Abstract: Information received from a first responder on the scene of an emergency event is automatically distributed and managed by an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) via various combinations of emails, databases, Internet Protocol (IP) networks, speech to text converters, and distribution systems. In one example embodiment, information is provided by a first responder via an IP network. The first responder has access to various services such as, instant messaging, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), Presence information, location based services, wireless priority services, multimedia priority services, voice of IP (VoIP), or a combination thereof. The information provided by the first responder, via the IP network is stored in an EOC database for access by various EOC related entities. In another example embodiment, information provided by a first responder is converted from speech to text, and the text is stored in an EOC database for access by various EOC related entities.

Abstract: An alarm system having one or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions for providing notification of an alarm event to individual(s). The computer-executable instructions perform steps comprising: receiving an alarm event from an alarm system; determining a customer associated with the alarm event; determining at least one individual that is to be contacted based upon the customer that has been determined as being associated with the alarm event; selecting a transmission vector from a plurality of available transmission vectors; associating the selected transmission vector with the alarm event; sending an alarm event notification to the individual(s) utilizing the selected transmission vector; and awaiting a response to the alarm event notification. The response may provide a response vector which can be used to route the response to an appropriate agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for facilitating emergency services via packet networks. Emergency service providers will implement emergency proxies to ensure that proper call setup requests for emergency services are forwarded to the appropriate entities, even if those entities are in overload conditions. The emergency proxies may authenticate and filter call setup requests to ensure that only proper call setup requests are forwarded to help prevent such overload conditions. The emergency proxies may operate solely in a packet network, as well as at the interface between a packet network and a circuit-switched network to assist in call setup requests originating from either the packet network or the circuit-switched network.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to emergency services and more particularly, to a temporary callback system for emergency calls and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the system can include a private branch exchange (PBX) or other processing device having a pool of callback identities. When an emergency call is made, a callback identity can be temporarily assigned to the device making the call. The callback identity can provide insurance that the call is maintained. If the call between the device and answering point becomes abandoned or disconnected, the callback identity can be used to re-establish the connection. The callback identity can be released when cleared by the answering point or when a time limit expires. After being released, the callback identity can be made available to other devices that wish to make emergency calls.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a user of a telematics-equipped vehicle to initiate security services by activating their vehicle keyfob. If a user senses an emergency situation, such as a person breaking into their home, they can engage a panic button on their vehicle keyfob. This causes the vehicle to send a wireless warning signal to a call center which already has emergency contact numbers on file. The call center can then call the user to see if they require assistance from a police department, fire department, ambulance, etc. In one embodiment, the method also determines if the vehicle is currently located within a certain proximity of one or more designated locations (usually the user's home or work) before contacting the user. This can reduce responses to non-emergencies, such as when a user simply presses their panic button in order to locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

Abstract: A method and system for locating a device connected to a network by determining a current network address for the device and comparing the current network address to a network address in a user profile. If the network addresses match, the device is located based on a physical address associated with the network address in the user profile.

Abstract: A wireless device identifier and an access point identifier are associated with location information that identifies a location associated with a network access point that is associated with the access point identifier. Call signaling information requesting a call to an emergency service is received from a wireless device connected wirelessly to the network access point via a wireless network connection. The access point identifier is received from the wireless device. Based on the access point identifier, and the wireless device identifier, the location information is retrieved. The location information is transferred to an emergency service system. The call for the emergency service is established to the emergency service system.

Abstract: Delivery of alarm system event data and audio over hybrid networks is described. In one embodiment, delivering alarm system event data includes detecting an alarm event and communicating alarm event data to a message processing gateway, evaluating service parameters of the alarm system and conditions of the alarm event data, forwarding the alarm event data and a voice channel code to a telecommunications switch, and opening a voice channel between the telecommunications switch and a central alarm monitoring station. In other aspects, delivering alarm system event data and connecting a voice channel further includes determining whether the voice channel remains open, forwarding a routing code to the alarm system, opening a voice channel between the alarm system and the telecommunications switch, and bridging the voice channel between the telecommunications switch and the central alarm monitoring station and the voice channel between the alarm system and the telecommunications switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality includes a security controller having at least one first interface to at least one user identification device and a second interface to a call management controller. The security controller also includes logic to determine a security status of a user based on identification information received from the at least one user identification device and to communicate the security status of the user to the call management controller. The call management controller enables, disables, or modifies a communication service based on the security status of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for providing a signal to a communication system comprising an interface between a communication link and the communication system, like an alarm system, wherein the interface receives a signal from the communication link and provides a signal indicative of the availability of the communication link for use by the communication system. Alarm systems operations may be facilitated so that Residential Gateway components (such as voice terminal adapters) may simulate traditional telephone network systems that run on 48 VDC powered telephone lines. The system also comprises an input port associated with the interface for receiving the signal from the communication link, a transformer or a voltage regulator and an output port associated with the interface for providing the conditioned signal to the communication system. A ring voltage received from the communication link may be passed through to the alarm system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for allowing callbacks from emergency call centers to a subscriber, including when restrictions in place would have otherwise prevented the call. The technique may employ Camel, thereby triggering Camel when a subscriber dials an emergency or public safety call center. Camel's Mobile Switching Center (MSC) will set up a call to the emergency call center, and the Service Control Point (SCP) will suspend or disable the restrictions in place, such as parental control features. The restrictions may be suspended indefinitely, for a specific time period, until another triggering event, or the like. The subscriber, in this manner, can receive a callback from the emergency call center.

Abstract: A communication device for transmitting and receiving messages via an emergency notification network. The communication device includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet from a data broadcasting system, a processor operably connected to the receiver and configured to process the data packet, a memory operably connected to the processor and configured to store data, a mesh network transceiver operably connected to the processor and configured to transmit the received data packet via a mesh network to at least a second communication device, and an output device operably connected to the processor and configured to present an alert corresponding to the data packet.

Abstract: A monitoring application and method in a disabled telecommunication device for monitoring communication sessions initiated by the device and detecting an emergency communication session that is initiated by the device. If an emergency communication session is detected, the monitoring application generates and transmits a message to a rating engine over a non-voice channel. The non-voice channel may be an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) channel, a short message service (SMS) channel, or other like messaging channel. When the message is received via the non-voice channel, various callback techniques may be implemented to allow the disabled device to receive communications after the emergency communication session, even though such communications would normally be prevented as a result of a service lock.

Abstract: A personal safety device comprises a “smart” safety lanyard capable of automatically contacting emergency response personnel. A “smart” lanyard of the subject invention comprises a strap with one or more fall arrest mechanisms or break away mechanisms operably attached thereto. A trigger mechanism also operably attached to the safety lanyard can detect when the fall arrest or break away mechanism has been deployed. A personal communication device operably attached to both the strap and to the trigger mechanism can automatically contact response personnel when the lanyard has been deployed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to assist an emergency dispatcher in responding to emergency calls reporting incidents involving a hate crime or other anti-social behavior toward a victim. The systems and methods can include an emergency police dispatch protocol configured to facilitate uniform and consistent gathering of information about an incident being reported and configured to determine a determinant value corresponding to an appropriate emergency dispatch response. A diagnostic tool is provided to aid the dispatcher in gathering information about the victim that pertains to one or more bias categories. The victim information can be used to identify one or more potential biases that could have motivated the perpetrator of the hate crime or other anti-social behavior. The diagnostic tool facilitates uniform and consistent gathering of victim information pertaining to various bias types.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide emergency location services for mobile devices. A communication is received to a 911 emergency address. A code is received during the communication to block emergency location services. The emergency location services are blocked in response to the code.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing electronic notifications are described. A server is configured to serve an interface, such as a Web page, to a terminal that requests from a user a first set of user contacts to be used to provide notifications to the user by a telephonic notification system in response to a notification process initiated by an organization associated with the user. The interface further requests a first set of priorities corresponding to the first set of user contacts, wherein the notification system will attempt to provide notifications to the first set user contracts in an order based at least in part on the first set of priorities. A database is configured to store the first set of user contacts and the first set of priorities. A voice interface circuit is configured to transmit a voice notification to at least one of the first set of user contacts.

Abstract: An emergency notification system. The system includes a first server for receiving a communication from a telecommunications network and for transmitting a message to a subscriber of the 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: Systems and methods for supporting E911 for VoIP mobile communications are provided. A mobile station formats a call setup message by including particular information in a header portion of the call setup message that is used by the wireless network to select an appropriate PSAP and route the call to the appropriate PSAP.

Abstract: An emergency response system, method of responding to emergencies and a computer program product therefor. Networked provider computers are distributed over a geographical area that includes multiple regions with at least one providing computing capability to each region and each region receiving emergency response resources during emergencies from an emergency response computer. During any local emergency the area emergency response computer provides a local response and notifies other emergency response computers for other regions that are potentially affected by the emergency.

Abstract: A system to receive, from a user device, a request to establish a communication session to allow an emergency call to be placed or transferred to a public safety access point (PSAP) server; determine whether the request includes a first indication that the emergency call is being initiated via the user device or a second indication that the emergency call is being handed off from a base station associated with another network device, place the emergency call, to the PSAP server and via a first gateway device associated with the network device, when the request includes the first indication; and transfer the emergency call, to the PSAP server and via a second gateway device associated with the other network device, when the request includes the second indication, where the second gateway device processed the emergency call prior to being handed off from the base station.

Abstract: A device simulates an emergency services test call based on an automatic number identification (ANI) to be tested, and generates a test notification associated with the emergency services test call. The device also automatically initiates the emergency services test call, receives results of the emergency services test call, and generates an emergency services call information report based on the results of the emergency services test call.

Abstract: An emergency communication system that is capable of broadcasting a live message to a specific zone of a protected structure, recording the live transmission, and repeating the recorded message to the same protected zone. In certain embodiments configured to protect multiple zones, the system further permits broadcast of a second live message to another zone of the structure, recording the second live broadcast, and repeating the second recorded message in the same zone to which the message was broadcast live. The system includes hardware such as a processing element and speaker assemblies and a computer program for instructing the processing element to carry out the transmission, recording, and re-broadcasting of messages through the speaker assemblies.

Abstract: A blacklist of known harassing or non-legitimate emergency calls is maintained. An incoming emergency call is checked against emergency call records to determine if multiple emergency calls have been made recently, from the same general location, and destined to the same PSAP. Feedback is provided regarding the number of recent calls made and the possibility of a false positive, based on call history from known handsets in the area, including the possibility of a phone with a known MEID/ESN, when powered up, receiving the same 911-xxx-xxxx. Blacklisting may be approved or not based on the feedback. A telephone number or MIN may be placed on a “blacklist” with a ‘timer’. Subsequent calls to that phone number will be assigned a different SIP URI (a unique URI per destination determined prior to lookup on the blacklist) and be directed elsewhere. The call may be completed to an administrative line.

Abstract: A smoke detector unit with built-in global system for mobile communications (GSM) to effect short message service (SMS) with an end user, and short message service (SMS), data transmission or email, with a central station monitoring (CSM) Events such as low battery condition and excessive smoke detection are reported to the CSM or end user via SMS or email. The unit may be reprogrammed via SMS remotely. The unit may be checked for connectivity between the unit and the CSM or end user via SMS remotely.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an emergency contact party telephone line in response to an emergency. The system includes a user device (21) and a monitoring database (22), which communicate with one another over the Internet (23). A plurality of contacts and contact methods are stored on the monitoring database (22). The contact methods for each contact are arranged in a hierarchy according to priority. When the user device (21) establishes an emergency condition, it communicates the emergency condition to the monitoring database (22). The monitoring database (22) then establishes a support line, similar to a conference call line. Once the support line is set up, the monitoring database (22) sends a notification message of the emergency to the contacts through a first contact method. The monitoring database (22) then sends another notification message through a second contact method different to the first contact method to each of the contacts who did not respond to the first notification message.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises: a disaster information receiving section connected to a communication line for receiving disaster information therefrom; a microphone; a speech recognizing section for recognizing speeches input from the microphone; a communication section; and a control section. When the disaster information receiving section receives disaster information from the communication line, the speech recognizing section starts recognizing speeches from the microphone. When the speech recognizing section recognizes the presence of the speeches from the microphone, the control section controls the communication section to make a call to a predetermined destination of communication.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for providing communication services that enables a customer to deactivate service when the service is not being used and reactivate the service when the service is being used. This process can save the customer money without the hassle of having to contact a service provider to cancel and reinstall communication services repeatedly. In addition, the customer can maintain consistent service such as, but not limited to, maintaining his/her calling number, maintaining contact information, speed dial information, saved voicemails or recordings, and other user personalized settings.

Abstract: A telephone system comprising switching circuitry configured for coupling a call to a telephone extension coupled to the system, voice processing circuitry configured for automatically interacting with the call, a microprocessor, a first data bus connected between the microprocessor and the switching circuitry, and a second data bus connected between the microprocessor and the voice processing circuitry.

Abstract: A system and method to expedite special number calls from a remote terminal that employs call control system comprising a control module and a translations database and is connected to the trunk group between the remote terminal and the local switching office. The translations database maintains translations for its associated remote terminal special number calls, including, but not limited to, 9-1-1 calls. When the call control system recognizes a special number call, it performs a look up in its translation database using the line ID as a key and substitutes a destination number for the special number and a calling line telephone number for the line ID. The call control system forwards the call to the local switching office, which treats the call as a trunk-to-trunk call. Advantageously, one (or more) trunk of the trunk group may be reserved solely for special number calls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing an announcement to a plurality of communication devices when a subset of those communication devices are currently engaged in a call. More specifically, an announcement may be provided to different communication devices depending upon the location of the communication device.

Abstract: A security system includes at least one audio sensor and an alarm panel that transmits alarm report data through a communications network to at least one alarm receiver located at a central station remote from the premises that receives the alarm report data transmitted from the alarm panel through the communications network. A line card receives the alarm report data. An alarm receiver processor receives and processes regulated alarm report data in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements. The line card is operable for receiving non-regulated alarm report data that is not regulated in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements. The line card includes a secondary communications channel interfaced to a central station automation system and routes the regulated alarm report data to the central station automation system over the secondary communications channel and bypasses the alarm receiver processor.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. The system includes hardware, software and firmware components that cooperate to allow tracking, disabling, and other interaction with the stolen electronic device. The system includes an application component, non-viewable component and Basic Input/Output Subsystem (BIOS) component that are present on the electronic device. The BIOS component maintains the secured environment of the application and non-viewable components. If only the application component was provided, a simple low level format of the hard disk drive would remove the application and bypass the security features. The system implements an “application and BIOS” based solution to electronic device security.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilizing an emergency contact number in a telecommunications network (32). The method includes: identifying a first call directed to an emergency contact number; notifying a first user equipment (20) of the identified first call; recognizing a second call from the first user equipment (20) to the emergency contact number as a request to connect the second call with the first call; and, supporting a connection of the first and second calls with one another.

Abstract: A computing device receives a location inquiry for a user device, the location inquiry including an identifier for the user device, and retrieves fixed location data associated with the identifier. The computing device also obtains, from the user device, current geographic location data for the user device and calculates a difference between the fixed location data and the current geographic location data. The computing device selects, from a group of threshold values, a particular threshold value for the calculated difference between the fixed location data and the current geographic location data. The computing device responds to the location inquiry using the fixed location data when the difference between the fixed location data and the geographic location data is within the particular threshold and otherwise responds to the location inquiry using the current geographic location data.

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: A response center maintains personal profiles of clients of a service of the response center. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. At least some of those trusted network entities may also have designated second-level entities in their own trusted networks. In some applications, the response center utilizes this extended network of entities for the benefit of its clients. For example, the response center may request information from a second-level entity if the information is not available from the client or one of the client's trusted entities. In other examples, the response center may recruit members of the extended network for assistance in certain situations, or may use the extended network as an information distribution mechanism. Principles of the invention may apply to a private response center or a public center such as a public safety answering point.

Abstract: A personal emergency response system (PERS) includes a base unit (16) and one or more extension units (20). The base unit includes a speaker (64), a microphone (72), a telephone interface circuit (40), a microcontroller (46), and an autodialer (48). Each extension unit includes a speaker (164), a microphone (172), a telephone interface circuit (140), and a controller (146) without an autodialer. The base unit controller (46) and the extension unit controller (146) are programmed such that in a help mode, the base unit controller and the extension unit controller assume a master/slave relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. The system includes hardware, software and firmware components that cooperate to allow tracking, disabling, and other interaction with the stolen electronic device. The system includes an application component, non-viewable component and Basic Input/Output Subsystem (BIOS) component that are present on the electronic device. The BIOS component maintains the secured environment of the application and non-viewable components. If only the application component was provided, a simple low level format of the hard disk drive would remove the application and bypass the security features. The system implements an “application and BIOS” based solution to electronic device security.

Abstract: A Voice over IP (VoIP) module is used to connect an alarm system to a monitoring station over the Internet. A built-in wireless or Ethernet over A/C power component is described, such that the Voice-over-IP equipment can be placed at a distance from a router, without the need to run an Ethernet cable from the VoIP equipment to the router. This arrangement is useful, as in many cases, the customer's security system is hidden within a closet, or else placed within the home or business at a significant distance from their Internet connection and router. The present invention accomplishes this by adding a built-in WiFi (wireless) radio, or a built-in Ethernet over Power circuit, into the Voice-over-IP equipment installed in the home or business.

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Abstract: Various aspects are described that may provide various communications services. These services may provide for the ability of a user to initiate or request a communication with a third party, such as an emergency service party or a vendor, using a network-coupled device that may be pre-associated with a physical address.

Abstract: A communication system (100) provides collaboration between narrowband communication devices (102) and broadband communication devices (104) operating over different networks. The communication devices (102, 104) are linked to provide peer-to-peer communication that supports the dissemination of public safety information to a public safety personnel user utilizing the devices. Applications within the devices (102, 104) automatically control features amongst the plurality of devices for redundancy of critical information, removal of non-critical information and power management. Context information can also be examined and shared between amongst the devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing location information for subscribers connected to a packet-switched mobile access network in connection with emergency calls made over a multimedia service network. An emergency request is received at the multimedia service network from a subscriber containing the calling number of the subscriber. In response thereto, a media gateway control function in the multimedia service network sends a location query including said calling number to a mobile positioning center in the mobile access network, which then can retrieve location information for the subscriber. After receiving location information from the mobile positioning center, the media gateway control function selects an emergency center and sends a location indication for the subscriber thereto in a circuit-switched control message for initiating an emergency call, according to prevailing standards.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly gathering information at an emergency scene from people located inside the emergency using a telephone call system capable of simultaneously receiving a large number of calls to the same telephone number. People in rooms can be trained to call a posted emergency number. Automatic questions concerning location and situation near the caller can be asked and the responses combined and processed to present a spreadsheet or other presentation to responders so that they have a maximum of information known to those inside the emergency. Questions can be tailored for fire, armed attack and other emergencies. The results can be presented wirelessly to responders either over official communication channels or by means of a secure website. Each call can be time stamped and an ID can be established allowing callback by responders for more information or to give instructions to particular individuals or groups.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and a server for relaying and managing service calls. The invention is suitable, for example, for relaying and managing calls related to alarm and care services. The objective of the invention can be attained with a solution wherein the calls are routed from the customer terminal (230, 250) to a server (210) for relaying as an assignment to the service terminals (270) of service providers. The server (214) shall be programmed not only with the contact information of the service providers but also with additional service provider data based on which the service to which the assignment is to be sent is chosen. By using suitable additional data and selection criteria, the system can yield an efficient, quick, and affordable solution for relaying services.

Abstract: An ISUP/SIP gateway is implemented to encapsulate SS7 location requests from a switched telephone network into an Internet protocol SIP message including one or more location objects. The ISUP/SIP gateway is implemented between a mobile switching center (MSC) and a VoIP positioning center (VPC) to provide support of unlicensed mobile access (UMA) voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call routing, e.g., for E9-1-1, 4-1-1, 2-1-1, etc. The disclosed location objects that are encapsulated into a SIP message includes calling party number, called party number, CGI, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), mobility indicator, and/or access point MAC address. At the SIP/ISUP gateway, SS7 integrated services user part (ISUP) location request messages are encapsulated within SIP. The SIP encapsulated location request message is then routed over the Internet to a destination VoIP positioning center (VPC).