U.S. patent application number 13/857762 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for computer-related devices and techniques for facilitating an emergency call via a cellular or data network using remote communication device identifying information.
This patent application is currently assigned to YMax Communications Corp.. The applicant listed for this patent is YMax Communications Corp.. Invention is credited to Daniel M. BORISLOW, Gregory Lynn WOOD.
Application Number | 20130225119 13/857762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42154102 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130225119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BORISLOW; Daniel M. ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
COMPUTER-RELATED DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR FACILITATING AN
EMERGENCY CALL VIA A CELLULAR OR DATA NETWORK USING REMOTE
COMMUNICATION DEVICE IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Abstract
The claimed invention consists of a device for use with a
computer. The device may include a transceiver and control logic.
The control logic (a) receives one or more first signals carrying
corresponding one or more remote communication device identifiers
(e.g., cellular tower identifiers or wireless access point
identifiers) that each identify one or more remote communication
devices, (b) determines one or more signal strengths of the one or
more first signals and a location of the communication device based
on the one or more remote communication device identifiers (or one
or more locations of the one or more remote communication devices)
and the one or more signal strengths of said first signals, (c)
receives a second signal corresponding to an emergency call, and
(d) transfers, via a cellular network or a packet switched network,
a third signal carrying an indicator of the location of said
communication device to a remote device to aid emergency personnel
in identifying the location of said communication device, said
control logic implementing said emergency call as one of a
cellular-based call via said cellular network and a VoIP call via
said packet switched network.
Inventors: |
BORISLOW; Daniel M.; (Palm
Beach, FL) ; WOOD; Gregory Lynn; (Oneonta,
AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YMax Communications Corp.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
YMax Communications Corp.
West Palm Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
42154102 |
Appl. No.: |
13/857762 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12360818 |
Jan 27, 2009 |
8433283 |
|
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13857762 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/404.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2242/04 20130101;
H04W 76/50 20180201; H04M 7/006 20130101; H04L 65/1069 20130101;
G01S 5/0027 20130101; G01S 5/0252 20130101; H04M 1/2535 20130101;
H04M 1/72536 20130101; H04W 4/90 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/404.2 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/22 20060101
H04W004/22 |
Claims
1.-52. (canceled)
53. A communication device for use with a computer, said
communication device comprising: a transceiver; and control logic
that receives one or more first signals carrying corresponding one
or more cellular tower identifiers that each identify one or more
cellular towers, determines one or more signal strengths of the one
or more first signals, and determines a calculated location of said
communication device based on the one or more cellular tower
identifiers and the one or more signal strengths of the one or more
first signals, wherein the calculated location of said
communication device is communicated to emergency personnel to aid
in locating said communication device.
54. A method for determining location identifying information for a
communication device that is coupled to a computer, the method
comprising: receiving one or more first signals carrying
corresponding one or more cellular tower identifiers that each
identify one or more cellular towers; and determining one or more
signal strengths of the one or more first signals and a calculated
location of a communication device including a transceiver based on
the one or more cellular tower identifiers and the one or more
signal strengths of the one or more first signals, wherein the
calculated location of said communication device is communicated to
emergency personnel to aid in locating said communication
device.
55. A processor program product for use in connection with one or
more processors for executing software instructions, said processor
program product comprising: a processor usable medium having
processor readable program code embodied therein for causing said
one or more processors to receive one or more first signals
carrying corresponding one or more cellular tower identifiers that
each identify one or more cellular towers, and determine one or
more signal strengths of the one or more first signals and a
calculated location of a communication device including a
transceiver based on the one or more cellular tower identifiers and
the one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals,
wherein the calculated location of said communication device is
communicated to emergency personnel to aid in locating said
communication device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is applicable at least in the fields of voice
and data communications (e.g., those that implement Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications) and the field of cellular
telephony and, more particularly, in the field of devices, systems,
processor program products, and methods of facilitating emergency
calls. The invention may be applicable, for example, in systems
interfacing a standard telephone to a data network (e.g., a VoIP
compatible communication network) via, for example, a computer
system, which may facilitate communication over the data network
via, for example, a local area network, wide area network, and/or
over an existing wireless network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] VoIP is a technology that allows the systems and
transmission channels that connect computer networks to act as an
alternative to phone lines, delivering real-time voice to both
standard telephones and personal computers (PCs). VoIP allows an
individual to utilize a network connection to transmit voice
encapsulated data packets over available local communication lines,
such as the Internet. This is typically facilitated by the use of
an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) which emulates some functions of
a phone company's central office and connects via a wired interface
to a network like the Internet.
[0003] In a VoIP system, the analog voice signal is typically
picked up by a microphone and sent to an audio processor within a
personal computer.
[0004] VoIP converts standard telephone voice signals into
compressed data packets that can be sent locally over an Ethernet
or globally via an ISP's data networks rather than traditional
phone lines.
[0005] One of the main difficulties with using VoIP is that it is
difficult to facilitate the handling of emergency calls, e.g.,
emergency "911" calls via systems that implement a VoIP connection.
This is especially true when VoIP connections are initiated from
mobile or nomadic devices. It is important to determine where an
emergency call is being initiated from so that emergency personnel
can address the emergency which gave rise to the emergency call.
The present invention solves these and other problems involved in
the current state of the art, as will be explained below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is best understood with reference to
the claims, the entire specification, and all of the drawings
submitted herewith, which describe the devices, systems, processor
program products and methods of the present invention in greater
detail than this summary, which is merely intended to convey
aspects of illustrative embodiments of the present invention. By
way of example, the disclosed devices (e.g., computers and
adapters, such as network adapters), systems, processor program
products and methods may include a combination of hardware and/or
software which allows the user to overcome problems associated with
making emergency calls on a VoIP communications network. Also by
way of example, the central processing unit(s), processor(s),
controller(s) or control logic in the disclosed devices (e.g., the
computers and adapters) can include the ability to route, via a
transceiver for example, emergency calls to a commercial mobile
radio service ("CMRS") or cellular transmitter over a CMRS network
to facilitate the handling of emergency calls, such as emergency
"911" calls. Alternatively, an emergency call may be placed over
the VoIP network. By way of example, if a transmission is not
possible, or is attempted and fails for any reason, then the
emergency call may be placed over the VoIP network. Also by way of
example, if the system cannot detect a cellular signal, or if a
cellular signal is detected but transmission of the call over the
cellular network fails, then the emergency call will be placed over
the VoIP network. Or it may be determined that placing the
emergency call over the VoIP network has other advantages and so
that transmission medium is chosen.
[0007] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a communication device is provided for use with a
computer. The communication device includes a transceiver and
control logic. The control logic (a) receives one or more first
signals carrying corresponding one or more remote communication
device identifiers (e.g., cellular tower identifiers or wireless
access point identifiers) that each identify one or more remote
communication devices, (b) determines one or more signal strengths
of the one or more first signals and a location of the
communication device based on the one or more remote communication
device identifiers (or one or more locations of the one or more
remote communication devices) and the one or more signal strengths
of said first signals, (c) receives a second signal corresponding
to an emergency call, and (d) transfers, via a cellular network or
a packet switched network, a third signal carrying an indicator of
the location of said communication device to a remote device to aid
emergency personnel in identifying the location of said
communication device, said control logic implementing said
emergency call as one of a cellular-based call via said cellular
network and a VoIP call via said packet switched network.
[0008] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the control
logic may output a fourth signal carrying the one or more cellular
tower identifiers and receives a fifth signal carrying one or more
locations of the cellular towers having the one or more cellular
tower identifiers, wherein said control logic determines a location
of the communication device using the one or more locations of the
cellular towers and the one or more signal strengths of the one or
more first signals. In addition, the location of the communication
device may be used to update registered location information of the
communication device automatically or manually. By way of example,
if the update is done manually, a user of the communication device
may be prompted to update the registered location information of
the communication device using the determined location of the
communication device. The above-mentioned indicator is then
selected from the registered location information of the
communication device. However, the updating of registered location
information need not be done incident to the handling of an
emergency call, but may be done in advance to facilitate timely
updates to the registered location information that may be stored
in memory associated with the communication device or some other
device coupled thereto.
[0009] The systems and methods disclosed herein also allow the
communication devices (e.g., the computers and adapters) to
determine their location and connect to a network (e.g., packet
switched network or cellular network) to provide location
information to emergency personnel Thus, additional freedom and
functionality are provided to the user, as described in more detail
below. With regard to cellular networks, communication devices can
also be configured to transmit information over a broadband
cellular link, such as EV-DO or other similar types of
networks.
[0010] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of this
invention will be set forth in part in the description that
follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following description, or may be
learned by practicing the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the accompanying drawings that form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, the
present invention is illustrated by way of example and not
limitation, with like reference numerals referring to like
elements, wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an adapter, according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a communications network, according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the process of making an
emergency call, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a communications network,
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the process of making an
emergency call, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system, according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the process of making an
emergency call, according to embodiments of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the process of making an
emergency call, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 9(a) is a flow chart illustrating the process of
determining a location of a communication device using identifying
information received from other communication devices.
[0021] FIG. 9(b) depicts the actual and estimated positions of
different components within a cellular network and signal strength
information for cellular communications pertinent to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the invention. In other instances, well known structures,
interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail in order
not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. However, it will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that those specific
details disclosed herein need not be used to practice the invention
and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the invention,
except as recited in the claims. It is intended that no part of
this specification be construed to effect a disavowal of any part
of the full scope of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 1(a) illustrates the components of a particular device,
which is an adapter 100, such as a network adapter, according to an
embodiment of the invention. However, these components may be
employed in a number of other systems and devices of the present
invention. By way of the example, the components described in
connection with the adapter 100 and the manner in which they are
employed may be the same for other devices, including telephones
(e.g., cellular phones) and computers. Accordingly, the description
of the adapter 100 set forth herein and reflected in the drawings
may be read more broadly as merely an example of the types of
features that other devices, such as telephones and computers, may
have that implement the present invention. In some instances, the
components of the adapter may be incorporated in a computer, and so
no separate adapter may be required.
[0024] The adapter 100 includes a central processing unit 135
connected to the relay 160 via the subscriber line interface (SLIC)
140 and the DAA 145. The relay 160 is used to isolate and bridge an
analog telephone handset 165 to the adapter 100. In some instances,
a digital telephone handset may be employed. In addition, a
separate handset may not be required if a headset, microphone,
and/or speakers of a computer are employed.
[0025] As stated above, the adapter 100 includes a SLIC 140 and a
data access arrangement (DAA) circuit 145. The SLIC 140 is
responsible for emulating a central office. It generates a ring
current, detects on-hook and off-hook transition and notifies the
central processing unit (CPU) 135 of any signal transition. The
SLIC 140 also performs A/D conversion on input voice signal and may
also perform D/A conversion on voice signal to be processed by the
telephone handset 165. The DAA 145 detects a ring current and
notifies the CPU 135 of the presence of a ring current. The DAA 145
also creates off-hook and on-hook transactions in order to emulate
a telephone handset back to the phone company's central office, and
it also performs A/D and/or D/A conversion on signals transmitting
to and from the equivalent of a central office (not shown).
[0026] The CPU 135 controls the adapter 100 via programmable
software. The CPU 135 is a microprocessor, of a kind that is well
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Integrated into the CPU
135 is digital signal processor software (not shown) which
processes voice signal data in real time.
[0027] Connected to the CPU 135 may be several memory devices such
as flash memory 110 and SDRAM 115. The flash memory 110 may be used
to store information permanently, such as configuration information
and program code, when the adapter 100 is turned off. The SDRAM 115
may be used as a working storage for the CPU 135 during operation.
The MPEG-4/H.264 decoder 120 is an integrated circuit that is
responsible for producing video output from the CPU 135 to the
optional LCD display 105. The MPEG-4/H.264 decoder 120 decodes
streaming video information received via the wide area network
connection 155 via the CPU 135. One of ordinary skill in the art
can appreciate that any kind of decoder, such as, for example, an
MPEG-4/H.264 decoder, can be used to decode the video output, if
any.
[0028] The LCD display 105, which is an optional feature of the
adapter 100, is used to display information about the incoming call
and diagnostic and status information of the adapter 100. The LCD
display 105 can also be used to display and present advertising
and/or entertainment to the user. In an alternative embodiment of
the invention, the CPU 135 includes circuitry which monitors the
signal strength of the wireless network (not shown) employed by the
adapter 100. The signal strength monitoring circuitry is well known
to one of ordinary skill in the art. The MPEG-4/H.264 decoder 120
receives this information from the CPU 135 in real-time and
transfers this information to the LCD display 105. The LCD display
105 receives the signal strength information and displays it to the
user in a known manner. Accordingly, the user can monitor the
signal strength as displayed on the LCD display 105 and manually
adjust the location of the adapter 100 in order to maximize the
signal strength. In further embodiments, the LCD display 105 can
show information regarding the strength of the cellular network
that is received from CPU 135. In one embodiment, the LCD display
105 can show the signal strength of the cellular network.
[0029] In one embodiment, a wireless network card 125 is connected
to the CPU 135. The wireless network card 125 may be connected to
the CPU 135 via a mini-PCI connector (not shown). Also, the
wireless network capability may be built in to the adapter 100 in
the form of a semiconductor chip without the use of a separate
card. The wireless network card 125 allows the adapter 100 to
access any one or more of available wireless networks. The wireless
network card 125 can transmit the information to the network by
implementing a variation of the IEEE 802.11 standard. One of
ordinary skill, however, can appreciate that other methods can be
employed as well. The wireless network card 125 is built into the
adapter 100 via a replaceable module via a known standard such as
PCI, PCMCIA, or USB. By employing a particular wireless card, a
user can have access to any number of wireless networks such as
Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, EV-DO, HSPDA, and any other wireless network for
which a mini-PCI card has been developed.
[0030] One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the
adapter 100 requires AC or DC power in order to operate. By way of
example and not limitation, the adapter can be powered from an AC
electrical outlet or DC power source, such as the cigarette lighter
in an automobile, a DC battery, or the USB port of a computer.
[0031] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the adapter 100
can be adapted to include multiple wireless network cards. The
multiple wireless network cards feature would allow the user
flexibility to employ different types of wireless network services,
such as Wi-Fi and cellular broadband wireless. One of ordinary
skill can appreciate that many different services can be employed
and the example is used for illustration and not as a way of
limitation. The circuitry would be adapted to include a mini-PCI
card and another mini-PCI card or other replaceable module, such as
PCMCIA, USB or PCI. The CPU 135 would include software which would
allow the network interface to adaptively switch between using the
wireless network cards to transmit a voice signal and allow a user
to replace wireless network cards during the operation of the
adapter 100. For example, when the adapter 100 is not in range of
the router 235 via Wi-Fi or other wireless network, the adapter 100
would transmit the packetized voice signal from the phone via a
broadband cellular network like EV-DO or another applicable
cellular broadband network to which the user has a
subscription.
[0032] The adapter 100 has the capability to be attached to a local
area network 150 to communicate with users on laptop or desktop
personal computers and a wide area/broadband network 155 for
communicating over a packet switched network, such as the Internet.
Typically, the adapter has one or more RJ-11 jacks to connect with
a telephone, and at least one RJ-45 connection to a 10/100BaseT
Ethernet Hub or switch to connect to the local area network 150.
Alternatively, the adapter 100 may be attached directly to a laptop
or desktop personal computer via, for example, a USB
connection.
[0033] Also connected to the CPU 135 is a cellular chip 130
implementing a transceiver which allows the adapter 100 to access a
cellular network. The cellular chip 130 may be connected to the CPU
135 or it may be integrated with the CPU 135 on a circuit (with or
without other components). The cellular chip 130 may receive voice
data from the CPU 135 and modulates and transmits the data in a
known way to communicate with another user via the cellular
network. The cellular chip 130 functions in a duplex manner to
allow voice conversations over the cellular network.
[0034] The CPU 135 and/or cellular chip 130 monitors signals
received from one or more cell towers to determine their cell tower
identifiers and also monitor the corresponding signal strength for
each of those signals using the above-mentioned signal strength
monitoring circuitry. The cell tower identifiers and corresponding
signal strengths are stored in local flash memory (e.g., memory 110
and SDRAM 115). In accordance with one embodiment, the CPU 135 will
then query a database system (e.g., such as that which is provided
by Mexens Technology via web service APIs which are offered as part
of its NAVIZON positioning system) via an associated computer and
its broadband link to identify a latitude and longitude for each
cell tower, and thereafter use the latitude and longitude and the
signal strength for each cell tower to calculate a location for the
adapter 100 using well-known triangulation techniques. See U.S.
Pat. No. 7,397,424, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Alternatively, the CPU 135 may query a database system with the
latitude and longitude of each cell tower along with its
corresponding signal strength and have the database system return
location identifying information for the adapter 100, such as a
calculated location of the adapter 100 expressed in the form of
latitude and longitude coordinates.
[0035] Once the location identifying information, such as latitude
and longitude coordinates, have been determined, a database system,
such as Google maps may be queried by the CPU 135 (via an
associated computer and its broadband link) using Google maps APIs
to identify the corresponding closest address (or other location
identifying information) for the adapter 100 based on the given
latitude and longitude. The CPU 135 may then cause the display 105
to display location identifying information for the adapter 100,
including the address information received from Google maps
database system.
[0036] Once the CPU 135 determines a location of the adapter 100,
it may, in connection with the handling of an emergency call,
transfer, via a cellular network or a packet switched network,
location identifying information to a remote device (such as a
computer operated by a PSAP) to aid emergency personnel in
identifying the location of said communication device. The CPU 135
may implement said emergency call as a cellular-based call via said
cellular network using the cellular chip 130 or a VoIP call via
said packet switched network. By way of example, the CPU 135 may
use the routing techniques described below in order to route the
call using the cellular network or the packet switched network in
the manner described below.
[0037] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
location identifying information may be provided to Intrado Inc., a
location based service which maintains a database of registered
locations for the adapter 100. The Intrado service, in turn, may
provide the location identifying information directly to a PSAP.
Although the Intrado service may receive location identifying
information in the form of an address, it can also convert the
location information from latitude and longitude to address
information and forward the same to the PSAP.
[0038] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the location identifying information that is forwarded to the PSAP
(or to another location based service) in connection with the
handling of an emergency call will be either a registered location
that is closest to the calculated location of the adapter 100, or
closest to the calculated location if it is within a predetermined
distance from the registered location. The CPU 135 may store
registered location information in local memory and evaluate the
calculated location of the adapter 100 relative to the registered
location information in local memory to identify the closest
registered location to the location of the adapter 100, and whether
the calculated location and the registered location are within a
predetermined distance of each other. The registered location
information may include one or more registered locations. If the
calculated location of the adapter 100 is not a registered location
or within a certain distance of a registered location, the CPU 135
may update the registered location to the calculated location, or
may prompt a user to update the registered location information by
noting the discrepancy between the calculated location and the
registered location and, by way of example, selecting the most
current calculated location of the adapter 100 as a suggested new
registered location. The CPU 135 may display a prompt for the user
to update the registered location on the display 105. The user may
select the calculated location of the adapter 100 by selecting a
particular key on a keyboard of the handset 135 or of the computer.
The CPU 135 may cause the location to be displayed on the display
105 to aid the user in selecting the current calculated location of
the adapter 100 as a registered location.
[0039] Although the operation of the CPU 135 of the adapter 100 has
been described above, it may be that one or more of each of the
operations described above may be performed by the CPU of another
device, such as a computer that is coupled to the adapter 100.
[0040] In an embodiment of the invention, the CPU 135 may execute
software that routes emergency calls to the cellular chip 130 which
establishes a two-way communication channel corresponding to the
emergency call, the two-way communication channel being established
over a cellular network. Specifically, in one embodiment, if the
CPU 135 determines that the cellular chip 130 can engage in two-way
communication via the cellular network, then the CPU 135 proceeds
to route the call over a cellular network via the cellular chip. By
way of example, the CPU 135 may determine that the cellular chip
130 can engage in two-way communication via the cellular network by
determining if a cellular signal is present. In an alternative
embodiment, the CPU 135 may determine that the cellular chip 130
can engage in two-way communication via the cellular network by
measuring the strength of a cellular signal and comparing it to a
pre-determined standard. If the CPU determines that the cellular
chip 130 can not engage in two-way communication via the cellular
network, then the CPU 135 proceeds to route the call over the VoIP
network. In another embodiment, the CPU attempts to route the call
over a cellular network, and if the attempt fails, then the CPU 135
proceeds to route the call over the VoIP network, via, for example,
a router and/or broadband modem.
[0041] FIG. 1(b) illustrates one example of the components of a
device, which is an adapter 100, such as a network adapter,
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Again, these
components may be employed in a number of other systems and devices
of the present invention.
[0042] The adapter 100 includes a central processing unit 135
connected to the relay 160 via subscriber line interface (SLIC) 140
and the DAA 145. The relay 160 is used to isolate and bridge an
analog telephone handset (165) to the adaptor 100. In some
instances, a digital telephone handset may be employed. In
addition, a separate handset may not be required if a headset,
microphone, and/or speakers of a computer are employed.
[0043] The adapter 100 includes a subscriber line interface (SLIC)
140 and a data access arrangement (DAA) circuit 145. The SLIC 140
is responsible for emulating a central office. It generates a ring
current, detects on-hook and off-hook transition and notifies the
central processing unit (CPU) 135 of any signal transition. The
SLIC 140 also performs A/D conversion on input voice signal and may
also perform D/A conversion on voice signal to be processed by the
telephone handset (165). The DAA 145 detects a ring current and
notifies the CPU 135 of the presence of a ring current. The DAA 145
also creates off-hook and on-hook transactions in order to emulate
a telephone handset back to the phone company's central office, and
it also performs A/D and/or D/A conversion on signals transmitting
to and from the equivalent of a central office (not shown).
[0044] The CPU 135 controls the adapter 100 via programmable
software. The CPU 135 is a microprocessor, of a kind that is well
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Integrated into the CPU
135 is digital signal processor software (not shown) which
processes voice signal data in real time.
[0045] Connected to the CPU 135 are several memory devices, such as
flash memory 110 and SDRAM 115. The flash memory 110 may be used to
store information permanently, such as configuration information
and program code, when the adapter 100 is turned off. The SDRAM 115
may be used as a working storage for the CPU 135 during operation.
The adapter 100 may have the capability to be attached directly to
a laptop or desktop personal computer via a USB connector 170.
[0046] Also connected to the CPU 135 is a cellular chip 130
implementing a transceiver which allows the adapter 100 to access a
cellular network. The cellular chip 130 may be connected to the CPU
135 or it may be integrated with the CPU 135 on a circuit (with or
without other components). The cellular chip 130 and/or CPU 135
monitor signals received from cellular towers, gathers cellular
tower identifiers from these signals, determines signal strength,
and upon receipt of the locations of cellular towers derived from
the cellular tower identifiers, can calculate the local position of
the adapter 100. The local position of the adapter 100 may be used
to update the registered location of the adapter 100 and may be
transferred to a PSAP to aid emergency personnel in identifying the
location of the adapter 100. Although the local position (or
registered location) of the adapter 100 may be forwarded to the
PSAP via a cellular network, it may also be sent to the PSAP via a
VoIP network. The cellular chip 130 receives voice data from the
CPU 135 and modulates and transmits the data in a known way to
communicate with another user via the cellular network. The
cellular chip 130 functions in a duplex manner to allow voice
conversations over the cellular network. In an embodiment of the
invention, the CPU 135 may execute software that routes emergency
calls to the cellular chip 130 which establishes a two-way
communication channel corresponding to the emergency call, the
two-way communication channel being established over a cellular
network. Specifically, if the transceiver detects the presence of a
cellular network, then the CPU 135 attempts to route the call over
the cellular network. If not, then the CPU 135 proceeds to route
the call over the VoIP network. Or if the transceiver detects the
presence of a cellular network, but the attempt to route the call
over the cellular network fails, then the CPU 135 proceeds to route
the call over the VoIP network.
[0047] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is provided for illustration
purposes and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art that the elements that make up the
communications network can vary and be optimized for different
applications.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a communications network 200, according
to an embodiment of the invention. The communications network 200
includes a telephone 205, cellular network 210, adapter 100, a
connector such as a USB connector 220, laptop computer 225,
personal computer 230, router 235, a broadband modem 240, Internet
245, gateway 250, public safety answering point (PSAP) 255, VoIP
end-user, and PSTN end-user.
[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the adapter 100
may include a wireless network card 125 which allows the adapter
100 to wirelessly connect to a wide area network, such as the
Internet 245. As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 100 may transmit
digitized voice signals to a router 235. The router 235 is of a
kind well known by those of ordinary skill in the art, such as an
802.11g router. The router 235 may receive the voice signal and
convert it into a packet format for transmission over the Internet
245. Accordingly, the adapter 100 need not be physically connected
to the router 235 and therefore does not have to be in close
physical proximity to the router 235. Alternatively, the adapter
100 may include a connector such as a USB connector for connecting
directly to a laptop or desktop computer. In yet another
embodiment, the adapter 100 may include a connector such as a USB
connector for connecting directly to a router or broadband modem
(which may be a cable, fiber optic, or dsl modem).
[0050] The adapter 100 can receive voice inputs from a telephone
205, or from a laptop computer 225 or personal computer 230. In
addition, the adapter 100 can receive voice inputs via a connector
such as a USB connector 220.
[0051] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the laptop computer
225 or the personal computer 230 may be connected directly to the
router 235, which permits connection to the Internet via the
broadband modem 240. The computer may also include a wireless
network card 125 which allows the computer to wirelessly connect to
a wide area network, such as the Internet 245. The computer may
transmit digitized voice signals to a router 235. The router 235 is
of a kind well known by those of ordinary skill in the art, such as
an 802.11g router. The router 235 may receive the voice signal and
convert it into a packet format for transmission over the Internet
245. Accordingly, the computer need not be physically connected to
the router 235 and therefore does not have to be in close physical
proximity to the router 235. Alternatively, the computer may
include a connector such as an Ethernet or USB connector for
connecting directly to the router 235 or broadband modem 240.
[0052] The computer can receive voice inputs from a telephone 205,
or from an adapter 100. Alternatively, the computer can receive
voice inputs via a connector such as a USB connector 220.
[0053] As stated above and with reference to FIG. 1(a), the adapter
100 may include a wireless network card 125. The wireless network
card 125 is of a kind known to one of ordinary skill in the art,
such 802.11b and 802.11g PCI cards. The wireless network card 125
in the adapter 100 can be configured to transmit the digitized
voice data across several different networks. One of ordinary skill
in the art can appreciate that there are numerous types of wireless
PCI cards allowing access to numerous networks, such as Wi-Fi,
Wi-Max, EV-DO and HSPDA and others.
[0054] The router 235 is optional. In one embodiment, the router
235 transmits the digitized voice signal to the broadband modem
240. The broadband modem 240 can be a wireless broadband modem and
can include a cellular link. In another embodiment, the digitized
voice signals may be provided to the broadband modem 240 without an
intervening router (not shown). Devices such as routers act as
access points, or portals, to a packet switched network, such as
the Internet 245. The broadband modem 240 encodes and transmits the
digitized voice signal across a packet switched network such as the
Internet 245. The broadband modem 240 can be cable modem, DSL or
fiber optic modem, or satellite or other wireless broadband links.
One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the router 235
could be a stand-alone router for a home user or a server in an
enterprise setting.
[0055] In one embodiment, the transmitted packetized voice signals
are received and decoded and converted to analog or digitized voice
signals by a soft phone client running on a remote computer. In
another embodiment, the transmitted packetized voice signals are
received and decoded and converted to analog or digitized voice
signals by a gateway 250 and then sent to a PSTN end user at the
far-end.
[0056] The adapter 100 also includes a cellular chip 130 which may
be used for diverting emergency 911 calls from the VoIP system. The
CPU 135 in conjunction with the transceiver periodically scans
cellular signals from the cellular tower or towers to determine if
there is a cellular signal and to determine the cellular tower
identifier(s) of the cellular towers. The transceiver may scan
cellular signals at any frequency. In one embodiment, for example,
the transceiver may continually scan cellular signals from the
cellular tower or towers. In another embodiment, for example, the
transceiver may intermittently scan cellular signals. The CPU 135
may use the cellular tower identifier(s) and signal strengths to
determine the location of the adapter 100 in the manner described
above. Once the location of the adapter 100 has been determined,
that location identifying information may be stored in its local
memory for later use. If there is a subsequent emergency call, then
the location identifying information associated with the adapter
may be used later to communicate location identifying information
to the PSAP over a cellular network or a packet-switched network to
aid emergency personnel in identifying the location of the adapter
100.
[0057] When the adapter 100 detects an emergency call, if the
transceiver detected the presence of a cellular signal, then the
CPU 135 may attempt to initiate two-way communication with PSAP 255
over the cellular network via the cellular chip 130. If it is
unsuccessful in establishing two-way communication with PSAP 255,
then it will route the call as a VoIP call. If the transceiver did
not detect the presence of a cellular signal, then the CPU 135
outputs the call as a VoIP call.
[0058] In the event that the emergency call is transmitted over the
cellular network, then the PSAP 255 receives the call and processes
the call as it would process any other call received over the
cellular network. The manner in which these calls are processed is
known in the art.
[0059] In the event that the call is transmitted as a VoIP call,
the broadband modem 240 encodes and transmits the packetized voice
signal across a packet switched network such as the Internet 245.
In one embodiment, the transmitted packetized voice signals are
received at a gateway 250 where they are decoded and converted to
analog or digitized voice signals. In one embodiment, the gateway
250 that converts the signal from packetized voice signals to
analog or digitized voice signals may be part of the VoIP service
provider infrastructure. In another embodiment, the gateway 250
that converts the signal from packetized voice signals to analog or
digitized voice signals may be part of the infrastructure of a
service provider specializing in emergency communications
infrastructure. In either case, the analog or digitized voice
signals are then sent to the PSAP 255 in a manner known in the art.
In another embodiment, the gateway 250 that converts the signal
from packetized voice signals to analog or digitized voice signals
may be part of the PSAP infrastructure. In yet another embodiment,
if the PSAP is capable of receiving packetized voice signals, then
the packetized voice signals are sent directly to the PSAP without
conversion to analog or digitized voice signals. In accordance with
the present invention, whether the emergency call is completed via
a cellular network or a VoIP network, location identifying
information corresponding to the location of the adapter 100 will
be sent to the PSAP 255 to aid emergency personnel in identifying
the location of the adapter 100.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of making
an emergency call 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The process 300 is described with respect to the adapter
100 shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), but may be applied to other
systems.
[0061] As shown in step 305, the CPU in conjunction with the
transceiver is periodically scanning signals from the cellular
tower or towers to determine if there are one or more cellular
signal(s) and to determine the cellular tower identifiers for the
cellular towers from which those cellular signals were transmitted
to facilitate identifying the location of the adapter 100 using the
cellular tower identifiers and the corresponding signal strengths
of the cellular signals in the manner described above. In step 310,
the SLIC 140 detects an off-hook event and notifies the CPU 135.
The DSP (not shown) embedded in the CPU 135 awaits the receipt of
the first DTMF digit from the handset. In step 315, the CPU 135
determines that the call is to be an emergency call. This is
determined by the user inputting known DTMF digits according to
emergency services, such as 911 calls, 311 calls, and other
services known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0062] In step 320, if the CPU in conjunction with the transceiver
detected the presence of a cellular signal in step 305, then the
CPU 135 routes the call, along with location identifying
information associated with the adapter 100, to a cellular network
via the cellular chip 130. The cellular network chip 130 (or
cellular network circuit) acts to modulate the voice signal in a
manner which allows it to be transmitted over a cellular network.
It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there
are numerous ways to implement a cellular network, such as GSM,
CDMA, UMTS, LTE and the embodiment provided is not meant to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0063] In step 330, the cellular network attempts to transmit the
emergency call, along with location identifying information
associated with the adapter 100, to the appropriate public safety
answering point (PSAP) in a way known to one of ordinary skill in
the art. By way of example, the cellular network determines the
location of the caller, as it does for other cellular callers, and
transmits location information to the PSAP along with the actual
call. If the transmission of the call over the cellular network is
successful, the call is connected to the PSAP in step 340, and the
emergency call begins over the cellular network.
[0064] If the transmission of the call over the cellular network is
not successful, then the CPU routes the call as a VoIP call in step
345. In step 355, the soft phone encodes and transmits the
packetized voice signal across a packet switched network such as
the Internet. In step 360, the signal goes through a gateway, where
it is converted into an analog or digitized voice signal and
connected to a switch which routes the emergency call to the local
authorities. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the
packetized signal may go directly to the local authorities without
going through a gateway.
[0065] In further embodiments of the invention, emergency call
re-routing functionality may be placed in other components of a
telephone system. For example, a cellular interface and re-routing
functionality could be implemented within a telephone handset,
within a specialized adaptor coupled to a handset, or within a
conventional personal computer coupled in some manner to a handset,
headset, or other audio system.
[0066] In step 350, if the CPU in conjunction with the transceiver
did not detect the presence of a cellular signal in step 310, then
the CPU routes the call as a VoIP call. In step 355, the soft phone
encodes and transmits the packetized voice signal across a packet
switched network such as the Internet. In step 360, the signal goes
through a gateway, where it is converted into an analog or
digitized voice signal and connected to a switch which routes the
emergency call to the local authorities. In other embodiments of
the invention (not shown), the packetized signal may go directly to
the local authorities without going through a gateway.
[0067] In addition, in further embodiments of the invention,
determining whether there is a cellular signal may take place in
other components of a telephone system. For example, the signal
strength determination could be implemented within a telephone
handset, within a specialized adaptor coupled to a handset or
within a conventional personal computer coupled in some manner to a
handset, headset or other audio system.
[0068] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) may be used to explain several
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4(a) depicts a communications
network 400, including a telephone 405, USB adapter 410, computer
415, and packet-switched network 420, such as the Internet. In
particular, the telephone 405 is coupled to the computer 415 via
the USB adaptor 410, but that specific interface is included only
by way of example and is not necessary or important to the
invention. For example, the telephone 405 may itself be a USB phone
and therefore capable of connecting directly to the computer 415
via a USB interface, making an intervening adaptor unnecessary.
Other communication protocols may also be used in addition to or
instead of USB.
[0069] In the system of FIG. 4(a), typical calls using the
telephone 405 would be routed through the adaptor 410 and computer
415 to a packet-switched network 420 using VoIP technology. Since
emergency calls over such a system present problems, as described
above, the present invention also provides for the inclusion of
emergency call re-routing functionality over a cellular interface,
or over some other interface designated for emergency situations.
Specifically, the telephone 405, the adaptor 410, or the computer
415 may include a cellular (or emergency) interface, such as a
cellular chip or PCMCIA card, and re-routing intelligence, such as
specialized application software. The re-routing intelligence,
which may be on a CPU separate from the cellular interface or
incorporated therein, is capable of detecting that an emergency
call is being made, by detecting that "911" has been dialed for
example, and (1) re-routing the call over the cellular interface to
a cellular network 425 if two-way communication is possible over
the cellular network 425, or (2) re-routing the call over the VoIP
network if such two-way communication is not possible. The
determination of whether two-way communication is possible is made
by scanning cellular signals from the cellular tower or towers and
if a cellular signal is detected, then attempting two-way
communication over the cellular network. In addition, if a cellular
signal is detected, the re-routing intelligence will determine
whether the attempted two-way communication over the cellular
network was successful. If the attempted two-way communication over
the cellular network was not successful, then the re-routing
intelligence may re-route the call over the VoIP network.
[0070] Although the use of specific re-routing intelligence has
been discussed, the present invention may use the cellular network
to determine location information for the adapter 410 in the manner
discussed above, but actually facilitate the completion of
emergency calls using only one type of network (e.g., cellular
network or packet switched network) without any re-routing option.
Once the location of the adapter 100 has been determined, that
location identifying information may be stored in its local memory
for later use. If there is a subsequent emergency call, then the
location identifying information associated with the adapter may be
used later to communicate location identifying information to the
PSAP over a cellular network or a packet-switched network to aid
emergency personnel in identifying the location of the adapter
100.
[0071] Note that the cellular interface, the transceiver, and the
re-routing intelligence may be included in the phone 405, in the
adaptor 410, or in the computer 415. Also note, however, that none
of these components need to be located in the same physical device
as any of the others. For example, the re-routing intelligence may
re-route an emergency call by signaling a separate component that
actually includes the cellular interface. In one embodiment, the
telephone 405 is an ordinary telephone, while the adaptor 410
includes the cellular interface and the transceiver and the
computer 415 includes the re-routing intelligence. In such a
system, the re-routing intelligence of the computer 415 detects
that an emergency call has been made and checks for a cellular
signal. By way of example, the computer itself may detect that an
emergency call has been made and check for the presence of a
cellular signal, or it may signal the adaptor 410 to check for the
presence of a cellular signal. Depending on the implementation, the
computer 415 and/or the adaptor must be provided with the
capability to detect and respond to such signaling and also to
re-route calls over the cellular interface.
[0072] In yet another embodiment, the cellular interface is
disposed within the telephone 405 while the re-routing intelligence
is disposed within the computer 415. In this embodiment, a similar
detection and signaling process occurs between the computer and the
phone, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Note also that in such an embodiment a separate adaptor component
is unnecessary. In those embodiments where the re-routing
intelligence and emergency interface are disposed within computer
415, neither telephone 405 nor adaptor 410 would be necessary,
particularly where the computer 415 includes all the usual
functionality of a normal handset as would be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0073] FIG. 4(b) shows the communications network 400 according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the system of FIG.
4(b), the adaptor 410 includes a cellular (or emergency) interface
including a transceiver, such as a cellular chip or PCMCIA card
along with re-routing intelligence, as indicated above.
[0074] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of re-routed and non-re-routed
emergency calls in accordance with certain aspects of the invention
500. In step 505, the transceiver is periodically scanning cellular
signals from the cellular tower or towers to determine if there is
a cellular signal, gathering cell tower identifier(s), monitoring
signal strength and identifying a location of the adapter. In step
510, the user makes a call. In step 515, the re-routing
intelligence determines if the call is an emergency call. If not,
the call is routed, along with location identifying information,
via a packetized signal as, for example, a VoIP call (not shown).
If the transceiver did not detect a cellular signal in step 505,
then the emergency call is routed, along with location identifying
information corresponding to the adapter (if available), in the
normal VoIP fashion in step 535. If the transceiver did detect a
cellular signal in step 505, then the emergency call is re-routed,
along with location identifying information corresponding to the
adapter, to the emergency interface, which in this example is a
cellular interface, i.e., cellular chip, in step 520. As noted
above, the cellular interface may be disposed in any of various
system components and the re-routing may entail certain signaling
between components. As shown in step 525, once the call has been
re-routed, there is an attempt to transmit the call over the
cellular interface to a cellular network, which in turn transmits
the call and special service information, including caller location
information, such as location identifying information corresponding
to the adapter, to a PSAP, in a conventional manner, as shown in
step 530.
[0075] If either the attempt to re-route the emergency call to the
emergency interface fails (not shown) or the attempt to transmit
the call over the cellular interface to a cellular network fails,
then the call is routed (along with location identifying
information corresponding to the adapter, if available) in the
normal VoIP fashion in step 540. As noted above, the present
invention may use the cellular network to determine location
information for a communication device in the manner discussed
above, but actually facilitate the completion of emergency calls
using only one type of network (e.g., cellular network or packet
switched network) without any re-routing option.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a computer system 600 including a device 605
for use with a computer 650. The device 605 includes control logic
610, such as a controller, a dedicated processor and/or a CPU that
receives a first signal, such as an analog or digital signal. The
analog signal may be a dual-tone multi-frequency based signal. If
the control logic 610 receives an analog signal, it may have some
associated analog to digital converter to convert the analog signal
to a digital signal for processing. Also, if the first signal 618
is a digital signal 618, it may have been converted from an analog
signal 615 via the use of an analog to digital converter 620, which
could be included in the device 605. Also, the reference to a
signal herein may include a signal incorporating multiple
signals.
[0077] In one embodiment, the CPU in conjunction with the first
transceiver 630 periodically scans cellular signals from the
cellular tower or towers to determine if there is at least one
cellular signal, gather cellular tower identifier(s), and monitor
cellular signal strength(s) of the cellular signals from the
cellular towers to facilitate identifying the location of the
device 650 in the manner described above in connection with adapter
100 and transferring location identifying information corresponding
to the device to emergency personnel to aid in locating the device.
The control logic 610 evaluates the first signal 618 to determine
whether the first signal 618 corresponds to an emergency call,
which may be an emergency "911" call. The control logic 610 outputs
a second signal 625 if it is determined that the first signal 618
corresponds to an emergency call and that a cellular signal is
present, as described below. The second signal 625 may be identical
to the first signal 618 or merely derived from the first signal
618.
[0078] The first transceiver 630 receives the second signal 625
from the control logic 610 and the first transceiver attempts to
transmit a radio signal 633 to establish a two-way communication
channel corresponding to the emergency call upon receipt of the
second signal 625. The control logic 610 will therefore only send
the second signal 625 to the first transceiver 630 if a cellular
signal is detected by the first transceiver. The device 605 will
then be permitted to attempt to make an emergency services call
through a two-way communication channel that may include a
commercial mobile radio service ("CMRS"). In an alternative
embodiment, the transceiver does not periodically scan for cellular
signals for all emergency calls and the second signal will be sent
to the transceiver which will attempt to transmit a radio signal
633 to establish a two-way communication channel corresponding to
the emergency call.
[0079] The control logic 610 may also determine if the first signal
615 corresponds to an outbound call other than an emergency call,
if a cellular signal is not present, or if the attempt to transmit
the emergency call using the cellular network fails. In any of
these cases, the control logic provides a third signal 626 to the
computer 650. The computer 650 then facilitates the transfer of a
voice communication 655, which is a packetized signal,
corresponding to the outbound call, via one or more data networks
660. The outbound call may be implemented as a VoIP call. The voice
communication 655 may include at least one packet of data (not
shown) which may also include an address (not shown) corresponding
to a remote device 675 that is to receive the packet of data.
[0080] As noted above, the present invention may use the cellular
network to determine location information for the device 605 in the
manner discussed above, but actually facilitate the completion of
emergency calls using only one type of network (e.g., cellular
network or packet switched network) without any re-routing
option.
[0081] The device 605 may include a connector 635 that couples the
device to the computer 650. The connector 635 may be a USB
connector or an Ethernet or other connector. The device 605 may
also be wirelessly coupled to a computer via, for example, a second
transceiver 640.
[0082] The control logic 610 and/or the first transceiver 630 may
be implemented on an application specific integrated chip (not
shown), which will greatly facilitate its use in a miniature
device. The control logic 610 and/or first transceiver 630 may be
implemented on a card (e.g., a PCMCIA card) (not shown) to be
inserted within a slot of the computer 650. Alternatively, the
control logic 610 and/or first transceiver 630 may be built into
the computer 650, obviating the need for a separate device 605 or
simplifying the device 605 by having only the control logic 610 or
first transceiver 630 located therein. In a streamlined
implementation of a preferred embodiment, the device 610 and/or
computer 650 may be implemented without a subscriber identity
module or a connector for a subscriber identity module.
[0083] The computer 650 includes one or more processors 680 (e.g.,
CPU), controllers (not shown) and/or control logic (not shown)
coupled to memory 685, such as a RAM, a ROM, an SDRAM, an EEPROM, a
flash memory, a hard drive, an optical drive and/or a floppy drive.
The control logic 610 of the device 605 may also have such memory
associated with it to store software and/or data used by the
software to implement the present invention.
[0084] The computer 650 may be accessible to a user directly or
indirectly via one or more data networks 660, such as a local area
network, wide area network, wireless network, or the Internet. If
the computer 650 is directly accessible, the user may interact with
the computer 650 via input output devices (not shown), such as a
keyboard, mouse, trackball, or touch screen. In addition, the
computer 650 may have a display 695, such as a monitor, LCD
display, or plasma display, which displays information to the user.
The computer 650 may also be coupled to a printer (not shown) for
printing information.
[0085] The software application code may be stored in a computer
readable medium such as memory. In one embodiment, the computer 650
may store in a computer readable media, such as the memory 685, the
software (and corresponding data) that is used to implement an
embodiment of the present invention. However, other computer
readable media may be employed as well, e.g., a RAM, a ROM, an
SDRAM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, an optical drive
and/or a floppy drive. Also stored in the memory 685 of the
computer 650 are the data relied upon by the software application
code of the present invention. The software application code may
also be implemented in hardware via dedicated device incorporating
control logic or a controller, for example. The software
application code includes software instructions to be executed by
the processor 680 or some other processor which is separate from
the CPU of the computer 650. Alternatively, the software may be
executed by a processor, a controller, or control logic on the
device 605. In other embodiments, the software (and corresponding
data) that is used to implement the invention may be stored in
memory on the device.
[0086] In execution, the software application code causes the
processor 680 to receive one or more first signals from one or more
cellular towers, gather cellular tower identifier(s) corresponding
to those cellular towers, monitor the corresponding signal
strength(s) of those first signal(s), and identify a location of
the device 605 based on at least the cellular tower identifier(s)
and the corresponding signal strength(s) of the first signal(s).
Thereafter the software application code causes the processor 680
to receive a second signal (e.g., the second signal 618) and
evaluate the second signal to determine whether the second signal
corresponds to an emergency call. The software application code may
do so by, for example, evaluating a signal representing the
frequencies of one or more signals corresponding to key presses in
a DTMF implementation. Accordingly, if key presses corresponding to
"9", "1", "1" are associated with an emergency call, then it shall
be determined whether a signal includes indicia of frequencies
corresponding to those key presses to identify an emergency call.
The software application code also causes the processor 630 to
output a third signal (e.g., the third signal 625) to a first
transceiver (e.g., the first transceiver 630) if it is determined
that the second signal corresponds to an emergency call and that a
cellular signal is present. The first transceiver is capable of
receiving the third signal (including location identifying
information associated with the device 605) from the processor and
transmitting a corresponding radio signal (e.g., the radio signal
633) to establish a two-way communication channel corresponding to
the emergency call upon receipt of the second signal. The emergency
call may be made to, for example, an emergency operator who will
also receive the location identifying information associated with
the device 605 which will aid emergency personnel, including the
emergency operator, in locating the device 605.
[0087] In execution, the software application code may also cause
the processor 680 to determine that the first signal corresponds to
an outbound call other than the emergency call, that a cellular
signal is not present, or that an attempted connection over the
cellular network failed. In any of these cases, the processor 680
may facilitate the transfer of a voice communication (e.g., the
voice communication 655, which may be a digital signal)
corresponding to the outbound call via one or more data networks
660. However, the present invention may use the cellular network to
determine location information for the device 605 in the manner
discussed above, but actually facilitate the completion of
emergency calls using only one type of network (e.g., cellular
network or packet switched network) without any re-routing option.
In the case of detecting non-emergency calls, this may be
accomplished in a manner similar to that described above in
connection with the detection of an emergency call in a DTMF based
implementation, except that a signal is evaluated to determine that
it does not contain an indicia of frequencies corresponding to
those key presses which are associated with an emergency call. As
noted above, the outbound call may be implemented as a VoIP call
and the voice communication may include at least one packet of data
which may include an address corresponding to a remote device 1150
that is to receive the packet of data.
[0088] FIG. 7 depicts a method for making a telephone call 700
according to an embodiment of the invention. The method includes
step 705, periodically scanning first signals (in this instance
cellular signals) from the cellular tower or towers to determine if
there is at least one cellular signal present, gathering cellular
tower identifier(s) corresponding to those cellular towers,
monitoring the corresponding signal strength(s) of those first
signal(s), and identifying a location of the device 605 based on at
least the cellular tower identifier(s) and the corresponding signal
strength(s) of the first signal(s). Next is step 710, evaluating,
in a computer or a device (for use with a computer), a second
signal (e.g., the second signal 615) to determine whether the
second signal corresponds to an emergency call, such as an
emergency "911" call. The second signal may be an analog or digital
voice signal. The analog signal may be a dual-tone multi-frequency
based signal. If the second signal is a packetized signal, it may
have been converted from an analog or digitized voice signal via
the use of an analog to digital converter (e.g., the analog to
digital converter 620). Thereafter, if the second signal
corresponds to an emergency call and there is a cellular signal in
step 715, then the control logic transmits a third signal
(including location identifying information associated with the
device 605) to the transceiver in step 720 and the transceiver
(e.g., the first transceiver 630, which may or may not be located
in the device 605) transmits a radio signal to establish a two-way
communication channel corresponding to the emergency call in step
725. The two-way communication channel may include a commercial
mobile radio service ("CMRS").
[0089] If the two way communication channel is unsuccessful 730,
then the control logic transmits a third signal (including, if
available, location identifying information associated with the
device 605) to the computer in step 740. Likewise, if after step
710, it is determined that the second signal corresponds to a
non-emergency call or if there is no cellular signal 735, then the
control logic transmits a third signal to the computer in step 740.
Thereafter, in step 745, a voice communication is transmitted via a
data network (e.g., the data network 660), the voice communication
(which may be a packetized signal) corresponding to the outbound
call. As noted above, the outbound call may be implemented as a
VoIP call and the voice communication may include at least one
packet of data and an address corresponding to a remote device
(e.g., the remote device 675) that is to receive the packet of
data.
[0090] As noted above, the present invention may use the cellular
network to determine location information for a communication
device in the manner discussed above, but actually facilitate the
completion of emergency calls using only one type of network (e.g.,
cellular network or packet switched network) without any re-routing
option.
[0091] FIG. 8 depicts the transmission of an emergency call 800
according to one embodiment of the invention. In step 805, an
emergency call is placed using a VoIP device containing a cellular
chip. In step 810, it is determined whether a cellular signal is
present. This determination may be based on whether the CPU in
conjunction with a transceiver detects the presence of a cellular
signal from the cellular tower or towers (not shown). The CPU in
conjunction with the transceiver may attempt to detect the presence
of a cellular network before step 805, during step 805, after step
805, or any combination thereof. If is it determined that there is
a cellular network present, then the cellular tower identifiers
will be gathered and the cellular signal strengths will be
monitored to facilitate identification of the location of the VoIP
device. Thereafter, the CPU attempts transmission of the call over
the cellular network 815. In step 825, the CPU determines if the
transmission of the call over the cellular network was successful.
If the transmission is successful 830, the call is connected to the
PSAP using cellular technology and location identifying information
associated with the VoIP device is also transferred to the PSAP
from the VoIP device. Likewise, if it is determined that a cellular
network is not present, then the call is routed as a VoIP call in
step 835. If the transmission is not successful, the call is routed
as a VoIP call in step 845 (along with location identifying
information associated with the VoIP device, if available).
However, the present invention may use the cellular network to
determine location information for the VoIP device in the manner
discussed above, but actually facilitate the completion of
emergency calls using only one type of network (e.g., cellular
network or packet switched network) without any re-routing option.
In step 850, the VoIP call is sent to a gateway where the call is
then connected to the PSAP. In some instances, the gateway may
convert the call from packetized voice signals to analog or
digitized voice signals. In other cases, it may remain as
packetized voice signals through to the PSAP.
[0092] When the emergency call is routed as a VoIP call, the
conversion from packetized voice signals to analog or digitized
voice signals, if necessary, may occur at a gateway of the VoIP
service provider, or a gateway of a service provider that
specializes in emergency call handling, or a gateway at the PSAP
site, or any other gateway capable of converting packetized voice
signals to analog or digitized voice sign.
[0093] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the process 900 of
determining a location of a communication device using identifying
information received from other remote communication devices. In
accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a communication device is
provided for use with a computer, and includes a transceiver and
control logic.
[0094] In step 910, the control logic receives one or more first
signals carrying corresponding one or more remote communication
device identifiers (e.g., cellular tower identifiers or wireless
access point identifiers (e.g., MAC address)) that each identify
one or more remote communication devices (e.g., cellular towers or
wireless access points). In step 920, the control logic determines
one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals.
Thereafter, in step 930, the control logic determines a location of
the communication device based on the one or more remote
communication device identifiers (or one or more locations of the
one or more remote communication devices) and the one or more
signal strengths of the first signals from the remote communication
devices. In step 940, it is determined whether the control logic
will update registered location information associated with the
communication device automatically or manually.
[0095] In step 950, the control logic updates the registered
location information automatically. The registration ensures that
emergency personnel will have identifying information for a
particular location at which the communication device may be found.
The control logic may store one or more prior registered locations
for the communication device in memory and may update the
registered location information as new location information is
determined by using the locations of remote communication devices
and the signal strengths of communication signals that have been
received from those remote communication devices to calculate an
estimated location of the communication device using well-known
triangulation techniques. The calculation of the location of the
communication device may occur within the control logic, or may be
done externally by a location positioning service which transfers
relevant location information to the control logic.
[0096] The update of the registered location information includes
assigning the calculated location of the communication device as a
new registered location of said communication device. In accordance
with one aspect of a preferred embodiment, a new registered
location of the communication device is only assigned if the
calculated location of the communication device is more than a
predetermined distance from a registered location that has
previously been assigned to the communication device. If it is not,
then the registered location will be the closest previously
assigned registered location stored in the local memory coupled to
the control logic. This is done out of a recognition that the
calculated location of the communication device is only an estimate
and may not be the actual location of the communication device. In
some instances a location, which was previously identified as the
registered location and which is very close to the calculated
location, may be treated as the actual location of the
communication device.
[0097] If the update is not done automatically, then in step 960 a
user of the communication device may be prompted to update the
registered location information of the communication device using
the calculated location of the communication device. The
above-mentioned indicator is then selected from the registered
location information of the communication device. A display may be
provided for the communication device, and the control logic may
cause the display to display different and user selectable options
for the registered location including the newly calculated
location. In any event, the updating of registered location
information need not be done incident to the handling of an
emergency call, but may be done in advance to facilitate timely
updates to the registered location information that may be stored
in memory associated with the communication device or some other
device coupled thereto.
[0098] Once a registered location for the communication device is
stored in local memory (or a remote database) in step 970, it is
available for later use in the event of an emergency call and may
be transferred in step 980 to a PSAP (to aid emergency personnel in
identifying the location of the communication device) via a
cellular network or a packet switched network. As an alternative to
the use of a registered location, the calculated location may be
transferred to a PSAP without being registered.
[0099] FIG. 9(b) depicts location identifying information for
different components within a cellular network that illustrates the
use of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In addition,
signal strength information associated with cellular communications
within the cellular network is also depicted in FIG. 9(b). In
particular, FIG. 9(b) depicts the location of remote communication
devices (i.e., cellular towers shown as red dots), and the actual
and estimated location of a communication device (i.e., an adapter
whose actual location is shown as a green house and whose estimated
location is shown as a blue dot). The estimated location of the
communication device is calculated in accordance with triangulation
techniques that are well known in the art, as noted above.
Additional location identifying information for the devices is
shown along with signal strength information for signals
transmitted by the remote communication devices (i.e., the cellular
towers) and received by the communication device (i.e. the
adapter). The location identifying information for the
communication device (i.e., the adapter) may be displayed to
facilitate the update of registered location information in the
manner described above.
[0100] Although the above-mentioned embodiments describe how
location identifying information can be sent to emergency personnel
to aid them in identifying the location of a communication device,
which may be a mobile communication device, those embodiments may
be enhanced by also sending a telephone number associated with the
communication device in addition to the location identifying
information. In this way emergency personnel may call the
communication device if the call is dropped for any reason.
[0101] What has been described and illustrated herein is a
preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its
variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set
forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are
possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is
intended to be defined by the following claims, in which all terms
are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise
indicated therein.
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