Abstract: A system and method for prioritizing a wireless communication to a portable communication device (102). In one example, a sensor (121) includes an electronic processor configured to capture an over-the-air identifier (404_1) of a portable communication device (102), determine a capture parameter based on at least one of a count of a number of times of capturing the over-the-air identifier and a last time of capturing the over-the-air identifier of the portable communication device (102), assign a priority level (414_1) to the portable communication device (102) based on the capture parameter, and prioritize the wireless communication between the sensor and the portable communication device (102) based on the priority level (414_1) assigned to the portable communication device (102).

Abstract: A method and system of providing decision support to first responders. One method includes identifying, with an electronic processor, a first plurality of characteristics of a first responder. The method further includes generating, with the electronic processor, a first score for the first responder based on the first plurality of characteristics. The method further includes identifying with the electronic processor, a suspect at an incident area. The method further includes identifying, with the electronic processor, a second plurality of characteristics of the suspect. The method further includes generating, with the electronic processor, a second score for the suspect based on the second plurality of characteristics. The method further includes comparing, with the electronic processor, the first score and the second score. The method further includes outputting, with an output device electrically connected to the electronic processor, a recommended action.

Abstract: A process for selectively activating a guardian camera in response to detecting a distracted user includes first identifying an available camera external to a mobile computing device (MCD) having a field of view that incorporates a current location of a user of the MCD. The MCD then detects that a user's attention is substantially focused on a user interface of the MCD, and responsively transmits an instruction to the available camera to transition to a recording state and/or to begin monitoring an area surrounding the user for unexpected movements or objects. In response to the MCD detecting an indication that the available camera has recorded an unexpected movement or object in the area surrounding the user, the MCD takes a responsive action.

Abstract: Missed voice stream portions are replayed at a late entry subscriber device (SD) in a wireless radio network. The SD joins a voice call on a radio channel via a base station and detects that it is late to the call. The SD continues to receive a remaining portion of the call and plays back the portion of the call. The SD detects an end of the voice call, and (i) transmits a request message including an indication of a first duration of the portion of the call received or (ii) detects a similar message from another SD. The SD then receives an indication of a total duration of the voice call and calculates a third duration as a function of the total duration and the first duration. The SD receives and plays back the missed portion of the call for the third duration.

Abstract: A system and method for prioritizing a wireless communication to a portable communication device (102). In one example a sensor (121) includes an electronic processor configured to capture an over-the-air identifier (404_1) of a portable communication device (102), determine a capture parameter based on at least one of a count of a number of times of capturing the over-the-air identifier and a last time of capturing the over-the-air identifier of the portable communication device (102), assign a priority level (414_1) to the portable communication device (102) based on the capture parameter, and prioritize the wireless communication between the sensor and the portable communication device (102) based on the priority level (414_1) assigned to the portable communication device (102).

Abstract: Improved incident device pairing for safety and security of first responders entering an incident scene area associated with an incident is provided. An electronic computing device (ECD) transmits a request to scan for nearby pairable mobile computing devices to each of a plurality of mobile computing devices (MCDs) associated with the incident. The ECD receives identity information from each MCDs setting forth identities of other MCDs reachable via a short-range wireless communication link. The ECD accesses equipment mapping information that sets forth equipment associated with the MCD or user thereof and identifies a plurality of pairs of MCDs for entering the incident scene area as a function of the identity and equipment mapping information. The ECD then transmits a short-range pairing instruction to each MCD identifying the other mobile computing device in the pair and instructing the MCDs to pair with one another via their short-range wireless communication link.

Abstract: A process for selectively activating a guardian camera in response to detecting a distracted user includes first identifying an available camera external to a mobile computing device (MCD) having a field of view that incorporates a current location of a user of the MCD. The MCD then detects that a user's attention is substantially focused on a user interface of the MCD, and responsively transmits an instruction to the available camera to transition to a recording state and/or to begin monitoring an area surrounding the user for unexpected movements or objects. In response to the MCD detecting an indication that the available camera has recorded an unexpected movement or object in the area surrounding the user, the MCD takes a responsive action.

Abstract: A communications system and method of operation thereof. The communications system includes a communication network, a plurality of subscriber units and accessories, and a communications server. Each of the plurality of accessories are associated with and linked to one of the of subscriber units by a wireless connection. The communications server communicates with the plurality of subscriber units via the communication network, and is configured to obtain and maintain a plurality of data on each of the plurality of subscriber units, and generate a backup list identifying secondary subscriber units to which each of the plurality of accessories can link. Upon detecting a condition where communication drops below a desired level of service, the communication server is configured to identify a secondary subscriber unit from the first accessory's backup list and instruct the secondary subscriber unit to link with the first accessory.

Abstract: A method and system of providing decision support to first responders. One method includes identifying, with an electronic processor, a first plurality of characteristics of a first responder. The method further includes generating, with the electronic processor, a first score for the first responder based on the first plurality of characteristics. The method further includes identifying with the electronic processor, a suspect at an incident area. The method further includes identifying, with the electronic processor, a second plurality of characteristics of the suspect. The method further includes generating, with the electronic processor, a second score for the suspect based on the second plurality of characteristics. The method further includes comparing, with the electronic processor, the first score and the second score. The method further includes outputting, with an output device electrically connected to the electronic processor, a recommended action.

Abstract: Improved incident device pairing for safety and security of first responders entering an incident scene area associated with an incident is provided. An electronic computing device (ECD) transmits a request to scan for nearby pairable mobile computing devices to each of a plurality of mobile computing devices (MCDs) associated with the incident. The ECD receives identity information from each MCDs setting forth identities of other MCDs reachable via a short-range wireless communication link. The ECD accesses equipment mapping information that sets forth equipment associated with the MCD or user thereof and identifies a plurality of pairs of MCDs for entering the incident scene area as a function of the identity and equipment mapping information. The ECD then transmits a short-range pairing instruction to each MCD identifying the other mobile computing device in the pair and instructing the MCDs to pair with one another via their short-range wireless communication link.

Abstract: A multi-system priority scan process including maintaining, at a mobile station (MS), a scan list including channels associated with talkgroups, the talkgroups including one or more trunked radio system talkgroups and one or more conventional radio system talkgroups. The MS negotiates, with a trunked radio system, a working channel for a particular trunked radio system talkgroup out of the trunked radio system talkgroups, the working channel being a traffic channel that the trunked radio system will first attempt to assign a call for that talkgroup. During a subsequent scan for talkgroup for activity associated with the particular trunked radio system talkgroup, the MS switches to the working channel and determines if a carrier is present on the working channel, without switching to a control channel of the trunked radio system to scan for activity associated with the particular trunked radio system talkgroup.

Abstract: A communications system and method of operation thereof. The communications system includes a communication network, a plurality of subscriber units and accessories, and a communications server. Each of the plurality of accessories are associated with and linked to one of the of subscriber units by a wireless connection. The communications server communicates with the plurality of subscriber units via the communication network, and is configured to obtain and maintain a plurality of data on each of the plurality of subscriber units, and generate a backup list identifying secondary subscriber units to which each of the plurality of accessories can link. Upon detecting a condition where communication drops below a desired level of service, the communication server is configured to identify a secondary subscriber unit from the first accessory's backup list and instruct the secondary subscriber unit to link with the first accessory.

Abstract: A multi-system priority scan process including maintaining, at a mobile station (MS), a scan list including channels associated with talkgroups, the talkgroups including one or more trunked radio system talkgroups and one or more conventional radio system talkgroups. The MS negotiates, with a trunked radio system, a working channel for a particular trunked radio system talkgroup out of the trunked radio system talkgroups, the working channel being a traffic channel that the trunked radio system will first attempt to assign a call for that talkgroup. During a subsequent scan for talkgroup for activity associated with the particular trunked radio system talkgroup, the MS switches to the working channel and determines if a carrier is present on the working channel, without switching to a control channel of the trunked radio system to scan for activity associated with the particular trunked radio system talkgroup.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for patching direct-mode talkgroups among dual-watch mobile radios. A mobile radio has first and second receivers, and is in a first talkgroup having a first channel. The mobile radio resides the first receiver on the first channel, and detects either a first patch event or a second patch event. The first patch event is an instruction for a first-channel session. The second patch event is an invitation for a second-channel session. Upon detecting the first patch event, the mobile radio transmits an invitation on the first channel and also on one or more other channels respectively associated with one or more other talkgroups, directing all recipients to the first channel. If the mobile radio detects the second patch event, the mobile radio resides the second receiver on the second channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for implementing a self-managed control channel. A mobile radio is a member of a talkgroup. The mobile radio has first and second receivers, and a preconfigured channel list that includes a control channel and multiple voice channels. The mobile radio monitors which voice channels are busy, and monitors the control channel using the first receiver. The mobile radio detects a session-start event. If that event is a session-start command, the mobile radio selects an idle voice channel and transmits, via the control channel, a session-start notification identifying the talkgroup and specifying the selected voice channel. If that event is receipt, via the control channel, of a session-start notification identifying the talkgroup and specifying a voice channel, the mobile radio determines whether the second receiver is tuned to that voice channel and, if not, tunes the second receiver to that voice channel.

Abstract: Missed voice stream portions are replayed at a late entry subscriber device (SD) in a wireless radio network. The SD joins a voice call on a radio channel via a base station and detects that it is late to the call. The SD continues to receive a remaining portion of the call and plays back the portion of the call. The SD detects an end of the voice call, and (i) transmits a request message including an indication of a first duration of the portion of the call received or (ii) detects a similar message from another SD. The SD then receives an indication of a total duration of the voice call and calculates a third duration as a function of the total duration and the first duration. The SD receives and plays back the missed portion of the call for the third duration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for patching direct-mode talkgroups among dual-watch mobile radios. A mobile radio has first and second receivers, and is in a first talkgroup having a first channel. The mobile radio resides the first receiver on the first channel, and detects either a first patch event or a second patch event. The first patch event is an instruction for a first-channel session. The second patch event is an invitation for a second-channel session. Upon detecting the first patch event, the mobile radio transmits an invitation on the first channel and also on one or more other channels respectively associated with one or more other talkgroups, directing all recipients to the first channel. If the mobile radio detects the second patch event, the mobile radio resides the second receiver on the second channel.

Abstract: A subscriber device joins a talk group and receives, via a control channel, parameters defining a plurality of assigned downlink data transmission periods associated with the talk group on a downlink short data channel. The subscriber device determines from the parameters when a next downlink short data transmission for devices in the talk group will be transmitted on the downlink short data channel. The subscriber device switches to the downlink short data channel during the next transmission period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for implementing a self-managed control channel. A mobile radio is a member of a talkgroup. The mobile radio has first and second receivers, and a preconfigured channel list that includes a control channel and multiple voice channels. The mobile radio monitors which voice channels are busy, and monitors the control channel using the first receiver. The mobile radio detects a session-start event. If that event is a session-start command, the mobile radio selects an idle voice channel and transmits, via the control channel, a session-start notification identifying the talkgroup and specifying the selected voice channel. If that event is receipt, via the control channel, of a session-start notification identifying the talkgroup and specifying a voice channel, the mobile radio determines whether the second receiver is tuned to that voice channel and, if not, tunes the second receiver to that voice channel.

Abstract: A mobile radio has selectable transmit and receive channels, and is in a talkgroup that has a primary channel and multiple auxiliary channels. The mobile radio receives a broadcast-start command, and responsively selects its transmit channel to be the primary channel (if available) or an inactive auxiliary channel (if the primary channel is not available). The mobile radio receives user media via its user interface, and transmits that received user media on its selected transmit channel. The mobile radio scans for an auxiliary channel transitioning from inactive to active. Responsive to detecting such a transition, the mobile radio selects that auxiliary channel as its receive channel. The mobile radio mixes inbound media received on its selected receive channel with user media received via its user interface, and transmits the mixed media on its selected transmit channel.