Abstract: A security system-related marketing system includes a retail environment receptive of walk-in traffic and adapted to market goods and services to consumers. A security system-compliant device adapted to operate as a component of a security system is physically disposed in the retail environment, thereby permitting a purchaser to take physical possession of the device during a purchasing process. A security system component package is also marketed in the retail environment to purchasers of the device, thereby permitting a purchaser of the device to obtain rights to a predetermined set of security system components in the retail environment that substantially provide the security system. Security system services are further marketed in the retail environment to purchasers of the security system component package, thereby permitting a purchaser of the package to obtain rights to security system services in the retail environment.

Abstract: A security central station monitors a plurality of individual subscriber security systems installed in residential or commercial accounts. Each security system at an account is programmed to periodically place a telephone call to the security central station receiver, and then to send a signal to the security central station receiver over the placed telephone call. The ten digit telephone number of the account is programmed into the security central station as the ten digit account number of record. When the signal sent by the security system is received by the security central station receiver, the security central station compares the ten digit caller telephone number with the ten digit account number of record. Normally, the ten digit caller telephone number will match the ten digit account number.

Abstract: An emergency notification system is provided including a switching unit, a plurality of communications devices communicatively in communication with the switching unit, an emergency response unit in communication with the switching unit, a plurality of receiving units in communication with the switching unit. Each of the communications devices is configured to transmit an emergency notification to the switching unit which includes a message and at least one receiving unit address. Further, the switching unit is configured to receive the emergency notification from at least one of the plurality of communication devices and to rebroadcast the emergency notification contained in the message to the emergency response unit and to the receiving unit corresponding to the receiving unit address.

Abstract: A system and method for routing an emergency data message to a PSAP may include receiving an emergency data message and cell code identifier indicative of a location of a wireless communications device of a user. A PSAP local to the user may be selected, and the emergency data message is sent to the selected PSAP. The location may be a centralized network location associated with an emergency network address, where the emergency network address is an easy address for users to remember.

Abstract: A method of routing a telephone call includes receiving an indication, at a handset device 112, to initiate a telephone call. It is then determined, preferably by the handset device 112, whether the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call. If the telephone call is not an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a proxy server 134. On the other hand, if the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a local gateway 116 without first accessing the proxy server 134.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment a system and method for processing a call in a Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network are disclosed. The method includes receiving the call associated with a private identifier (PRID) at a server, classifying a call location based on the PRID and sending the call from the server to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with a call back number associated with the PRID. The system includes a first server interface for receiving a message containing a PRID associated with the call, a second server interface to access the data base for searching for the PRID in the data structure; a third server interface to receive an output from the database indicating whether a PRID has been found in the data structure; and a fourth server interface to send the call to a PSAP.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and apparatus wherein a proxy control function may forward an emergency session to a serving control function, the serving control function forwarding the session to a default emergency control function. The default emergency control function may return an address or identity of an emergency control function or may forward the session to an emergency control function.

Abstract: A method for providing emergency location information to an emergency service provider is provided. The method, in one implementation, includes the steps of (a) providing a plurality of sets (e.g., ranges) of OSI Layer 3 or Network Layer addresses; (b) receiving an emergency call from a calling device having an OSI Layer 3 or Network Layer address; (c) mapping the calling address against the plurality of sets of addresses to determine an ELIN for the calling address; and (d) forwarding the ELIN to a public safety answer point. Each set of addresses comprises a plurality of addresses, and a plurality of ELINs corresponds to the plurality of sets of addresses. In each set of addresses, a corresponding one of the plurality of ELINs is typically common to a plurality of addresses.

Abstract: An emergency notification system. The system includes a first server for receiving an emergency communication from a telecommunications network and for transmitting a message to a subscriber of the emergency notification system. The system also includes a second server in communication with the first server, the second server for supplying the first server with information associated with a subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring that calls from emergency responders and public safety answering points are connected to prepaid wireless or voice over internet protocol devices where the accounts associated with such devices have no remaining credit. According to certain embodiments of the invention a prepaid intercept is provided that enables telephone calls from certain entities to be connected to prepaid wireless devices, regardless of whether the accounts associated with such prepaid wireless devices have remaining credit. Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for determining whether an incoming call to a prepaid wireless device is from a public safety answering point and validating all calls from a public safety answering point.

Abstract: Emergency communication applications and methods interact with different communications devices, different users, and/or different communications networks to generate, enable, and/or transmit an Emergency Locator Signal to a communications address of the local communications network. According to exemplary embodiments, the transmitted Emergency Locator Signal communicates with the local communications network to identify a location of the calling party's communications device (or alternate selected communications device) at a geographic location of an Emergency Communications Address. Thereafter, the location of the calling party's communications device is communicated to emergency response personnel to better locate a victim in proximity to the calling party's communications device.

Abstract: Alarm System Activation Platform (ASAP) is a customer relationship management system for activating and maintaining a large number of alarm monitoring accounts with a minimum of work per account. It differs from standard alarm customer relationship management systems in that it is designed from the ground up to be entirely automated. ASAP eliminates most or all of this partly through automation of account processing and partly through providing tools to the customer to allow “self-service” activation and maintenance. It allows large numbers of accounts to be quickly activated and maintained with only a very small amount of work required per account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing storage and display of emergency data and other reference materials on a cellular telephone, electronic telephone, multimedia player or other electronic device. Emergency information, first aid procedures, spiritual guidance, and reference information is embedded or otherwise stored on an electronic device, for later retrieval. Storage on the electronic device prior to the time of needs ensures that the information will be available whether or not a communication signal is available to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a single shadow number to be associated with one or more out of area phone numbers that have registered service addresses in the same local area. For instance, if multiple subscribers with service addresses within the same local calling area choose to use out of area phone numbers, these multiple out of area phone numbers will all be associated with a single shadow phone number that is local within the local calling area. In one embodiment, when a subscriber using an out of area phone number places an E911 call, the out of area phone number as well as the associated shadow number will be sent to the E911 PSAP.

Abstract: A client device transmits, via a voice-over-packet (VoP) access network, a message that requests an emergency services call. An outbound proxy server receives the message and obtains a network-provided location of the client device, e.g., by looking up the source address of the message in a location database maintained by the access network or by invoking an active network location function. The outbound proxy server inserts the network-provided location into the message, leaving any client-provided location in the message undisturbed, and forwards the message to an emergency services routing server. The emergency services routing server determines which public safety answering point (PSAP) should receive the call, based on at least one of the network-provided location and any client-provided location in the message.

Abstract: Based on the urgency, the caller ads a priority tag number while making telephone calls. The called party receives the calls with different alarm features based on the urgency of the call. The called party can set profiles rules so that calls with a lower urgency may be blocked if inconvenient. The profile rules may be altered autonomously in various circumstances. In addition a new configuration of telephone instruments is disclosed, having special keys and different alarm features, for enabling prioritization in transmission and reception of calls.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an emergency telephone system including an emergency telephone, an interface connecting the emergency telephone to a network, a camera on the network, the camera being focused on the emergency telephone, a control system for activating the camera, and a monitoring station for displaying camera captured data.

Abstract: An emergency contact platform provides emergency contact services where usual communications have been disrupted. The emergency contact platform may include a server to receive registration information including a phone number associated with a phone when communication using the phone is impracticable. The server may also be configured to receive an information request identifying the phone number. The emergency contact platform may also include a database to store the received registration information. The server may be also configured to perform a lookup in the database based on the phone number and provide a result of the lookup based on the received information request.

Abstract: A packet switched telephone system includes a packet switched routing apparatus. The packet switched routing apparatus selectively associates a local telephone number with a phone call based on a called telephone number, and routes the phone call based on the called telephone number. The local telephone number may be substituted for a calling telephone number when the called telephone number corresponds to a predefined number, such as an emergency number. When the called telephone number corresponds to an emergency number, the phone call may be routed with the substituted local telephone number to a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) that services the local area of the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for management of emergencies. The system includes a database containing procedures for addressing specific emergencies, an input system linked to the database for receiving input information indicative of an emergency, an evaluation system linked to the database for determining if information input to the input system justifies the designation of a specific emergency and dissemination of information related thereto. A communication system is linked to the database for disseminating information about the input information and information related thereto to designated entities.

Abstract: A method of installing a security system includes transmitting an air-borne request signal to a security device. An air-borne reply signal is transmitted from the device in response to the request signal. The reply signal includes identification information corresponding to the device.

Abstract: A security system (52) using cellular wireless half duplex communication call (62) is provided. The security system (52) comprises a set of monitored resources (10), group of owners (48) and group of helpers (50) connected using said cellular wireless half duplex call (52). The monitored resource (10) is configured to generate an alarm and is coupled with said cellular wireless half duplex call (62). Said owners (48) and helpers (50) are also coupled with said cellular wireless half duplex call (62). In an event of emergency said monitored resource (10) generates an alarm and initiates said cellular wireless half duplex call (62) to connect to said owners (48) and said helpers (50) in shortest possible time without significantly contributing to cellular network load. Said security system (52) provides most scalable, efficient and viable security solution using cellular wireless networks.

Abstract: A method for providing an implicit emergency registration set is disclosed. The method can include initiating an identifier selection procedure. The method can also include identifying whether a user has a dedicated emergency telephone uniform resource identifier (tel URI), and, if so, selecting it. The method can further include identifying, when the user does not have a dedicated emergency tel URI, whether the user's internet protocol (IP) multimedia private identity (IMPI) is known. The method can additionally include identifying, when the user's IMPI is known, whether the user's IMPI has a non-shared tel URI, and, if so, selecting it, but otherwise selecting a tel URI of the user's IMPI. The method can also include identifying, when the user's IMPI is not known, whether a shared tel URI is available, and selecting it if it is, otherwise selecting a tel URI from a non-shared set.

Abstract: When an alarm panel needs to transmit alarm data, it seizes the PSTN and disconnects the premises-wiring. If in a call, the user is cut off immediately and it appears to the user that the connection to the PSTN has been lost. If trying to place a call, the user also perceives that the connection to the PSTN is lost. The present invention provides tonal signals to the user to indicate that the PSTN line is in use by the alarm panel and also notifies the user when the PSTN connection is available for use.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing call sessions on public and private networks. The methods and systems operate to receive and send voice over internet protocol (VoIP) communications using a network, such as an IP network. The methods and systems also operate to receive and send emergency information over IP and other data networks. Based on certain criteria, the methods and systems determine whether to transfer a VoIP communication and/or emergency information to another entity associated with the IP network.

Abstract: An emergency call panel which comprises call buttons previously assigned to standard calls transmitted from an emergency call server of an emergency communication system, and transmission buttons for transmitting the data regarding the call selected from the standard calls to a call server in situation that one of the call buttons is selected in response to one of the standard calls. An emergency call system comprising a call server and an emergency call panel for carrying out the call processing of the call server, which comprises selecting the call button in response to the standard call based on call content and sending an initiation demand data including the selected data for standard call to the call server at the emergency call panel, and carrying out the call processing at the call server when the call server receives the initiation demand data.

Abstract: A system and computer-readable media for providing access to emergency data. Emergency data is collected from various sources and maintained such that it can be efficiently recalled in an emergency. In one implementation, the data is maintained in XML documents. An emergency application program provides a page and/or sub-pages via which a user interacts to obtain the data. The data is typed according to types of emergencies to facilitate user access to the appropriate data when needed. The emergency data may be automatically loaded from a remote source, such as a .NET service, or provided by a retailer. Actions may be associated with emergency data, such as to provide an easy or automated way to send an alert, email message, and the like in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: An intercom system is provided which is capable of allowing an emergency notification to be received securely and properly by a contact person, so that upon reception of a call from an emergency-call mobile phone, the call is automatically forwarded to previously determined contacts and transmission/notification processes are performed on the contacts in response to how the contacts respond to the call.

Abstract: A method and system of utilizing a secondary telephone line service, and in one embodiment encompasses analyzing a dialing sequence to convert from utilizing the secondary telephone line service to utilizing a primary telephone line service without the use of a manual override. By referencing a database of numbers, the present invention is able to determine if an outgoing service request is compatible with a preferred interface (e.g., the secondary interface), and, if not, to direct the outgoing service request to another interface (e.g., the primary interface, such as a POTS network).

Abstract: An emergency location identification system is provided. The system includes a monitoring unit and an emergency light unit. The monitoring unit is connected to a telephone system of a facility, and responds to some predetermined dialing of the telephone generating signals, which is going to control the behavior of the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit includes a plurality of colors and shapes adapted to display a emergency location identification to an emergency crew or visitors. The emergency light unit may include blue, green, and red lights and may flash for some instances. Also, the emergency light may have a predetermined shape such as arrow, triangle, and others to alert people properly for the emergency situations.

Abstract: An integrated security and communications system combines a security system to either or both of a telephone system interface and a data interface. Data functions such as electronic mail and possible partial or full World Wide Web access may also be provided at keypads of the security system, as well as at connected personal computers or computer terminals. The system keypads may be enhanced to better accommodate some of the added functions. A central communications station could be used to maintain secure, shared private key encrypted communications with each premises system, using a redirector arrangement or relay to allow each premises system to communicate securely with a central monitoring station and with other systems. The secure communications system could be used without a security system to allow secure computer-to-computer communications.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a telecommunication device wake-up (TWU) so vital communication, including but not limited to, priority and emergency calls, can be delivered to a telecommunications device that is turned from its normal “On-mode”, to a “Listening Mode” (LM). Telecommunication device wake-up (TWU) is crucial. Important and emergency calls need to be completed regardless of the status of a Telecommunication User's (TU's) communication and/or telephony device—“off” or “on”. The method comprises a system in which a telecommunication device (TD) can employ a Listening Mode (LM) that will process vital communication and then turn on said telecommunication device (TD) so as to facilitate vital communication.

Abstract: An exemplary method automatically identifies the location of a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) telephone relative to the structure of a building upon the VOIP telephone making a 911 call. The identity of the VOIP telephone is transmitted to a database accessible by the VOIP system upon a 911 call origination. Records have been previously created and stored in the database that link each VOIP telephone located in or associated with a building to a text based description of an area of the building. A node instructs the database to find the stored record associated with the VOIP telephone. The identity of the VOIP telephone and the text based location information of the location of the VOIP telephone relative to the structure of the building are transmitted to the 911 call center. This enables a 911 call center operator to immediately discern the location of the 911 caller relative to the structure of the building.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that automatically provide a user profile to an emergency call center. The system includes a network having a user profile manager configured to manage communication between a telecommunications device and the emergency call center, wherein the user profile manager is configured to automatically transmit the user profile to the emergency call center in response to a predetermined event.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: A method for operating three-way calling for a telematics unit including establishing a first connection between a call center and the telematics unit based on a trouble call request, sending call instructions from the call center to the telematics unit via the first connection based on the trouble call request and establishing a second connection from the telematics unit to one of the call center or a contact-problem number associated with the trouble call request based on the call instructions.

Abstract: A call error prevention method comprises the steps of inputting a call number, checking whether the input number is a recognizable call service code, determining whether the input number contains the same number of digits as a recognized call service code, and generating an input error warning if the input number does not contain the same number of digits as the recognized call service code.

Abstract: A system and method to enable a local communications systems to respond appropriately to all extra-jurisdictional emergency dialing numbers by connecting the call to an interactive emergency language system. Additionally, and importantly, the system uses the dialed emergency services number as an initial indication that the caller may need a translator, an emergency services operator that has language skills associated with the country or countries where the emergency dialing code is used, or both. The interactive emergency language system interactively determines the preferred language of the caller and causes the call to be routed to a public safety answering point position that has the appropriate language skills. If the language cannot be determined or there is no local support for the selected language, then the call is bridged to a translation agency and the call is routed to the PSAP that serves the geographic location of the caller.

Abstract: A method is provided for efficiently accessing information 418, 510 from an automated menu based system 314 using a wireless communications device 102 and deploying services by utilizing the PTT contact list. Having a formatted PTT contact which connects to a voice portal or directly to the desired content from the handset itself enables carriers as well as users the ability to subscribe to information services with minimal setup, user interaction, and in a personalized manner.

Abstract: Apparatus (58), and an associated method, for facilitating delivery of network-specific dialing codes to a mobile node (12). Broadcasts of the network-specific dialing codes are scheduled by a broadcast scheduler 64 embodied at a cell broadcast center (38). Signals containing the codes are broadcast and detected by the mobile node (12), thereby to download the values to the mobile node. And, the downloaded dialing codes are indexed (88) together with the dialing codes normally used by the mobile node (12) to call the corresponding service centers (44). Subsequently, when a call is placed to a service center, the dialing codes are transposed (94), if necessary, to permit the call to a designated service center (44) to be completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for handling calls. In one embodiment of the invention, a call handling system is configured for handling a variety of emergency and/or non emergency related calls. For example, the call handling system may allow a call handler to recognize and respond to certain received call information, such as that information relating to fire, police, emergency medical and/or homeland security. The call handling system comprises a call interface configured for receiving the call information. A processor is communicatively coupled to the call interface and configured for processing the call information to initiate a protocol. This protocol may, as it progresses, be used to generate data for use in a CAD system. The CAD system may subsequently dispatch responders based on the generated data.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes identifying a service provider based on information received from a requesting party at a networked communications apparatus. The method also includes determining whether a plurality of predefined service areas have been defined for the identified service provider. When the plurality of the at least one predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider, determinations are made as whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. When the requesting party is in a predefined service areas, information specified for a service location for the predefined service area is forwarded to the requesting party.

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: A telephony interface system has a controller and multiple communication interfaces to provide voice-over-packet (VoP) telephone service with PSTN telephone service as backup. The telephony interface system has a communication interface for at least one telephony device, a communication interface for the PSTN, and a communication interface for a packet-switched network. To originate a call, the telephony interface system connects the telephony device to the PSTN if the dialed digits for the call correspond to a predetermined telephone number or numbers, such as 911. Otherwise, the telephone interface system connects the telephony device to the packet-switched network.

Abstract: The call center processing system disclosed enhances the capabilities of traditional call centers. In particular, the processing system allows a call center to receive, aggregate, and index many different types of media obtained from a wide variety of sources and that relate to many different types of incidents. Thus, for example, the processing system provides a third party with the option of submitting call phone camera pictures, audio input, video camera footage, and other types of media when reporting an incident to the call center. The call center may be an emergency number (e.g., 911) call center, a service center (e.g., for a home appliance), a news reporting call center, or any other type of interactive information exchange.

Abstract: A termination module for terminating TELCO wiring and subscriber wiring within a network interface enclosure at a subscriber premises includes a subscriber bridge having burglar alarm connections. The subscriber bridge includes a base, a pair of conductive contact elements disposed within the base and defining a plurality of connection terminals, and a base cap positioned over the base and the contact elements. The termination module provides a demarcation point for electrically disconnecting the subscriber wiring from the subscriber wiring and the subscriber bridge further includes burglar alarm connection points that permit a burglar alarm to be wired in series between the demarcation point and the contact elements such that the subscriber-owned equipment, including the burglar alarm, can be electrically disconnected from the TELCO wiring to fault test a telephone line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention can be used to provide efficient and rapid coordinated medical responses to incidents, such as emergencies. In accordance with an embodiment, input(s) that specify a type and severity of an incident are received. In response thereto, medical personnel (persons) are informed of the incident and a need for the medical personnel to report to a facility where they can assist in a medical response to the incident. Replies are received from at least some of the persons. Information is automatically kept track of including, which persons are located at the facility, which persons are unavailable and which persons are en-route to the facility. Additionally, estimates of the amount of time it will take at least some of the persons (en-route to the facility) to arrive are automatically tracked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal alarm system including a communication device for transmitting a signal to a recipient such as a signal monitoring center or rescue or other emergency authorities. An interface module, including a user-programmable memory and a user interface, controls the communication device. A triggering key is used to activate the interface module in the case of an emergency, thereby causing the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.

Abstract: An emergency routing number (ELRN) is assigned to each switch in a wired communication network. When a switch of the wired communication network routes an emergency call to a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP), the switch sends the ELRN as the calling party number and provides the PSAP with a hardware identifier (HID). The HID identifies, at the switch, the landline connecting the switch to the wired phone initiating the emergency call. If the emergency call drops, the PSAP performs a call back using the ELRN as the called party number. The switch that routed the emergency call to the PSAP receives the call back. The PSAP also sends the HID to the switch. When a switch receives its ELRN as the called party number, the switch recognizes an emergency call back situation and routes the emergency call back on the landline identified by the HID.