Abstract: A child-care robot for use in a nursery school associates child behavior patterns with corresponding robot action patterns, and acquires a child behavior pattern when a child behaves in a specified pattern. The robot selects one of the robot action patterns, which is associated with the acquired child behavior pattern, and performs the selected robot action pattern. Additionally, the robot associates child identifiers with parent identifiers, and receives an inquiry message from a remote terminal indicating a parent identifier. The robot detects one of the child identifiers, which is associated with the parent identifier of the inquiry message, acquires an image or a voice of a child identified by the detected child identifier, and transmits the acquired image or voice to the remote terminal. The robot further moves in search of a child, measures the temperature of the child, and associates the temperature with time of day at which it was measured.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting electronic device security and tracking information. A method includes but is not limited to making accessible at least one first webpage capable of presenting a category for an electronic device registered with an electronic device security and tracking system and method (ESTSM) service; making accessible at least one second webpage capable of accepting a report that the electronic device has been stolen; and making accessible at least one third webpage capable of accepting at least one item of information pertaining to enablement of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for communication based on a condition of a user. A VoIP telephone is linked with a device for monitoring one or more health metrics of a user. The one or more health metrics of the user are received from the device. A speaker of the VoIP telephone is enabled to make a call in response to determining the one or more health metrics are not within a pre-defined rage. A receiving party is called in response to determining the one or more health metrics are not within a pre-defined range.

Abstract: A system and method to assist an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. A computer implemented emergency dispatch protocol includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to diagnosis as to whether a patient has likely suffered a stroke. The diagnostic tool determines whether the patient has likely suffered a stroke based on caller-relayed information about the patient. The diagnostic tool can be launched automatically by the emergency dispatch protocol, or manually by a dispatcher. The diagnostic tool presents a user interface that provides, among other things, instructions, questions, and input fields.

Abstract: A system and method to assist an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. A computer implemented emergency medical dispatch protocol includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to aid the dispatcher in gathering symptom information for a patient who may be suffering from a pandemic illness, such as a severe respiratory infection like influenza. The diagnostic tool facilitates uniform and consistent gathering of symptom information relating to a pandemic outbreak. The information may be stored and/or processed for use in monitoring and/or tracking pandemic outbreaks. The diagnostic tool can be launched automatically by the emergency dispatch protocol, or manually by a dispatcher. The diagnostic tool presents a user interface that provides, among other things, instructions, symptoms, and input fields.

Abstract: A device is provided that may receive names and associated phone numbers in a contact list, and receive information to link the caller names in the contact list to an emergency contact. The device may also receive a call from a caller linked to the emergency contact and not display emergency related information. The device may also transfer the contact list to another device, wherein the emergency contact linking information remains in the transferred contact list.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for preventing unauthorized persons from using an electronic device within a facility. In such an embodiment, the system may include a RFID tag having unique identification information associated with a wearer of the RFID tag. The RFID tag may be comprised in a non-removable item worn by the wearer, such as a bracelet. This system may also include an RFID reader associated with the electronic device and having an RFID coverage zone for detecting RFID tags within the coverage zone. A device management system may be connected to the reader and configured to determine whether a wearer in the coverage zone is authorized to use the electronic device based at least in part on detected RFID tag's unique identification information. In such an embodiment, the device management system is configured to activate the electronic device if it determines the authorized wearer is detected in the coverage zone.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic device protection. A method includes activating the electronic device; transferring control to a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) component after activation; transferring control to a non-viewable component from the BIOS component; verifying that an application component operated correctly during a previous device activation; and continuing with activation of the electronic device if the application component operated correctly during the previous device activation.

Abstract: An electronic device has software for protecting the electronic device from unauthorized utilization. When executed, the software causes the electronic device to execute an application component, wherein the application component is configured to automatically ascertain whether the electronic device has been reported stolen, based on information received from a server system. The electronic device also automatically determines whether the application component is operating correctly, and if so, automatically provides a basic input/output system (BIOS) component of the electronic device with information indicating that the application component is operating correctly. During a subsequent boot process for the electronic device, the software automatically prevents the electronic device from completing the boot process if the BIOS component does not find the information from the application component indicating that the application component was operating correctly. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device includes a patient-portable remote monitoring unit to monitor one or more physiological characteristics of an individual and convey information characterizing the one or more physiological characteristics to a remote station. The monitoring unit includes a transmitter system capable to employ a selected one of three or more different communications channels to convey the information to the remote station, and a selection unit to select from among the three or more different communications channels for conveying the information to the remote station.

Abstract: If a communication client disconnects from a call, an interworking service node may receive from the communication client a disconnect message indicative of an attempt to disconnect the call and send a forced hold message to place the call on forced hold in response to receiving the disconnect message. A portion of the call extending toward a public service access point and through the PSTN is placed on hold. When an operator wants to reestablish the call to the communication client, the interworking service node will receive over the PSTN a reconnect request message to reestablish the call with the communication client. The reconnect request message may be an integrated services user part message. In response to the reconnect message, the interworking service node will generate and send a session initiation message, which is configured to reestablish the call toward the communication client.

Abstract: Plural voice pendants 100 communicate with a remote monitoring station using a wireless communications protocol and without requiring a connection to a circuit switched telephone network. Such a configuration may be used in any group environment, such as a retirement home or an assisted living facility. The voice pendants can be carried or worn by the residents/patients/members of the home or the facility to assist in calling for help in an emergency situation, e.g., if someone has fallen and cannot get up. By activating an actuator (e.g., a button or switch) on the pendant, the person wearing the pendant is put into voice communication with the monitoring station without the need to dial any phone numbers or hit a “send” style button which indicates the end of a dialed number sequence.

Abstract: A system and method of security monitoring and response delivery for a user having a user's device by a monitoring service whose services include monitoring the user upon request. The method includes maintaining a user profile for each user in a user database, maintaining response provider information in a response provider database in which response providers are predetermined and include providers of at least one of assistance and emergency services which are selected from among public, private, commercial and non-commercial providers; receiving a transmission of a request for monitoring from a user sent via the user's device over the communication system; and commencing monitoring of the user via the user's device using advanced decision making and analysis tools employing higher logic.

Abstract: A network appliance (100) is provided having a network controller subsystem (110) for coupling the appliance (100) to a data network for providing and receiving data packets to and from a packet data network. A digital signal processing subsystem (120) is coupled to the network controller subsystem (110). A signal conversion subsystem (130) is coupled to the digital signal processing subsystem (120) and a user interface subsystem (160) is coupled to both the signal conversion subsystem (130) and the digital signal processing subsystem (120). The digital signal processing subsystem (120) operates under the control of a computer program which is capable of detecting incoming calls, initiating call sessions, and preferably, implementing advanced telephony features.

Abstract: A method of providing identifying information over a voice communications link can include receiving, from a call participant, a personal identification code over the voice communications link, determining identifying information for the call participant using the personal identification code, and encoding the identifying information of the call participant within a voice stream carried by the voice communications link. The voice stream and identifying information can be sent to a subscriber.

Abstract: In a method for securing and disabling an electronic device, the electronic device automatically executes a basic input/output system (BIOS) component of a security and tracking service during boot up. The BIOS component automatically determines whether an application component of the security and tracking service has requested disabling of the electronic device. In response to a determination that the application component has requested disabling of the electronic device, the BIOS component automatically displays system information and unlock key. The BIOS component also automatically prompts a user of the electronic device to enter an activation password to re-enable the electronic device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A digital content distribution system and method are disclosed for delivering location specific content to an ad hoc group of mobile subscribers. The system consists of a downloadable application that runs on the subscribers mobile communication device and communicates with a server-based content composer system. The content composer system manages outgoing content based upon the geographic location reported by a mobile communication device application and the demographic and preference data stored in a subscriber database. Emergency alerts are sent only to subscribers in a area covered by the alert. The emergency alerts are executed on the mobile communication device even though the mobile communication device is in a low power sleep or hibernate mode. Moreover, the emergency alerts take over the mobile communications device no matter what other tasks are being executed when the emergency alert is received.

Abstract: An electronic device security and tracking system. A system includes one or more clients, wherein the clients are electronic devices; and a server computer system connected to each of the clients, wherein the server computer system is capable of tracking and locating each of the clients. In one aspect, the server computer system includes one or more web servers coupled to each of the clients, wherein the web servers include a website for the electronic device security and tracking system; one or more file transfer protocol servers coupled to each of the web servers; and one or more database servers connected to each of the web servers.

Abstract: A user station configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system, is provided.

Abstract: A system [100] is provided that includes a first set of sensors [140] to sense a set of conditions of at least one participant in a conversation and generate raw data corresponding to the sensed set of conditions. A first aggregation engine [160] aggregates the raw data and outputs a file corresponding to the raw data. A heuristic engine [175] receives the file and compares the raw data with predetermined state data and outputs a state based on a comparison of the raw data and the predetermined state data. A feedback device [180] determines a corrective action to enhance an outcome of the conversation based on the state.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based emergency response communication system used to call and communicate with the 9-1-1 operator and also allows emergency responder's immediate access to a user's Critical Health Information Profile stored in the device at the point and location of crisis. The device is used to create individual Critical Health Information Profiles which is Health Level-7 compliant enabling it to seamlessly communicate with major hospital networks worldwide. This functional capability provides a system that can retrieve and transmit user-stored personal and health information by emergency responders at the point of care. The emergency responder can access the customer's Critical Health Information Profile database, review the data for pertinent information and then transmit that data to a designated receiving hospital or medical center. The device provides an electronic means of dialing and communicating directly with the 9-1-1 operator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for remote monitoring of a premises, comprising the steps of operatively coupling a geographically remote client to a security system server which is capable of authenticating a user of the remote client, operatively coupling the remote client to a security gateway which is capable of managing the monitoring of the premises, activating a signal at the premises for notifying an occupant at the premises that remote monitoring is occurring, and transferring information between the security gateway and the remote client. The transfer of information between the security gateway and the remote client is controlled by the user of the remote client. The security gateway may be operably coupled to at least one camera at the premises and to at least one audio station at the premises.

Abstract: A method for tracking, locating and disabling an electronic device. A method includes checking if an application component operated correctly during last power-up of the device; and placing the device under control of power on self test to proceed with powering-up the device if the application component operated correctly during last device power-up.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. A method includes but is not limited to accepting a selection of a service to erase a hard disk drive in the electronic device; recording that the electronic device has been reported stolen; and erasing the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A system is provided including a first detection unit detecting a position of a first terminal, a second detection unit detecting a position of a second terminal, and a notification area determination unit determining a notification area based on the detected position of the second terminal, wherein, within the notification area, position information regarding the position of the first terminal is not notified. The system also includes a first route prediction unit predicting a route from a position of the first terminal to the notification area, a time calculation unit calculating a time period required for arriving at the notification area when the first terminal travels along the predicted route, and a notification unit permitting the notification when the first terminal does not arrive at the notification area after the time period elapses from the current time, and suppressing the notification while the time period does not elapse.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: Transparent voice registration of a party is provided in order to provide voice verification for communications with a service center. Verbal communication spoken by a party during interaction between the party and an agent of the service center is captured. A voice model associated with the captured communication is created and stored in order to provide voice verification during a subsequent call to the service center. When a requester contacts the service center, a comparison of the voice of the requester and a voice model of the person that the requester claims to be is performed, in order to verify the identity of the requester. Additionally, a voice model associated with a party is automatically updated after a subsequent communication between the party and the service center.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module, and a second communication module. The first communication module may receive a first type of communication signal (e.g. a mobile telephone signal) and convert it into a second-type of communication signal (e.g., a millimeter wave radio signal). The first type of communication signal may be a mobile telephone signal from a first fire fighter's mobile telephone who is located outside of the building. The first communication module may transmit the second-type of communication signal to the second communication module.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for natural-language surveillance of packet-based communications. Speech data is received, representing at least part of a speech session. The speech data is compared with at least one speech-characteristics profile in an automated manner. The comparing step comprises using natural-language-processing (NLP) to compare the speech data with the profiles on at least one of a lexical level, a syntactic level, a semantic level, a discourse level, and a pragmatic level. It is determined in an automated manner whether the speech data matches any of the profiles. If the speech data matches at least one profile, an indication that the speech data matches the at least one matching profile is responsively stored.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of an onboard energy storage system of a plug-in vehicle using a remote command center, such as a vehicle telematics service. An embodiment of such a method involves the transmission of a charge request for the onboard energy storage system to a remote command center associated with the plug-in vehicle. In response to the charge request, a charge command is received from the remote command center. The charging of the onboard energy storage system is regulated in accordance with the received charge command, which may be a charge enable command or a charge disable command.

Abstract: A remote monitoring and directing system including at least one video camera at the first-aid side to observe the situation of casualty and the operation on the casualty is provided. At least one microphone is disposed at the first-aid side for communicating with the first-aid personnel and directing a clinical operation. At least one medical instrument standard interface is disposed at the first-aid side for transmitting the electrocardiogram or other physiological information. At least one video/audio and data server is disposed at the monitoring side for managing information integration. A plurality of authorized computer systems is set up for conferring with and directing the first-aid station or the ambulance via the Internet, so as to give a direction. A wireless or cable connection is used for the conference between the first-aid side and the monitoring side.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for obtaining information about a person includes providing the person with a portable device, arranging at least one sensor on the portable device, obtaining information about the person carrying the portable device or an environment around the person carrying the portable device using the at least one sensor of the portable device without manual interaction, and transmitting the obtained information from the portable device to a remote facility. The portable device may be a cell phone or PDA. The location of the cell phone or PDA may be provided by the cell phone or PDA or determined from the information at the remote facility from information provided by the cell phone or PDA relating to, for example, reception of signals thereby.

Abstract: A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method of notifying a remote client of a sensor triggering event and providing data related to the sensor triggering event to the remote client. The method has the steps of receiving a first notification signal indicating that a sensor has been triggered; identifying a data recording device associated with the triggered sensor wherein the data recording device records video data; identifying a client device designated to receive the video data when the sensor has been triggered; transmitting to the client device a second notification signal indicating that the sensor has been triggered; receiving an acknowledgement signal from the client device; and transmitting the video data to the client device.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for preventing unauthorized persons from using an electronic device within a facility. In such an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of RFID tags each having unique identification information associated with a wearer of one of the RFID tags. This system may also include an RFID reader associated with the electronic device and having an RFID coverage zone for detecting RFID tags within the coverage zone. A device management system may be connected to the reader and configured to determine whether wearers in the coverage zone are authorized to use the electronic device based at least in part on detected RFID tags' unique identification information. In such an embodiment, the device management system is configured to activate the electronic device if it determines only authorized wearers are detected in the coverage zone, and to deactivate the electronic device if it determines an unauthorized wearer is detected in the coverage zone.

Abstract: A system for warning a party provided with a terminal comprises databases of profile information of the party, environment information of a geographical location, and location information of the terminal. The system is adapted to, based on location information of the terminal, to check whether the terminal locates within the geographical location, and if yes, to analyse profile information of the party so that if profile information comprises a parameter which matches with a corresponding parameter of environment information of a geographical location, a warning message is sent to the terminal in order to warn the party.

Abstract: A safety system comprising a plurality of wearable transceiver devices for operation in independent use with a plurality of a landline-based phone and a cell phone to establish contact between a user of a wearable transceiver device and a central monitoring station. The wearable transceiver devices sense a crash or a fall and notify a monitor by a landline-based phone or a cell phone of this incident and the assisted GPS determined location of the incident. The information is provided to the monitor a short predetermined time following activation unless the device is deactivated by pressing a communication button. When the device has not been activated by a crash or fall, the user may press the communication button to communicate with the monitor to obtain a wide variety of services. A cell phone having reserve batteries, accelerometers, and assisted GPS location capabilities is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communications system is provided that includes a communications scheduler adapted to receive messages from a plurality of message sources and sensors. The messages comprise human and generated messages. The sensors comprise situational, neurophysiological and physiological sensors. The cognitive state profile processing unit receives sensor data and produces a current cognitive state profile for the user.

Abstract: A mobile telephone is provided with an emergency beacon. When the telephone's user dials an emergency number, such as 9-1-1, the telephone detects that an emergency number has been dialed, and it activates the beacon. The beacon may be a radio beacon, and, if the telephone is GPS-equipped, the radio beacon may send out the mobile telephone's location. Safety personnel can locate the caller by following the beacon to the caller. Other optional features include an audio emergency beacon and/or a visual emergency beacon, such as a strobe, in addition to or in place of a radio beacon. In one embodiment, the beacon is not activated unless the mobile telephone is unable to complete the call to the emergency number. In another embodiment, the beacon is activated without receiving any remote authorization from, for example, a 9-1-1 call center.

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 method is provided for identifying a device during an emergency for callback. The method includes storing an address of a user agent (UA) during initiation of an emergency call by the UA, associating an E.164 number with the stored address of the UA that placed the emergency call, and routing the emergency call containing the E.164 number.

Abstract: A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for listening assistance to a user of a phone terminal with a headset or a hearing aid for selective listening of a local acoustic source in a noisy environment by said user utilizing a combination of said phone terminal and said headset. The method for the listening assistance comprises of placing the phone terminal near a desired local acoustic source, switching a mode of the phone terminal to a listening mode, providing to the headset or to the hearing aid a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) generated by the phone terminal in response to an acoustic signal from the local acoustic source, and providing to the user an output acoustic signal generated by the headset or by the hearing aid in response to that signal thus providing said listening assistance to the user.

Abstract: A method for providing fail-over capability in a local branch of a call center includes determining, by a local device, which of a plurality of phones are call center phones. The determination is based on a predetermined rule set. In an alternative embodiment, the method may also include determining, by the local device, which of the plurality of call center phones are available for receiving calls. This may include determining whether a “do not disturb” function of each respective call center phone is invoked, and in response, determining whether the call center phone is available. In addition, this method may involve placing, by the local device, each call center phone into a “do not disturb” mode if the call center phone does not answer a call sent to the call center phone.

Abstract: A personal emergency communication system includes a user-carried portable communication unit having a single button, which when depressed by the user, wirelessly sends a call request signal to a base unit. The base unit initiates a telephone call through a dial-up network to an emergency response center and places an operator at the emergency center responder in wireless voice communication with the portable unit when the call is connected. The telephone number to be called can be stored in at least one of the portable unit and the base unit. A speech synthesizer operating in combination with automated voice messages stored in at least one of the base unit and portable unit system memory are used to advise the user of the status of the call, and to provide the user with verbal confirmation that functional systems of the base unit are the system is functionally operating properly.

Abstract: A personal emergency communication system includes a user-carried portable communication unit having a single button, which when depressed by the user, wirelessly sends a call request signal to a base unit. The base unit initiates a telephone call through a dial-up network to an emergency response center responder and places an operator at the emergency center the emergency responder in wireless voice communication with the portable unit when the call is connected. A speech synthesizer operating in combination with automated voice messages stored in the base unit system memory are used to advise the user of the status of the call, and to provide the user with verbal confirmation that functional systems of the base unit are the system is functionally operating properly.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.

Abstract: An impedance blocking filter circuit is provided for use in telecommunication systems for interconnecting between incoming telephone lines and customer's terminal equipment so as to unconditionally block impedances above 20 KHz due to the customer's terminal equipment from an ADSL network unit and/or home networking interface unit. The filter circuit includes first, second, and third inductors connected in series between a first input terminal and a first common point. A first resistor has its one end connected also to the first common point and its other end connected to a first output terminal. Fourth, fifth and sixth inductors are connected in series between a second input terminal and a second common point. A second resistor has its one end also connected to the second common point and its other end connected to a second output terminal. A capacitor has its ends connected across the first and second common points.