Abstract: A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) includes a call device (10) with a call button (12), LAN (20), WAN (22), and locator service(s) (26, 42). The PERS further includes a hub or gateway device (30). The call device is programmed to periodically send transmissions to the hub or gateway device using the LAN, recognize based on the transmissions that the call device is no longer in a home geo-fence, and transition to communicating using the WAN in response to recognizing that the call device is no longer in the home geo-fence. The transition also includes turning on the locator service(s). The call button triggers the call device to contact the hub or gateway device using the LAN, or a PERS call center when using the WAN. A speaker (14) and microphone (16) are built into the call device for use when communicating using the WAN.

Abstract: A mobile button device (10) comprises a call button (12), a local wireless link (20) to a communicator (30), and a cellular connection (22). The mobile button device is programmed to perform an alarm reporting method including: originating an alarm by sending the alarm via the local wireless link to the communicator for alarm reporting by the communicator; after sending the alarm to the communicator, monitoring alarm reporting status via the local wireless link to the communicator; and reporting the alarm via the cellular connection in response to the monitoring determining that the communicator failed to report the alarm. For example, the monitoring may include polling the communicator via the local wireless link and the monitoring determines that the communicator failed to report the alarm if the polling indicates the communicator is unavailable (70) or a timeout condition (72) is reached.

Abstract: A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) includes a call device (10) with a call button (12), LAN (20), WAN (22), and locator service(s) (26, 42). The PERS further includes a hub or gateway device (30). The call device is programmed to periodically send transmissions to the hub or gateway device using the LAN, recognize based on the transmissions that the call device is no longer in a home geo-fence, and transition to communicating using the WAN in response to recognizing that the call device is no longer in the home geo-fence. The transition also includes turning on the locator service(s). The call button triggers the call device to contact the hub or gateway device using the LAN, or a PERS call center when using the WAN. A speaker (14) and microphone (16) are built into the call device for use when communicating using the WAN.

Abstract: A mobile button device (10) comprises a call button (12), a local wireless link (20) to a communicator (30), and a cellular connection (22). The mobile button device is programmed to perform an alarm reporting method including: originating an alarm by sending the alarm via the local wireless link to the communicator for alarm reporting by the communicator; after sending the alarm to the communicator, monitoring alarm reporting status via the local wireless link to the communicator; and reporting the alarm via the cellular connection in response to the monitoring determining that the communicator failed to report the alarm. For example, the monitoring may include polling the communicator via the local wireless link and the monitoring determines that the communicator failed to report the alarm if the polling indicates the communicator is unavailable (70) or a timeout condition (72) is reached.

Abstract: A communicator for a personal emergency response system determines, when a power switch is switched on, whether the communicator has previously successfully performed at least one predetermined installation sequence. If the communicator has previously completed the installation sequence, it bypasses the installation sequence. If the communicator has not previously completed the installation sequence, it prompts the user through the installation sequence using a series of audible or text prompts. During the installation sequence, the user is prompted to perform range testing to verify the operation of a transmitter in conjunction with the communicator in the personal emergency alarm system in one or more locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal emergency response system having a home communicator with fully integrated capabilities to provide messages and reminders on a timed basis for the well being, safety and comfort of the subscriber as well as providing the emergency response capabilities of present systems. The invention may be embodied in a small tabletop device which can include a speakerphone and other telephone functions and which is plugged into the telephone line at the subscriber's home or other facility. The unit includes microprocessor-based circuitry including an internal clock and data storage for containing control and message information. Data storage can be via a digital storage chip such as an EPROM. The invention serves as an interactive attendant for the subscriber by which the subscriber can have an increased sense of security in the ability to summon help in the event of an emergency, and in being provided with timely reminders in the course of daily activities.