. Placing such a call
with a conventional cellular telephone requires performing the
following steps: (1) pressing a POWER button to power-on the phone,
(2) dialing the individual numbers 9-1-1 on a keypad, and (3)
pressing a SEND or CALL button. Such conventional phones may also
be used to call for emergency roadside assistance from a private
assistance service, such as the American Automobile Association
(AAA), when a user has experienced a mechanical failure while
driving an automobile. Placing a call to the private assistance
service with a conventional cellular phone requires that the above
three steps be performed, except that typically a 1-800 number for
the private assistance service is dialed on the keypad instead of
9-1-1.
[0006] Although this conventional procedure to place a cellular
phone call seems to be straightforward, it becomes much more
difficult when it must be accomplished during a stressful emergency
situation, such as immediately after an automobile accident or
breakdown. During such situations, simplicity is critical. It is
desirable that the user need not have to remember any phone numbers
to dial, or which of many keys to press to initiate a call.
[0007] It is also desirable to have a cellular telephone that is
designed for limited-use, such as in emergency situations only,
thereby significantly reducing the cost of cellular service.
[0008] Therefore, a cellular telephone is needed that may be used
to call for help in emergency situations, is simple and
straightforward to operate, and that may be operated at a minimal
service charge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention meets the above-listed needs, and
eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the
prior art by providing an emergency cellular telephone for
establishing communication with multiple emergency response
services. The phone allows a user to choose between calling a
public emergency response service, also referred to as a Public
Safety and Action Point (PSAP) or 911 call center, in immediate
emergency situations, and calling a private assistance service in
situations where urgent services are desired, such as roadside
assistance. The call to the public emergency response service is
placed by pressing a single public emergency response button, which
is protected from inadvertent activation by a protective cover. The
call to the private assistance service is placed by pressing a
single private assistance call button. Both call buttons require
firm pressure thereupon for several seconds before activation is
initiated, thereby preventing accidental activation.
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the phone include an audible siren
that is activated by simultaneously pressing a pair of buttons, one
located on either side of the phone housing, for approximately one
second. The siren, by generating a 95 dB alarm signal, helps the
user to draw the attention of passersby to an emergency situation
or to discourage an attacker.
[0011] The phone is preferably powered by four standard AAA
alkaline batteries, which typically provide over a year of service
with no recharging. Thus, the phone may be stored away, such as in
a glove compartment of an automobile, for long periods of time and
will be available when needed in an emergency situation. An
alternate rechargeable battery pack module may also be attached to
the phone. In some embodiments, this module also includes a Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver that is used to provide position
coordinates indicating the location of the caller to the private
assistance service or public emergency response service.
[0012] According to the invention, the phone comprises a handheld
housing having a cellular transmitter, a cellular receiver, and a
power supply disposed therein. The cellular transmitter transmits
only first and second outgoing cellular signals, where the first
outgoing cellular signal is for establishing a first communication
session with a first emergency response service and the second
outgoing cellular signal is for establishing a second communication
session with a second emergency response service. The cellular
receiver receives only first and second incoming cellular signals,
where the first incoming cellular signal is received from the first
emergency response service during the first communication session,
and the second incoming cellular signal is received from the second
emergency response service during the second communication
session.
[0013] Attached to the housing is a first activation button that,
if pressed a first time when the telephone is in an off mode,
causes the automatic initiation of several functions. Pressing the
first activation button (1) causes electrical power from the power
supply to be provided to the cellular transmitter and receiver, (2)
initiates activation of the cellular receiver to search for an
available cellular system channel, and (3) initiates activation of
the cellular transmitter to transmit the first outgoing cellular
signal to establish communication with the first emergency response
service. Implementing a single activation button to initiate all of
these functions simplifies communication with the first emergency
response service in a stressful situation.
[0014] Also attached to the housing is a second activation button
that, if pressed a first time when the telephone is in the off
mode, causes (1) the electrical power from the power supply to be
provided to the cellular transmitter and receiver, (2) initiates
activation of the cellular receiver to search for an available
cellular system channel, and (3) initiates activation of the
cellular transmitter to transmit the second outgoing cellular
signal to establish communication with the second emergency
response service. Thus, communication with the second emergency
response service is also simplified in a stressful situation.
[0015] The cellular transmitter is operable to transmit the first
outgoing cellular signal to establish the first communication
session regardless of whether the transmitter had last established
a first communication session or a second communication session.
Further, the cellular transmitter is operable to transmit the
second outgoing cellular signal to establish the second
communication session regardless of whether the transmitter had
last established a first communication session or a second
communication session. Thus, the operation of the phone is not
limited to any particular sequence of placing calls to the public
emergency response service and the private assistance service,
thereby offering greater flexibility than has previously been
available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to
like parts throughout the views, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the emergency phone with a
protective cover in .an open position according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the emergency phone with the
protective cover in a closed position according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the emergency phone with the
protective cover in the open position according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the emergency phone
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a narrow side view of the emergency phone
with the protective cover in the closed position according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the emergency phone
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIGS. 7A-C depict a functional flow diagram of a process for
establishing an emergency cellular communication with an emergency
response service according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of the emergency phone with a
battery compartment revealed according to a preferred embodiment of
the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the emergency phone with the
protective cover in an open position according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, a preferred embodiment of
an emergency cellular telephone 10 for summoning help in an
emergency is shown. The internal components of the phone 10 are
contained within a rigid housing 12. The rigid housing 12 is
preferably constructed of a durable material, such as
polycarbonate, that will withstand being continuously carried in an
individuals pocket or purse. Preferably, a protective cover 14 is
movably attached at one edge to the rigid housing 12 by a pair of
hinges 16. At the opposite edge of the cover 14 is a latch tab 18a
that engages a latch pin 18b on the housing when the cover 14 is in
the closed position. Preferably, the cover 14 may be opened by
applying a gentle pulling force to the cover 14 to disengage the
latch pin 18b from the latch tab 18a.
[0027] When the cover 14 is opened, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3,
two large activation buttons 20a and 20b, are revealed. The button
20a is referred to herein as a first activation button or a 911
button. This first activation button 20a is used to activate the
phone 10 to establish communication with a public emergency
response service. The button 20b is referred to herein as the
second activation button or the AAA button. The second activation
button 20b is used to activate the phone 10 to establish
communication with a private roadside assistance service, such as
the AAA. Depending on the given situation, a user simply opens the
cover 14 and presses the button 20a or 20b to summon help in an
emergency situation. As described in more detail below, when either
button 20a or 20b is pressed, the phone 10 powers up and begins to
establish cellular communication with the requested service.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second
activation button 20b is located on a side of the housing 12, such
as in the position of the alarm button 36b. Thus, it should be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular
position of the buttons 20a and 20b on the phone 10.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the 911 button 20a and the AAA
button 20b are the only control buttons on the phone 10 that are
disposed beneath the cover 14. Thus, when closed, the cover 14
prevents accidental pressing of the buttons 20a or 20b which could
inadvertently place a call to the public emergency response service
or the private assistance service. Preferably, other functions
provided by the phone 10, as described hereinafter, may be
activated when the cover 14 is closed.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the
phone 10 includes three indicator lights 22, 24, and 26. The
centermost of the three lights is a low signal indicator light 22,
which is preferably a red LED. On the right is a high signal
indicator light 24, which is preferably a green LED, and on the
left is an in-use indicator light 26, which is preferably a yellow
LED. The particular circumstances in which each of these lights is
illuminated is described in more detail hereinafter.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a low-profile radio-frequency antenna
30 is attached to the housing 12 for transmitting and receiving
cellular signals.
[0032] A speaker port 32 and a microphone port 34 are also provided
in the housing 12. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
microphone port 34 is uncovered and accessible when the cover 14 is
in the open position (FIGS. 1 and 3) and in the closed position
(FIG. 2). This feature allows the user to maintain a conversation
with emergency response service personnel, even with the cover 14
closed. It may be advantageous in many circumstances to close the
cover 14 after pressing the 911 button 20a or the AAA button 20b,
thereby preventing accidental pressing of either button 20a or 20b
while a call is in progress. As discussed in more detail
hereinafter, pressing either of the buttons 20a or 20b while a call
is in progress could terminate the call. Therefore, closing the
cover 14 after initiating the call helps to avoid premature
termination.
[0033] A preferred embodiment of the phone 10 includes an audible
alarm or siren that alerts individuals in the immediate area that
an emergency exists. Preferably, the audible alarm is activated by
simultaneously pressing two alarm buttons 36a and 36b located on
either side of the housing 12. When the buttons 36a and 36b are
pressed, an alarm type noise is emitted from an alarm port 28 in
the housing 12. The number of different sounds that could be
produced is limitless but the sound produced is preferably similar
to that produced by a car alarm. In the preferred embodiment, the
audible alarm is deactivated by simultaneously pressing the alarm
buttons 36a and 36b again.
[0034] In order to minimize the cost of the cellular service needed
to support it, the emergency phone 10 is strictly limited to
emergency use only. Governmental regulations currently prohibit
cellular service providers from refusing calls to 911 emergency
response centers, even if the caller does not subscribe to a
cellular service. Thus, the user may place 911 emergency calls
using the phone 10 without having previously contracted for
cellular service. As discussed in more detail below, the cost of
cellular service for placing calls only to a single telephone
number of a private assistance service, such as AAA, may be
purchased at a rate far less than is typically paid for
conventional cellular service. Further, this cost may be included
in a membership fee that the user pays to the private organization
that provides the roadside assistance, such as AAA.
[0035] Another one of the primary benefits of limiting use of the
phone 10 to contacting only a public or a private emergency
response service using one of two activation buttons 20a and 20b is
the resulting simplicity of operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the
activation buttons 20a and 20b are relatively large in relation to
the size of the housing 12. Thus, the buttons 20a and 20b are easy
to locate during a stressful emergency situation. Since only one
button 20a or 20b need be pressed to initiate a call, even very
young children or persons with an aversion to most electronic
devices can be taught how to use the phone 10 to easily summon help
in an emergency. Further, the time required to summon the emergency
personnel is held to an absolute minimum. Almost as soon as the
activation button 20a or 20b is pressed, the user has a verbal
communications link to the public or private assistance
service.
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a preferred embodiment of the emergency phone
10 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrows A-A in FIG.
2. As shown in FIG. 5, the phone 10 includes an interface port 38
which is accessible from outside the housing 12. As described in
more detail below, the interface port 38 provides a programming and
data transfer interface to allow modifications to the programming
of the phone 10.
[0037] In addition to establishing cellular contact with an
emergency response service, the emergency phone 10 may be
configured to activate the home security system of the user.
Because the radio communications range of the emergency phone 10 is
limited, the emergency phone 10 can only contact the user's home
security system when the emergency phone 10 is close to the home
security system. Preferably, the radio communications range of the
emergency phone 10 extends to at least 500 feet from the home
security system. The home security system can react to the
emergency phone's signal in a number of ways. In the preferred
embodiment, the home security system turns the lights of the
residence on and off and activates any audible alarms that the home
security system uses. Turning on and off the house's lights and
sounding the home security system's audible alarms can be
beneficial for a number of reasons. First, the home security system
alarm will only be activated if the emergency phone 10 is used when
it is near the home. Thus, if the emergency situation involves an
intruder or attacker, turning on the lights and sounding the alarms
may scare the individual away. Secondly, turning on the lights and
sounding the alarms will alert any individuals in or around the
house that an emergency situation exists in or near the house. In
addition, any of the variety of other functions typically performed
by a home security system can be triggered by the signal from the
emergency phone 10.
[0038] An embodiment of the emergency phone 10 is also provided
that contacts the car alarm of the user. In a manner similar to
that described for contacting the home security system of the user,
the emergency phone 10 transmits a signal that activates the car
alarm. The emergency phone 10 will only be able to signal the car
alarm if the user is near the car when the emergency phone 10 is
activated. Thus, the car alarm will help draw attention to the area
in which the emergency situation exists. This could be especially
beneficial if the emergency situation arose in a parking lot.
Furthermore, if the car was just stolen, setting off the car alarm
will draw attention to the thief and the stolen car.
[0039] One embodiment of the phone 10 includes a visual alarm
button 40 that activates a flashing light 42 mounted on the housing
12. The flashing light 42 and the noise alarm serve similar
functions. On the one hand they serve to scare off attackers, on
the other hand they serve to draw attention to the individual
requesting emergency assistance. Because the emergency phone 10 can
be activated from anywhere that cellular service is available, the
exact location of the caller may be unknown to the emergency
response personnel. Thus, by drawing attention to the emergency
phone 10 and its operator, the flashing light 42 and the audible
alarm may be very helpful to emergency response personnel
attempting to locate the individual who summoned them.
[0040] As mentioned above, a preferred embodiment of the invention
includes a locator function. The locator function provides the
public or private emergency response service the location of the
emergency phone 10 at the time it was activated. The locator
function is implemented in a variety of manners in different
embodiments of the present invention. One embodiment involves the
use of a GPS receiver. A GPS receiver utilizes signals from
satellites orbiting the earth to determine the position of the
receiver. When the first or second activation button 20a or 20b is
pressed, the GPS receiver is activated to determine the location of
the phone 10. The phone 10 then automatically transmits this
positional information to the emergency response service. Another
embodiment of the present invention uses a cellular location system
to determine the position of the emergency phone 10, such as by
triangulation. This cellular location system uses the strength
and/or the relative phase of a signal from the phone 10 received at
different cellular stations to determine the location of the phone
10. Positional information is extremely beneficial in an emergency
situation because it allows the emergency response service to
determine the location of the caller without requiring any input
from the caller.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of the electrical
components of a preferred embodiment of the emergency phone 10 is
shown. Power for the electrical components of the emergency phone
10 is supplied by a power supply 44. In the preferred embodiment,
the power supply 44 is a DC power supply consisting of four
replaceable AAA alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries are
preferred because they will allow a minimum continuous talk time of
at least 30 minutes, are relatively inexpensive, are easily
replaceable, and have a relatively long shelf-life between uses.
Although lithium and nickel-cadmium batteries are typically the
batteries of choice for conventional cellular phones, such
batteries require constant recharging to maintain a useable voltage
level. Such batteries are not preferred for use as the power supply
44 for the emergency phone 10 because they cannot maintain a charge
during long periods of nonuse. Since the emergency phone 10 may be
stored away, such as in an automobile glove compartment, for long
periods between uses, long-life alkaline batteries are used in the
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0042] As described in more detail below, the GPS location function
of the phone 10 may be provided by an add-on GPS receiver module.
In that embodiment, the GPS module preferably includes a lithium or
nickel-cadmium battery pack to provide adequate power for the phone
components within the housing 12 and for the components of the GPS
module.
[0043] As described above, the preferred embodiment of the
invention has five user input buttons 36a, 36b, 20a, 20b, and 54.
While these user inputs 36a, 36b, 20a, 20b, and 54 are shown and
discussed as push-buttons, it is understood that the inputs 36a,
36b, 20a, 20b, and 54 may operate switches, touch sensors, or other
similar devices.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 6, a microprocessor 46 monitors the
state of a pair of alarm switches 27a and 27b which change state
when the user presses the alarm buttons 36a and 36b. When the
microprocessor 46 detects that the alarm switches 27a-b have
changed state at the same time, the microprocessor 46 activates the
audible alarm 48. As mentioned above, when activated, the audible
alarm 48 generates a siren-like audio alarm signal. Preferably, the
audible alarm 48 is driven by an audio driver circuit 50.
[0045] As described above, some embodiments include a flashing
light 42. Preferably, the flashing light 42 is activated by a light
driver circuit 52 in response to the audible alarm buttons 36a and
36b or the activation button 20a being pressed. The flashing light
42 helps to alert individuals in the immediate area that an
emergency situation exists. In addition, once emergency response
personnel have been summoned, the flashing light 42 can help the
emergency personnel locate the emergency phone 10 and, thus, the
individual who summoned the assistance.
[0046] A home security alarm button 54 is also provided. When the
home alarm button 54 is pressed, a home alarm signal is sent to the
microprocessor 46. In response to the home alarm signal, the
microprocessor 46 produces an activation signal which is sent to a
radio frequency transmitter 56. The radio frequency transmitter 56
conditions the activation signal and broadcasts it on the antenna
30. The preferred radio frequency transmitter 56 operates at about
310 MHz. The home security system detects the transmitted
activation signal and responds accordingly. As discussed in greater
detail above, the response preferably at least includes turning on
and off the exterior lights of the house and producing an audible
alarm.
[0047] In one embodiment, when either of the activation buttons 20a
and 20b are pressed, the microprocessor 46 activates an automatic
dialer 58, and the automatic dialer 58 dials the telephone number
of the selected emergency response service. The telephone numbers;
may be stored in the automatic dialer 58 itself. In an alternate
embodiment, the memory 60 is provided for storing the telephone
numbers.
[0048] A cellular receiver 62 receives an incoming cellular signal
from the public or private emergency response service and
conditions the incoming signal to produce an incoming voice signal.
The cellular receiver 62 may provide the voice signal to a speaker
64 directly or through the microprocessor 46 and the audio driver
circuit 50, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0049] The operator of the emergency phone 10 can respond to the
incoming signal from the emergency response services by speaking
into the microphone 66. The microphone 66 converts the operator's
speech into an outgoing voice signal that is conditioned by the
audio driver circuit 50 and received by the microprocessor 46. The
microprocessor 46 then sends the outgoing voice signal to a
cellular transmitter 68, which generates an outgoing cellular
signal based thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the outgoing
voice signal is sent directly from the microphone 66 to the
cellular transmitter 68.
[0050] The emergency phone 10 is designed to use the cellular
communications technology that provides the most comprehensive
coverage possible. Using the cellular technology that provides the
largest possible coverage area is desirable because it minimizes
the likelihood that the operator of the emergency phone 10 will be
out of cellular communications range when an emergency situations
arises. While the coverage range of digital cellular service
providers is constantly increasing, the largest amount of cellular
coverage is still provided by service providers using analog
modulation technology. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the
cellular receiver 62 and cellular transmitter 68 use analog
modulation technology. Furthermore, because the amount of time
actually spent communicating with the emergency phone 10 will
likely be very low, the cellular receiver 62 and transmitter 68
components are designed for maximum range and minimal talk
times.
[0051] In another alternative embodiment, the emergency phone 10 is
designed to scan for a digital cellular provider. If a digital
cellular service provider is located, the emergency phone 10 will
establish digital communications with the digital service provider.
If no digital service provider is located, the emergency phone 10
then attempts to establish analog cellular communications with an
analog service provider.
[0052] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, when the first or second
activation button 20a or 20b is pressed, the microprocessor 46
prompts a GPS receiver 70 coupled to a GPS antenna 71 to determine
the location of the emergency phone 10. Once the GPS receiver 70
has determined the coordinates of the emergency phone 10, the GPS
receiver 70 provides the coordinates to the microprocessor 46. The
microprocessor 46 then sends the location coordinates and the
cellular system identification (SID) number of the phone 10 to the
cellular transmitter 68, such as in the form of a digital string.
The cellular transmitter 68 sends the location coordinates and the
SID to the emergency response service by way of a cellular
telephone network. The location coordinates allow the emergency
response service to dispatch emergency personnel to the location
from which the call was placed without even questioning the caller.
Transmission of the SID allows the private assistance service or
the public response service to determine the identity of the owner
of the phone 10.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of the
invention includes a decoder chip 79 for decoding a prompt or queue
signal transmitted from the private assistance service or the
public emergency response service when a call has been established.
The decoded prompt is provided to the microprocessor 46 which, in
response to the prompt, sends the location coordinates and the SID
to the cellular transmitter 68 for transmission to the connected
service. In this way, the private assistance service or the public
emergency response service has this information available even
before voice communication is established with the caller.
[0054] The microprocessor 46 is also coupled to the light driver
circuit 52 for controlling activation of the low signal indicator
light 22, the high signal indicator light 24, and the in-use
indicator light 26. The particular circumstances in which the
microprocessor 46 causes activation of each of these lights is
described in more detail hereinafter.
[0055] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a flow diagram of a sequence of
events that are set in motion when either the first or second
activation button 20a or 20b is pressed to place an emergency call.
The sequence of events is generally the same for when the phone 10
is activated by either button 20a or 20b. However, there are some
differences, as described in the following discussion.
[0056] To gain access to the activation buttons 20a and 20b, the
user first opens the protective cover 14 (step 100). With the cover
14 in the open position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), the user
presses the activation button 20a to place a call to a public
emergency response service, or presses the activation button 20b to
place a call to a private assistance service, such as the AAA. When
pressing either button 20a or 20b, the user maintains pressure on
the button 20a or 20b for at least a minimum period of time, such
as one second (step 102). The user may then close the cover 14
(step 104) to prevent accidentally terminating the call, which
could occur if the button 20a or 2b is inadvertently pressed again.
Of course, the emergency phone 10 is also operable to complete the
call if the cover 14 remains in the open position.
[0057] It is assumed for purposes of this description that the
phone 10 is in a power-down mode prior to step 102. In other words,
the cellular transmitter 68, the cellular receiver 62, and the
microprocessor 46 are preferably drawing no power from the power
supply 44. When the button 20a or 20b is pressed a first time and
held for at least the minimum period of time, the phone 10 is
powered up (step 106). Preferably, the microprocessor 46 powers-up
and begins executing preprogrammed instructions before power is
provided to the receiver 62 and transmitter 68.
[0058] Alternatively, the microprocessor 46, the receiver 62, and
the transmitter 68 receive power simultaneously when the button 20a
or 20b is pressed and held. In either case, when the microprocessor
46 is powered on, it proceeds to retrieve system operating
parameters from the memory device 60 (step 108). These operating
parameters preferably include an AIB preference parameter that
indicates which cellular system, A or B, is preferred.
[0059] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the A and B
cellular systems each include twenty-one cellular channels, with
the A system channels occupying one frequency range and the B
system channels occupying another frequency range. As required by
FCC rules, both of these systems are typically available in large
metropolitan areas to provide competition between cellular service
providers. In some geographical areas, only one of the systems may
be available. If a conventional cellular phone is receiving
cellular service from a service provider operating on the A system,
that phone will prefer the A system over the B system, and will
scan first for an available A system channel. If an A system
channel is not available, the conventional phone will then scan for
a B system channel. If a B system channel is available, the
conventional phone will use the available B system channel in what
is typically referred to as a "roaming" mode. When roaming, the A
system-preferred user typically pays a higher cost per call to use
a B system channel.
[0060] Since use of the emergency phone 10 to make a 911 call does
not require a cellular service agreement with any cellular service
provider, the phone 10 need not prefer either cellular system over
the other when placing a 911 call. Thus, when the phone 10 is
activated by pressing the first activation button 20a, the phone 10
may seek an available channel in either the A system or the B
system.
[0061] Although current U.S. federal law requires that cellular
service providers pass all 911 calls, some cellular providers still
do not do so. If the cellular provider does not pass the 911 call,
the caller typically receives a busy signal or a recorded message
indicating that the call cannot be completed. To remedy this
situation, in one embodiment, the phone 10 alternates which
cellular system (A or B) on which it begins to dial for every other
call. For example, if the first call is made on the A system and
the caller receives a busy signal or recorded message, the caller
may disconnect the call, press the 911 button 20 again, and the
phone 10 makes the call on the B system.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 7A, after the microprocessor 46 has
retrieved the system parameters from memory 60 (step 108), the
receiver 62 of a preferred embodiment proceeds to scan first
through B system channels (step 110) looking for a signal of
sufficient strength to support a cellular call (step 112). The B
system preference is determined by the A/B preference parameter
recalled from memory at step 108. If no signal is found in the B
system channels having a signal strength greater than a minimum
threshold value, the receiver 62 then scans through the cellular A
system channels (step 114). If no signal is found in the A system
channels having a signal strength greater than the minimum
threshold value, the low signal indicator light 22 is illuminated
(step 116), and the receiver 62 starts scanning the B system
channels again (step 110). This process continues until a signal of
sufficient strength is found in the A or B system channels.
[0063] When an available channel having sufficient signal strength
is found in either the B system channels (step 112) or the A system
channels (step 118), the high signal indicator light 24 is
illuminated (step 120). If more than one channel having a signal
strength greater than the minimum threshold is found, the channel
having the highest signal strength is selected for the call (step
122).
[0064] It should be appreciated that, depending on the preference
parameter stored in the memory 60, the phone 10 could search for an
available channel on the A system first, and then search in the B
system if a signal of sufficient strength is not found in the A
system. Thus, the A/B preference can be set at the time that the
phone is manufactured by the selection of the value of the
preference parameter stored in memory 60. As described in more
detail below, this parameter may also be reprogrammed after the
manufacture of the phone 10.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 7B, after channel selection, the
microprocessor 46 retrieves from the memory device 60 the telephone
number of the selected emergency response service (step 124). If
the call was initiated by pressing the first activation button 20a,
then the telephone number of the public emergency response service
is retrieved at step 124. Preferably, the telephone number of the
public emergency response service is "911", which is associated
with all public emergency response centers in the United States.
The telephone number stored in the memory 60 for the private
emergency response service, such as the AAA, is preferably an
eleven-digit 1-800 number that may be used throughout the United
States.
[0066] When the telephone number of the public or private emergency
response service has been retrieved from memory 60, the cellular
transmitter 68 transmits an outgoing cellular signal on the
selected cellular channel (step 126) and the in-use indicator light
26 begins flashing (step 128).
[0067] Note that all of the events that have occurred thus far in
the calling process (steps 106-128) have been initiated by pressing
a single one of the activation buttons 20a or 20b. Thus, once
powered-on, the microprocessor 46 executes its preprogrammed
instructions to automatically scan for an available channel,
retrieve the telephone number, and place the cellular call without
any further action on the part of the user.
[0068] At this point, the selected emergency response service
answers the call from the emergency phone 10 by transmitting a
cellular signal referred to herein as an incoming cellular signal.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the receiver 62 receives the incoming cellular
signal (step 130), and the in-use indicator light 26 remains
constantly on (step 132) to indicate to the user that communication
with the emergency response service has been established.
[0069] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, once
communication has been established, the emergency response service
transmits and the decoder 79 receives the prompt signal (step 134).
The microprocessor 46 then retrieves the SID from memory 60 (step
136) and retrieves the location coordinates from the internal GPS
receiver 70 or an external GPS unit 74 (step 138). The transmitter
56 then transmits an outgoing cellular signal that includes the SID
and location coordinates, such as in a digital data string (step
140). Preferably, the microphone 66 and the speaker 64 are then
enabled (step 142).
[0070] Based on the incoming cellular signal from the emergency
response service, the receiver 62 produces an incoming voice signal
(step 144), which is preferably an electrical audio signal. As
shown in FIG. 7C, the incoming voice signal is provided to the
speaker 64 to produce audible sound (step 146). Typically, the
audible sound produced by the speaker at this juncture will be the
voice of a person at the emergency response service inquiring as to
the nature of the emergency.
[0071] With continued reference to FIG. 7C, the user of the
emergency phone 10 speaks into the microphone port 34 to relay the
nature of the emergency to the emergency response personnel (step
148). The microphone 66 receives the audible sound of the user's
voice and produces an outgoing voice signal based thereon (step
150). The outgoing voice signal is provided to the cellular
transmitter 68 (step 152), and the transmitter 68 transmits an
outgoing cellular signal to the emergency response service based on
the outgoing voice signal (step 154).
[0072] When the user wishes to terminate the call to the emergency
response service, the user presses the button 20a or 20b (whichever
one had been pressed to initiate the call) for a second time, and
holds the button 20a or 20b for a minimum period of time, such as
one second (step 156). When the microprocessor 46 determines that
the button 20a or 20b is pressed and held while the phone 10 is
powered up, the microprocessor 46 causes the phone 10 to power
down. Requiring that the button 20a or 20b be held down for a
minimum time prevents accidental termination of the emergency call
due to an inadvertent pressing of one of the buttons 20a or
20b.
[0073] Thus, as indicated by the flow chart of FIGS. 7A-C, all of
the steps involved in making an emergency telephone call to an
emergency response service are accomplished by a single press of
one activation button 20a or 20b on the emergency phone 10. This
makes it much simpler for a person who is distracted by a stressful
situation, or who may be in some way incapacitated, to place an
emergency call.
[0074] By comparison, using a conventional cellular phone to place
a call to a 911 emergency response service requires that a user
press at least four separate control buttons: the power button
once, the "9" button once, the "1" button twice, and the "SEND"
button (or equivalent) once. Calling a 1-800 number to a private
service such as the AAA further requires pressing the additional
digits in the phone number. To end a call and power-down a
conventional cellular phone, the user must typically press the
"END" button (or equivalent) once, and then the power button once.
Thus, establishing and ending a 911 emergency call using a
conventional cellular phone requires at least seven presses of five
different buttons. Only two presses of a single activation button
20a are required with the emergency phone 10 of the present
invention.
[0075] With reference to FIG. 6, the interface port 38, such as an
RS232 interface, allows the processor 46 of the emergency phone 10
to communicate with an external device. In one embodiment of the
invention, the external device is a geographical locating device,
such as an external GPS unit 74. In this embodiment, the GPS unit
74 provides positional coordinate data to the phone 10 by way of
the interface port 38. This positional data may then be transmitted
to the public or private emergency response service to give the
emergency response personnel an exact position of the phone 10.
Preferably, the GPS unit 74 is in a relatively small modular
housing which may be removably connected to the phone housing 12,
such as by a latching mechanism. The modular housing of the UPS
unit 74 includes an interface connector that mates with the
interface port 38 when the housing of the UPS unit 74 is connected
to the phone housing 12. Alternatively, the GPS unit 74 may
communicate with the interface port 38 by way of an interface
cable.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the GPS unit 74 preferably includes a
modular mapping card 76. The mapping card 76 is a memory device
which correlates latitude/longitude coordinates, as typically
provided by a GPS system, to X-Y (rectangular) coordinates in feet
or miles. Preferably, the X-Y coordinates provided by the mapping
card 76 are relative to some local landmark. In this manner, the
positional data that the phone 10 transmits to the emergency
response service may be more easily used by emergency response
personnel in mapping the exact position of the emergency phone
10.
[0077] As depicted in FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the invention,
the standard batteries 44a-44d may be replaced by a GPS/battery
pack module 86. In this embodiment, GPS/battery pack module 86
includes the GPS unit 74 integrated with a custom lithium,
nickel-cadmium, or alkaline battery pack that powers the phone 10
and the GPS unit 74. When snapped into place on the phone housing
12, power contacts on the GPS/battery pack module 86 engage
corresponding battery contacts 88 in the battery compartment 82,
and an interface connector 90 on the module 86 make connection with
the interface port 38 on the phone housing 12.
[0078] The interface port 38 is also useful in providing access to
the microprocessor 46 and memory 60 for programming purposes. For
example, the interface port 38 may be used to change or update the
outgoing emergency telephone numbers stored in the memory 60. This
function is especially important since there is no keypad such as
is typically used on conventional cellular phones for reprogramming
purposes. As shown in FIG. 8, a phone number programming unit 78,
such as a palm-top or lap-top computer, may be connected to the
interface port 38 to provide commands to the processor 46 to store
the outgoing telephone numbers to the memory 60.
[0079] One skilled in the art will appreciate the interface port 38
may also be used to update the software instructions that are
executed by the processor 46 when either of the activation buttons
20a or 20b are pressed. For example, the sequence of A/B cellular
system scanning as described above could be updated to take
advantage of future changes in cellular service provider procedures
or future FCC rulings that may affect how 911 calls are handled by
service providers. Also, system parameters that are stored in the
memory 60 may be updated by way of the interface port 38. For
example, the A/B system preference parameter may be changed to
prefer the A system channels over the B system channels, such that
the A system channels are scanned first. This latter change may be
required when the contracted cellular service used to contact the
private emergency response service is switched from one cellular
service provider to another.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of the
invention includes a battery compartment cover 80 which snaps
securely into place on the housing 12. Removal of the battery
compartment cover 80 reveals the battery compartment 82 as shown in
FIG. 8. Within the battery compartment 82 are preferably four
batteries 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d, such as AAA alkaline batteries,
which comprise the power supply 44 (see FIG. 6). In addition to the
advantages discussed previously, these types of batteries are
preferred to power the emergency phone 10 because they are so easy
to find for purchase at most department stores, hardware stores,
grocery stores, and convenience stores. In contrast, consider that
conventional cellular phones require custom-sized battery packs
that are typically compatible only with one model of phone.
Replacement battery packs for conventional cellular phones
typically may only be found at specialty stores, such as phone
accessory stores or electronic supply stores. Thus, because of the
relative ease in finding replacement batteries, the emergency phone
10 offers yet another significant advantage over conventional
cellular phones.
[0081] The design of the battery compartment 82 and the battery
compartment cover 80 of the emergency phone 10 also makes the
emergency phone 10 more rugged than the conventional cellular
phone. In most conventional cellular phones, the battery packs
constitute a significant portion of the phone housing. Usually, the
conventional cellular phone battery pack is integrated into a
single modular unit which may be snapped into place to form a
portion of the phone housing. If the conventional phone is dropped
or hit, the conventional battery pack is susceptible to being
dislodged from the phone housing. If this were to occur during an
emergency call, communication with the emergency response center
would be lost.
[0082] In contrast, the preferred embodiment of the emergency phone
10 is significantly less susceptible to battery failure, even if
the phone 10 is dropped or jarred. First, the battery compartment
cover 80 provides protection for the batteries 44a-44d held within
the compartment 82. Further, since the batteries 44a-44d are
separate from the cover 80, an impact which may dislodge the cover
80 would not necessarily dislodge the batteries 44a-44d. Thus, the
emergency phone 10 could remain operational even if the battery
compartment cover 80 comes off.
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another advantageous feature of the
emergency phone 10. When the protective cover 14 is in the open
position, operation instructions 84 are visible to the user on the
inside surface of the cover 14. Preferably, these operation
instructions 84 include written and illustrated instructions on how
to use the phone 10 to place a call to the public or private
emergency response service, and how to activate the audible alarm
48. These instructions 84 may be screen printed directly onto the
inside surface of the plastic cover 14, or are preferably printed
on a stick-on label which is applied to the inside surface of the
cover 14.
[0084] Of course, since only one button 20a or 20b is used to
activate the phone and place a call, the instructions 84 are simple
and straightforward. However, the first time that a user actually
needs to use the phone 10 may be in the midst of a stressful,
confusing, or dangerous situation. In such a situation, having the
operating instructions 84 provided inside the cover 14 could save
valuable time. Also, since the emergency phone 10 is intended for
emergency use only, considerable time may pass between uses.
Because the phone 10 may not be used very often, even though the
user may have used the phone 10 before, the user may forget how it
operates when the user is in a stressful situation. Thus, the
operation instructions 84 provide a handy and quick reminder.
[0085] While the invention has been described in detail, it is to
be expressly understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled
in the relevant art that the invention may be modified without
departing from the spirit of the invention. Various changes of
form, design or arrangement may be made to the invention without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore,
the above mentioned description is to be considered exemplary,
rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that
defined in the following claims.
* * * * *