Abstract: A hazard detector system, comprising: hazard detectors communicatively connected to computing devices; a geolocation detector; an occupancy detector; a power source; an alert device; a secondary location detector; an interaction device. The hazard detectors may be configured to transmit information related to a plurality of hazardous environmental conditions to and from the computing devices. The alert device may provide a perceptible alert to individuals in proximity to the hazard detectors. The geolocation detector may be configured to identify a geographic location of the hazard detector. The interaction device may provide the individuals in proximity of the hazard detector the ability to provide additional information about the hazardous environmental conditions to the computing devices.

Abstract: A middleware messaging system is connected between user devices and content providers possibly through one or more networks. The middleware messaging system includes a coordination manager for coordinating partial messages transmitted between the user devices and the content providers. Partial messages received by the middleware messaging system from one or more sources through one or more channels. Partial messages that are associated with each other comprise a single context and as such are coordinated and transmitted to one or more destinations through one or more channels.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, methods, and media for managing emergency communications providing data sharing amongst groups of devices, proxy calling by one communication device on behalf of another, and seamless data extraction from a communication device by first responders.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes a plurality of radio base stations and a control station connected to the radio base stations. One of the radio base stations notifies state control information including information regarding state control to the control station before or after execution of state control in the one radio base station. The control station notifies at least one of management information regarding the radio parameter updated in accordance with the state control and the state control information to the radio base stations connected to the control station, with the exclusion of the one radio base station that notified the state control information.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for operating a device as a communication proxy for other devices are provided. For example, a method, computing device, or computer-program product may be provided, and may include receiving a device communication using a connection with a first device, determining that the device communication is from the first device, wherein the computing device and the first device are able to connect with a second device, and establishing a connection with the second device, wherein the computing device operates as a communication proxy for the first device by using the connection with the second device to exchange communications with the second device for the first device, and wherein the computing device and the first device include Internet of Things devices and share a common cloud network service provider. The method, computing device, or computer-program product may further include transmitting the device communication using the connection with the second device.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for operating a device as a communication proxy for other devices are provided.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises: a communication unit configured to communicate with external communication apparatuses; a storage unit configured to store history information related to an external communication apparatus with which connection has been established in the past; and a display control unit configured to, during display for selection of an external communication apparatus, display information indicating one or more services provided by the external communication apparatuses, wherein the communication unit receives information related to the services provided by the external communication apparatuses, and based on the received information related to the services provided by the external communication apparatuses and on the history information, the display control unit changes a display appearance used in displaying the information indicating one or more services provided by the external communication apparatuses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a portable radio communication device is provided. The portable radio communication device receives communications on a primary channel and a secondary channel during a dual-watch mode of operation. The portable radio communication device determines whether the portable radio communication device is proximate to a subject. The portable radio communication device suppresses audio from communications of one of the two channels and plays audio from communications of the other channel when the portable communication device is proximate to the subject. Additionally, the portable radio communication device allows transmission to occur only over the channel in which communication is not suppressed when the portable communication device is proximate to the subject.

Abstract: Techniques for file classification information retention are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for file classification information retention comprising receiving an indication of creation of an email attachment, determining, using at least one computer processor, whether to extract file classification information for the email attachment, and in the event file classification information is extracted, storing the extracted file classification information in association with the email.

Abstract: A rip current can include a dangerous flow of water from an area proximate to a beach out to deeper water. An apparatus for generating a rip current warning indication includes an anchor device situated in the water, a flow sensor affixed to the anchor device and monitoring a water current speed, and a warning device in signal communication with the flow sensor. The warning device includes a control module comparing the monitored water current speed to a water current speed threshold. The warning device generates the rip current warning indication based upon the comparing.

Abstract: A dual-satellite emergency locator beacon and method for programming and updating such emergency locator beacons over the air. The system uses a second commercial satellite as the carrier for the data back to the beacon together with the means of coupling these parts together. The system can be manually updated or can be part of a registration system that gets automatically updated. In a second embodiment a method and apparatus for implementing emergency locator beacon registration is provided. The system provides data concerning the user into a backend service which can be utilized to provide all necessary information needed to register the emergency beacon.

Abstract: A distress signaling system capable of withstanding natural disasters, manmade disasters, and other similar events comprising audible and visual signaling devices; a radio frequency receiver/transmitter system; powered by a rechargeable power source coupled with solar cells; and optionally a GPS emergency beacon, a two way communicator, a camera, and an cellular phone application activator; and an installation form enabling the consumer to quickly and easily install the system with no specialized tools or knowledge.

Abstract: A communications system includes a display configured to display at least one time variable image, at least one passive near field communications (NFC) device associated with the display, and a media device. An identifier is associated with the at least one passive NFC device. A mobile wireless communications device includes a second NFC device, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via communication between the at least one passive NFC device and the second NFC device, an identifier for the at least one passive NFC device. The processor is also configured to send, via the wireless transceiver and to the media device, the identifier and the identifier time, and receive, from and media device and via the wireless transceiver, data relating to the at least one time variable image based upon the identifier and an identifier time based upon the identifier.

Abstract: In one example, a mobile device with a panic button includes a surface structured to removably engage a surface of a docking station. The mobile device includes a first interface to communicatively couple the mobile device to the docking station at least when the surfaces are engaged, the first interface comprising a short range wireless transceiver or an electrical connector to make contact an electrical connector of the docking station. The mobile device includes a second interface comprising a long range wireless radio. A processing device of the mobile device is configured to relay messages between the docking station and a remote caregiver computing device using the first and second interfaces to enable synchronization between the mobile device and the docking station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for displaying, organizing, and prioritizing the incoming information on a wireless device. Using the present invention the wireless device can display the number of voice mails, e-mails, pages, and Internet information alerts that have been received by the wireless device during a specified time period. The invention also allows the incoming information to be separated by any number of user-specified criteria such as the originating sender, or divided by work related and personal messages. The present invention allows the wireless device user to see at a glance what kind of information has been received and is being stored on the wireless device.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for automatic distress alerting at sea. The method comprises detecting a distress situation by the sensors, sending a distress signal to the processor device, initiating an alarm for a pre-defined time, confirming the detected distress situation by a responsible officer, sending a distress alert package generated by the processor device through a main transmitter device to several satellites and to the terrestrial stations, informing nearest maritime search and rescue coordination centers after receiving the distress alert package and sending one or more rescue teams to a location based on a data provided in the distress alert package. If the alarm is detected to be false by the responsible officer then the distress alert is removed and alarm is activated if the responsible officer neither confirms nor denies the distress situation.

Abstract: An alert system includes centrally-located alarm device and a plurality of handheld remote devices, each remote device storing a unique identification code. Upon a primary depression of an externally-accessible actuation button, a mobile device in direct communication with each remote device transmits a predefined distress message to a predefined emergency responder which can be used to provide immediate assistance. Upon a secondary depression of the actuation button, each remote device transmits a wireless distress signal encoded with its unique identification code that in turn causes the alarm to emit an auditory and visual alarm. An alarm monitoring center is in communication with the alarm device and automatically receives historical data relating to activation of the alarm device, the historical data including, for instance, the identification code of the remote unit responsible for activation of the alarm device as well as the time and date of the transmitted distress signal.

Abstract: An electronic alert apparatus comprises a radio frequency receiver configured to receive and identify an emergency message preamble that indicates an impending transmission of an emergency message sent at a first data rate and an emergency message addressed to a shared device address sent at a second data rate. The electronic alert apparatus also includes a processor operatively connected to the radio frequency receiver and configured to decode the encoded emergency message. A memory is operatively connected to the processor and configured to store the decoded emergency message. A display is operatively connected to the controller and configured to present the decoded emergency message. A power source is configured to supply electrical power to the processor, and a housing is configured to at least partially enclose the processor, the memory, and the power source.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a facility (10). The security system includes: a central monitoring station (20) that controls one or more security measures for the facility (10); and, a heart rate monitor (30) that detects a heart rate of an individual (50), the heart rate monitor (30) being in wireless communication with the central monitoring station (20). Suitably, the central monitoring station (20) selectively implements one or more of the security measures in response to a determination that an abnormal heart rate has been detected.

Abstract: A method for collecting and recording external environment data in emergency situation for aircraft and watercraft is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes several modules which collects and records external environment data. At the same time the data and the emergency signal is also sent to control tower in order to help the rescue team. The emergency information system may also be used to replace the ‘black box’ if the voyage data transmitted to the “black box” is also transmitted to the emergency information system.

Abstract: An portable tracking device integrating a mobile phone module (e.g. based on GSM or 3G networks), a GPS module, a radio Beacon and ultrasonic beacon. The tracking device is normally in a hibernated state when the entire device consumes little energy and require no periodically changing or recharging batteries to power the device. It consumes power from the primary battery only when a tracking process is actually taken place. With this portable tracking device on the person who is unable to affirmatively report his or her whereabout, the remote center and/or a search team can communicate the GPS module, radio beacon and ultrasonic beacon of the tracking device via the mobile phone module based on existing wireless communication technologies, such SMS, GPRS, ect, on GSM or 3 G networks, which also serves as a means of initial rough estimation of the tracking device's location.

Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.

Abstract: Methods and systems using one or more expert systems to quickly assist (e.g., advise and/or rescue) persons in danger at a location (e.g., buildings, tunnels, bridges, factories, refineries, recreational areas, such as parks, golf courses, ski-slopes, public transportation vehicles, such as buses, subways, trains, planes, ships, and equivalents), to screen and selectively test the location and/or person and assist the person if danger to the person is determined. One embodiment is a method to advise a person in danger, possibly having an impairment, using one or more expert systems. A second embodiment is a method to assist people in danger, possibly having an impairment, such as chemical impairment, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment, using one or more expert systems.

Abstract: An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.

Abstract: Light sources are affixed at appropriate positions in a multilevel structure or in an obstructed environment. The light sources generate modulated light signals, such as controlled light-emitting diodes, which identify the positions of the light sources by their three-dimensional global positioning coordinates and/or equivalent representation that specifies their in situ locations in the environment. Mobile communication devices, upon receiving the light signals, can derive spatial positioning information and transmit such information to a remote location, such as an emergency response system.

Abstract: An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing secure transactions. An electromagnetic transmission packet is received from a portable device at a processing device. The electromagnetic transmission packet includes an encrypted magnetic-stripe image and an encrypted version of an alphanumerical identifier. A keyed nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is received at the processing device, and the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is decrypted. The decryption of the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is compared with the nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier. Thereafter, a decryption of the encrypted magnetic-stripe image is transmitted to a host system for processing the secure transaction using an account identified by the decryption of the magnetic-stripe image.

Abstract: The invention provides an emergency communication device capable of transmitting an emergency alert signal using more than one wireless communication system. When a commercial wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to a central monitoring service via the wireless carrier network. When no wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to an emergency search and rescue (SAR) satellite system. The device includes a first transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal to the SAR satellite system, a receiver for receiving location determination signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and a second transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal by way of the wireless carrier network.

Abstract: When an entity (such as a customer using a communication device 131, 141, 151 . . . ) attempts to communicate with a target (such as an employee), an arrangement indicates to the customer, “status” information describing at least the employee's present and future ability to communicate with the entity (such as by returning his call). At least one sensing device 111-119 is configured to provide sensing information concerning the target employee's status in response to an action of the target employee with respect to the sensing device. A monitoring server 102 is configured to receive the sensing information and to govern communication to the entity (customer) of the target's “status.” In one implementation, a particular sensing device (such as a cash register 111, computer terminal 112, or time clock 113) is configured to perform both (A) a primary function that is not related to providing the sensing information, and (B) the secondary function of providing the sensing information.

Abstract: A personal safety accessory device that is worn or carried by the user along with a communication device, such as a cellular telephone, is disclosed. In an emergency situation, the personal safety accessory device is actuated causing the accessory device to emit a short range radio frequency signal that is received by the communication device which attempts to establish a connection to a predetermined address. If a connection is established, the communication device transmits a message, which may consist of voice and/or data to the predetermined address. The connection may be automatically terminated after successful transmission of the message or the connection may remain intact until it is manually terminated. If the connection is not successfully established, the communication device will repeatedly attempt to establish the connection until it is successfully established or the connection has been manually terminated.

Abstract: Light sources are affixed at appropriate positions in a multilevel structure or in an obstructed environment. The light sources generate modulated light signals, such as controlled light-emitting diodes, which identify the positions of the light sources by their three-dimensional global positioning coordinates and/or equivalent representation that specifies their in situ locations in the environment. Mobile communication devices, upon receiving the light signals, can derive spatial positioning information and transmit such information to a remote location, such as an emergency response system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for addressing billing in a multimedia messaging service (MMS) utilizing store-and-automatic forward transmission, in which method the message addressed to a B-subscriber is transmitted from a terminal (TA) of an A-subscriber to a server (MMSC) of the multimedia messaging service system, the arrival of said message to the server (MMSC) is reported to a wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber, and in which method said message is transmitted from the server (MMSC) further to the wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber. According to the invention, the message addressed to the B-subscriber is retrieved to the wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber from the server (MMSC) by establishing a substantially toll-free data transmission connection between wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber and the server (MMSC), said data transmission connection being opened by the terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) such as a television signal receiver provides an emergency alert function that enables users to better control the volume level of aural alert outputs. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a tuner (22) operative to tune a channel including a signal indicating an emergency event. A processor (27) is operatively coupled to the tuner (22) and enables an aural output if the signal activates the emergency alert function. The aural output exhibits a user selected volume corresponding to a parameter associated with the emergency alert function.

Abstract: A distress signal system for protecting a person. There is an aesthetic piece; an activation module coupled to the aesthetic piece, wherein the activation module emits an activation signal when exposed to a triggering phenomenon; a notification module in communication with the activation module, wherein the notification module produces an electromagnetic notification signal upon receiving the activation signal, the notification module including: a global positioning module; a cellular telephone; and a microphone in communication with the notification module, wherein the electromagnetic notification signal comprises real-time audio information from the microphone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for displaying, organizing, and prioritizing the incoming information on a wireless device. Using the present invention the wireless device can display the number of voice mails, e-mails, pages, and Internet information alerts that have been received by the wireless device during a specified time period. The invention also allows the incoming information to be separated by any number of user-specified criteria such as the originating sender, or divided by work related and personal messages. The present invention allows the wireless device user to see at a glance what kind of information has been received and is being stored on the wireless device.

Abstract: An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.

Abstract: An electronic system, for use at a facility, to immediately display notification, at a plurality of locations within the facility, that a person is missing. The system includes a portable data storage medium containing information related to a person, including an image of the person, to be carried by a guardian. The system also includes a network of stations and a system server equipped to receive the data from the portable data storage medium, in the event that the person and the guardian are separated, and to display an image of the person at a plurality of stations to assist security personnel and bystanders in locating the person. The invention also includes a method of recording information related to a person on a portable data storage medium and providing a network of stations and a system server to receive information including an image of the person and to display the image simultaneously at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: Lessons of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11) and Hurricane Katrina are incorporated. Methods are disclosed for rapidly establishing alternate electronic messaging for person-to-person communications in a large-scale emergency. Details for constructing electronic access addresses comprised in part by subscriber telephone numbers and an event identifier, allows the provider to establish a default system with no specific information from the user while allowing the user to access the messages in a systematic way. No registration or passwords are required, which allows free access to all interested parties. Expedited contact of lost pet owners and parents, as well as identification of the dead, is provided.

Abstract: When an entity (such as a customer using a communication device 131, 141, 151 . . . ) attempts to communicate with a target (such as an employee), an arrangement indicates to the customer, “status” information describing at least the employee's present and future ability to communicate with the entity (such as by returning his call). At least one sensing device 111-119 is configured to provide sensing information concerning the target employee's status in response to an action of the target employee with respect to the sensing device. A monitoring server 102 is configured to receive the sensing information and to govern communication to the entity (customer) of the target's “status.” In one implementation, a particular sensing device (such as a cash register 111, computer terminal 112, or time clock 113) is configured to perform both (A) a primary function that is not related to providing the sensing information, and (B) the secondary function of providing the sensing information.

Abstract: An emergency notification method and system using portable terminals are provided. The emergency notification method includes creating, by a sending portable terminal in response to detection of an emergency event, an emergency message and transmitting the created emergency message to a mobile communication system; forwarding, by the mobile communication system upon reception of the emergency message from the sending portable terminal, the emergency message to receiving portable terminals within a service area; and issuing, by each receiving portable terminal after reception of the emergency message from the mobile communication system, an emergency alert if necessary. Emergency information collected by one portable terminal is disseminated in real time to other portable terminals, which issue an alarm corresponding to the emergency information if necessary. As a result, terminal users can cope with an emergency in advance.

Abstract: Using a mobile terminal while moving, a user has a voice conversation with a security terminal provided by a security service provider. This conversation creates a situation in which it is possible to immediately send an alarm if an emergency occurs, thus repelling assaulters or abductors lurking near the user. The mobile terminal is provided with GPS or the like, and position information of the mobile terminal is sent to the security terminal. The security service provider takes advertisements from advertisers selling goods or services, and prepares conversation scenarios that are the content of the conversations for automatic response based on those advertisements. The security terminal firstly provides the user with a voice conversation partner proxy service based on the conversation scenarios and secondly detects emergencies by detecting emergency messages from the mobile terminal or detecting the interruption of the conversation.

Abstract: An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.

Abstract: In one example of the invention, a notification system is coupled to a plurality of message services including a voice mail server, an email server and an information server in an office. Messages left for a user (e.g. voice mail, email, CRM event, etc.) are deposited in folders maintained by the messaging services. The notification system detects additions to the user's folders and when a new message arrives, the notification system sends an alert to a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) enabled device (e.g. cell phone) configured for the user. The alert includes the total number of messages of each type received for the user, along with an indication of the most recently received message. Message information associated with the alerts are also archived by the notification system so that a user can remotely access the information so as to learn more about the messages received from the plurality of message services.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for responding to medical alerts, one embodiment of which comprises receiving a medical alert having an associated alert location, detecting a current location for each of a plurality of medical staff members, and selecting a medical staff member to respond to the medical alert based at least in part on the distance between the alert location and the current location. Some embodiments may further comprise receiving a plurality of medical alerts, determining if any of the medical alerts indicates an emergency situation, generating a prioritized task from non-emergency alerts, and selecting a highest priority medical alert from the prioritized list.

Abstract: In a mobile communication terminal device that obtains data including text or an image from an external server through a digital network, a display displays display data DD generated based on data in a first storage unit. A plurality of display modes are predetermined in a display mode switching unit. When instructed by a user while the display data is displayed on the display, the display mode switching unit switches the display mode according to a predetermined order. A display data generator generates the display data DD according to the next display mode. The display displays the display data DD generated by the display data generator. It is thus possible to provide a mobile communication terminal device capable of displaying data while switching among a plurality of display modes (character sets or image display forms) through simpler operation.

Abstract: To provide a support system using a data carrier system by which an activity or a work operation by means of human beings and robots may be supported in a variety of environments. The support system comprises at least one tag being a data carrier that is disposed at a predetermined position; and at least one reader/writer that communicates with the tag; the tag being provided with an input/output means, a predetermined device being connected to the input/output means, and the predetermined device being operated by information output from the reader/writer.

Abstract: A method of delivering weather information to a wireless device. The method includes obtaining weather information from a weather information server, obtaining a subset of the weather information from the weather information, and sending the subset of the weather information to the wireless device.

Abstract: A computerized password verification system and associated method is disclosed for discreet recognition and reporting of a duress transaction being imposed upon a user at an ATM or other remote cash-dispensing terminal. The inventive system utilizes conventional ATM hardware including a card reader, keypad and display together with its associated operating and communications software required for transaction processing, and further comprises the programmed generation and display screen of a list of transaction acceptance passwords (TAPs) with a prompt to the user for a TAP selection to confirm the validity of the immediate transaction. The prompted display of the TAP list appears following the initial acceptance of the user's personal identification number (PIN) and requires the ATM user to select the TAP from the list that is currently registered to the user.

Abstract: A portable receiver for remotely warning one or several persons includes a receiver-buzzer that receives coded signals from a transmitter triggering the buzzer. The device, by virtue of its functions, is designed for remotely warning in case of need, emergency or danger, any person equipped with the portable receiver-buzzer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for providing priority messages to a plurality of wireless devices for notifying respective users of the wireless devices of the priority message. The method comprising the steps of providing for receiving a priority message from an authority; providing for assigning a priority identifier to the priority message; and, providing for transmitting the priority message to the plurality of wireless devices. The priority identifier will cause the priority message to receive priority status once received by the plurality of the wireless devices.