Abstract: A mobile communication system (400) provides communication service in a plurality of serving cells. Upon the occurrence of an emergency situation, the mobile communication system determines which of the serving cells are affected by the emergency (402), and begins broadcasting an emergency notification message in the affected cells. Mobile communication devices in the affected cells will only be allowed to communicate a status message to inform others of the user's status, or if the user is an emergency subscriber, the emergency subscriber will receive regular communication service. All other communication service requests will be ignored during the emergency situation.

Abstract: A hazard defense system (100) includes a plurality of defense elements (104), and a controller (112). Each defense element can be located in an area (101) and each element includes at least one sensor (205) for monitoring at least one hazard and defense factor, a transceiver (202), and a processor (203) coupled to the at least one sensor and transceiver. The system is programmed to monitor (302) at least one hazard and defense factor, inform (304) the controller of the at least one defense factor, detect (306) a hazard at one or more defense elements, inform (308) the controller of the hazard, establish (310) an exit strategy at the controller according to the hazard and at least one defense factor, inform (312) the plurality of defense elements of the exit strategy, and direct (314) one or more individuals out of the area according to the exit strategy.

Abstract: A system (200) includes a visiting wireless device (202) and a host wireless device (206) that communicate with each other. A shared user interface is commonly used by the two devices. During an ongoing interaction between a user of the visiting device (202) and a user of the host device (206), images of each user (106 and 108) are communicated to the other device and both devices display the images of both user. Through updated images communicated back and forth between the devices, the users “virtually” interact with the shared user interface. A permission level restricts the interactions available to the visiting device (202).

Abstract: A mobile communication device (106) comprising a transceiver (202), and a processor (203) coupled to the transceiver. The processor is programmed to enter (304) an emergency mode corresponding to an alteration type of an element of the mobile communication device, and process (306) messages according to the emergency mode.

Abstract: An image tracking system (100) includes a plurality of cameras (202-208) in a predetermined area coupled to a communication network, a wireless accessory device (104) programmed to transmit an identification tag to the communication network, a selective call device (250) coupled to the communication network, and a processor (240) coupled to the communication network. The processor (240) is programmed to select at least one of the plurality of cameras when receiving from the communication network the identification tag from the wireless accessory device that has come within a predetermined proximity of the communication network, capture an image within a vicinity of the wireless accessory device from at least one camera, and transmit the image to the selective call device via the communication network.

Abstract: A mobile communication device contains event descriptor files that define certain detectable parameters indicative of the occurrence of an event. When the mobile communication device has determined that an event has occurred, the mobile communication device proceeds to send a status message to a preselected party, indicating to the preselected party that the user of the mobile communication device has experienced the event. A wide variety of events may be described and detected, such as arrival at a particular geographic location. The mobile communication device may prompt the user before sending the status message, and may further require the user to verify the user's identity by an authentication procedure.