Abstract: A system for processing emergency calls in a telecommunications network includes: receiving a first call at a node (30) of the telecommunications network from a calling party that originated the first call; detecting that the received first call is an emergency call; establishing a conference bridge in response to the detected emergency call; connecting the emergency call over the conference bridge to a designated facility (40) that handles emergency calls; and, automatically originating at least one second call from the node (30) to at least one predetermined third party that is different than the calling party and the facility (40).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously providing multiple telephone-type services to any/all POTS-type devices on a single wire pair at a user premises. The present invention provides for the ability to add separately addressable POTS devices on a single service loop. This can be accomplished in at least two ways: first by the use of a multipoint protocol or second by Frequency Division Multiplexing.

Abstract: An alarm system that monitors and selectively handles incoming telephone calls at a premises in disclosed. The alarm system includes, a telephone network interface, for receiving a subscriber line from a telephone network that futher includes a caller-ID decoder for decoding caller-ID information for telephone calls received on said subscriber line; and a switch for selectively interconnecting said subscriber line to a telephone feed at the premises. A processor is in communication with the caller-ID decoder and the switch to selectively interconnect calls from the subscriber line to the telephone feed at the premises, based on associated caller-ID information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a gateway which interconnects public safety wireless networks and commercial wireless networks that support push-to-talk group calls. The gateway translates Real Time Protocol (RTP), Session Invitation Protocol (SIP), and Talk Burst Control Protocol (TBCP)/Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP) messages received from the commercial wireless network and RTP and SIP messages received from the public safety wireless network into a format of the receiving network. The gateway has a call control component operable to set up and tear down RTP connections between the networks, a push-to-talk control component operable to arbitrate calls between wireless communications handsets of both networks, and a transmission control component operable to transfer media packets between the networks. The gateway reduces the number of call set ups required when a caller wants to speak because connections may remain active until the talk group participants leave the push-to-talk group call.

Abstract: A sub-network device and a method of communicating using a sub-network, interconnect device and a network as a backbone within a communications system includes receiving a request for information at the interconnect device from a wireless communications device to communicate with the interconnect device, the interconnect device interconnects the wireless communications device to the sub-network, transmitting the request for information from the wireless communications device to the network, the network including terrestrial communications and being connected to a public safety agency network, receiving the requested information at the sub-network from the public safety agency network over the network in response to the transmitted request for information and transmitting the requested information back to the wireless communications device through the interconnect device.

Abstract: Security systems typically communicate with alarm monitoring centers using a telephone connection. The present invention offers a system and technique for monitoring a security system connected using a Voice-over-IP connection, in real time, and alerting the owner of the security system, or the alarm-monitoring center, when the connection is broken. This alert can be used, for example, to issue a telephone call to the police, informing them of the breach of line integrity and possible compromise of the premise. In addition, the present invention allows for one-way or two-way voice communication between the alarm panel and an alarm operator and/or a 3rd party. Such voice communication helps the alarm operator and/or 3rd party to determine whether an alarm is a real alarm or a possible false alarm.

Abstract: A method and system of making an emergency voice call is disclosed. Location data is received from a positioning device. A location area identifier is determined. The location area identifier corresponds to a geographical area encompassing a geographical location being represented by the location data. A voice call destination number is identified. The voice call destination number is associated with the location area identifier. The voice call destination number is utilized in order to communicate with a public safety answering point.

Abstract: A method and an electronic unit are disclosed for controlling traffic on a network, especially for controlling peer-to-peer related traffic. A filter unit is intercepting messages related to peer-to-peer application from a network line, irrespective of the messages' destination, A control logic then manages a request represented by an intercepted message subject to its content and subject to peering specific information.

Abstract: Security systems typically communicate with alarm monitoring centers using a telephone connection. Security systems will check in with the alarm monitoring center with a diagnostic signal at a predetermined interval—typically once per day. When a security system is connected to a Voice-over-IP service (using Broadband Internet), rather than a standard telephone line, the opportunity exists to poll in real-time the status of the connection, and alert the owner (or alert the alarm monitoring center) that the customer's connection has been broken. The present invention offers a system and technique for monitoring a security system connected using a Voice-over-IP connection, in real time, and alerting the owner of the security system, or the alarm-monitoring center, when the connection is broken. This alert can be used, for example, to issue a telephone call to the police, informing them of the breach of line integrity and possible compromise of the premise.

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 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: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for acquiring and processing incident data among multiple networked computing apparatuses. A method involves provisioning an interface associated with a mode of service of a computing apparatus, receiving incident data via the interface, and analyzing the data received according to rules associated with the mode of service. The interface includes a form for documenting the incident data where the form is compatible with one or more fields capable of being concurrently shared among networked computing apparatuses. The interface may be modified in response to receiving the data where a view of the incident data is based on the mode of service. The method further involves recording the data received and transmitting the data received to one or more other networked computing apparatuses over a wireless network based on a mode of service activated on each of the networked computing apparatuses.

Abstract: Methods of placing emergency telephone calls using customer premises equipment at a customer premises may be provided. In particular, a data connection may be provided between the customer premises equipment at the customer premises and a data network, and a request for an emergency call being placed from the customer premises equipment may be detected. Responsive to detecting the request for an emergency call, an address for a public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises may be retrieved from memory at the customer premises. After retrieving the address for the public safety answering point, a voice communication may be established between the customer premises equipment and the public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises.

Abstract: The invention relates to the usage of downloadable ringtones for communication devices in emergency situations. Emergency Alert systems such as air raid sirens inform the population that an emergency has occurred, however, they do not provide any information about the type of emergency and the actions to be taken. By sending emergency messages to the communication devices within an emergency area which are played back aloud, more detailed emergency information can be provided to a large part of the population affected.

Abstract: A communication system for implementing personalizable and customizable features, comprising a tuple space, and a plurality of user agents representing the features, the user agents communicating with each other via assertions posted to the tuple space in order to implement the features while avoiding feature interactions, each of the features being structured as a set of deontic task trees having a parent node with an obliged inherent action and a plurality of child nodes with respective node actions performed according to a predetermined sequence, the results of which are reported back to the parent node, the parent node placing deontic modalities on the behavior of the child nodes such that successful implementation of the feature results from successful occurrence of the inherent action and composed success of the node actions of the children nodes.

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: Alerts (13) are generated at mobile entity devices (12) and servers (16). The alerts are examined at the servers and handled by the server and/or forwarded to a clearing house (22). At the clearing house, emergency events (40) are created in response to the alerts by an event module (36). A notify module (38) compares events to an information need (304) associated with a subscriber profile (46) to determine whether a subscriber associated with the subscriber profile should be notified about events. The notify module also handles interactive search requests from a client (20) for the events.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes ID control equipment, a operation control unit, line controller, pieces of base station, and radio terminals. In the radio communication system, environment information about identification information (IDs) etc. set for the radio terminals is managed effectively. In the ID control equipment, an ID information setting means sets information about IDs for the radio terminals. In the ID control equipment, the operation control unit or the line controller, an ID information storage unit (e.g. memory 4) stores the information about IDs set for the radio terminals by the ID control equipment.

Abstract: A wireless communication system useful in locating users of mobile communication units (MUs) in emergency situations. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of aircraft-deployable, wireless position determining equipment (PDE) to generate position information from an emergency call request received from an MU, and a wireless mobile positioning center (MPC) on board an aircraft adapted to determine the location of the MU from the position information received from the PDE. In another embodiment, the PDE are adapted to transmit a message to elicit a response from the MU to acquire position information. In another embodiment, the PDE are adapted to receive periodic messages from the MU to acquire position information. In another embodiment, a mobile switching center (MSC) assists a GPS-capable MU in determining its location by providing it the information on the GPS satellites visible within the area covered by its base station and sector.

Abstract: A wide-area emergency information management system includes a broadcasting entity (10) and delivers content to authorized receiver clients (20), such as PC's, laptops, wireless devices, etc. The specific content (26), which can include voice, text, video or any other information content related to a planned response to a given crisis or emergency such as enemy attack or natural disaster, is prepared in advance (28), tailored to the class of recipient receiver client and/or user (44), securely downloaded (32,36) and stored locally in a secure cache (21). In response to a small control file from a centralized emergency management authority, the receiver client system accesses the cache (21), decrypts the content (26), and delivers it to the end user.

Abstract: A radio communication system has a base station(s), a plurality of mobile stations, and a line controller connected to the base station. The line controller has a first memory for keeping track of each communication channel for each base station as to whether the communication channel is occupied or idle. The base station has a second memory for storing an idle communication channel stored in the first memory as a reserved channel. The base station is responsive to a connection request issued from an arbitrary calling mobile station and including designation of a called mobile station to designate a reserved channel stored in the second memory of an associated base station as a communication channel for the calling and called mobile stations to establish a connection with the mobile stations.

Abstract: An interface between a computer aided dispatch system and an emergency medical dispatch protocol is provided. Able to operate in either a resident or a non-resident mode, this invention coordinates the transfer of control and information between the computer aided dispatch system and the emergency medical dispatch protocol to improve the efficiency of emergency medical response resources while maintaining the certainty of the use of an established medical response and instruction protocol.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods (and corresponding apparatus) for accurate transmission of an ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller after the emergency call goes on-hook. The methods include (upon initiation of an emergency call) the steps of storing an emergency location identification number and/or callback number in a buffer; and, upon detecting an on-hook event, transmitting the ELIN and/or callback number from the buffer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the emergency call is disconnected after said step of transmitting; and prior to said step of transmitting, optionally first over private network and to the public network PSAP, a timer is initiated. The step of disconnecting is performed after the timer expires.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses that operate 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 residential communications network. According to embodiments, the transmitted Emergency Locator Signal communicates with the residential 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: A method and apparatus for alerting a plurality of groups of telephone stations in sequence in response to receipt of a pilot directory number in a first telephone switching system first switch alerting a group of telephones; if none of the first group of telephones answers establishing a connection via a second pilot directory number to a second switch for accessing a second group of telephones and alerting the members of the second group. Advantageously, this arrangement allows a telephone call to be completed to a first preferred group of telephones before attempting to complete the call to a second group of telephones.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a 911 emergency voice/data telecommunication network are provided. In one embodiment, the telecommunication network includes: a caller device originating a 911 emergency call having a voice portion, and a data portion, a local service interface, a public voice network, a public data network, and an ESN, wherein the ESN determines the appropriate emergency service organization to receive the 911 emergency call and dispatches the voice portion and data portion thereto. In another embodiment, the telecommunication network includes: a BS, MSC, MPC, and PDE. In another embodiment, the 911 emergency call includes a 911 origination service option. In another aspect of the invention, a method for communicating a mobile-originated 911 emergency call to an appropriate PSAP is provided. In still another aspect of the invention, a caller device for originating the 911 emergency call is provided. The caller device includes: a microphone, a camera, and a 911 button.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digital subscriber line (xDSL) communications between one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and analog front ends (AFEs) each coupled to corresponding subscriber line(s). The apparatus transports channels of data between subscribers and the DSP(s). The apparatus includes a bus for the transport of digital data, a DSP AFE interfaces. The DSP interfaces couples the DSP to the bus. The DSP interface accepts downstream channels of digital data from the DSP and transmits packets each associated with a corresponding one of the downstream channels to the bus. Each of the packets identifies a targeted AFEs coupled to a selected one of the subscriber lines. The AFE interfaces each couple an associated one of the AFEs to the bus. Each of the AFE interfaces transmits selected packets to a selected one of the subscriber lines for the transport to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a member to an active call in a group communication network provides for receiving a member list from a user and sending a request to a server to add the member list to the active group call. The method and apparatus further provides for announcing each member in the member list that they are being added to the group call, receiving acknowledgement from a member who wishes to participate in the group call, and forwarding media to the member. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: Alerts (13) are generated at mobile entity devices (12) and servers (16). The alerts are examined at the servers and handled by the server and/or forwarded to a clearing house (22). At the clearing house, emergency events (40) are created in response to the alerts by an event module (36). A notify module (38) compares events to an information need (304) associated with a subscriber profile (46) to determine whether a subscriber associated with the subscriber profile should be notified about events. The notify module also handles interactive search requests from a client (20) for the events.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising receiving, from a user-operated telecommunications device, a user-initiated communication to a non-911 communications address. The method can comprise automatically providing a user with a current location of a user-associated telecommunications device. The method can comprise requesting, from the user, verification of the current location of the user-associated telecommunications device.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: An emergency call initiated from a wireline or wireless device is recognized at a point along a network path and an alert signal is generated. Additional information including real-time incident and response information is collected in response to the alert signal. The emergency call is associated with the additional information separate from information in the emergency call. A call is then automatically placed to a telephone number designated by the subscriber, the call including the additional information. The real-time incident and response information includes the location of the calling device, and one or more of incident specific information, person specific information, and vehicle specific information.

Abstract: An emergency call system includes at least one wireless receiver located at a property having a plurality of residences for receiving wireless alarm signals from resident wireless devices and reset signals from attendant wireless devices, such as pendants. The wireless device module is operatively connected to the at least one wireless receiver for determining identity of respective resident devices and determining the response time in which an attendant has responded to an alarm signal from the resident device and which the attendant resets the alarm. The “staff reset” pendant contains a unique code identifying which staff pendant was used for a reset.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a monitoring service using a speakerphone and monitoring device coupled by a telephone line are described. A call is placed to the monitoring device and the speakerphone is then left off the hook. The monitoring device records received sounds and monitors for signals indicating an attempt to place a call. If DTMF tones corresponding to a phone number are received, the monitoring device initiates a call to the received phone number and bridges the initiated call with the call from the speakerphone. A call can be placed to the monitoring device to access recordings of audio from the speakerphone, monitor sounds from the speakerphone in real time and/or select stories, music or messages to be supplied by the monitoring device to the speakerphone at times specified by the caller.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number over a private network for far-end hop-off to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: A monitoring system especially adapted for remote surveillance. Listening and/or visual devices such as microphones or video cameras (hereinafter “monitors” or “surveillance devices”) are disposed in selected rooms or other selected areas. These are interconnected by communications paths to one or more communication/control modules (hereinafter “modules”) which in turn communicate over wired or wireless paths to a remotely located telephone. The remotely located telephone may be of the cellular or conventional hard wired type from which a user can communicate with the module either to conduct conventional audible conversations or to visually/audibly monitor activities within a selected area.

Abstract: A system and method for routing calls from multiple call centers using remote terminals for receiving incoming calls, a wide area network interfaced with the remote terminals, and a central data manager configured to receive the incoming calls from a communication network and to route them to the remote terminals over the wide area network. The remote terminals enable operators to receive incoming calls and to dispatch personnel in response to the incoming calls. Each of the incoming calls is associated with an automatic number identification identifying a communication device from which the incoming call originated. Additionally, each of the incoming calls is routed over the wide area network to a particular remote terminal based on the associated automatic number identification of the incoming call.

Abstract: A system is for providing communication between a caller and a special number call answering facility including call answering positions. Calls are in a first call format including caller identification information or a second call format without identification information. The system includes: (a) A first switch coupled with a special number switch in a network. The first switch receives a first call in the first format, converts the first call to an interim call maintaining the identification information in the second call format and presents the interim call at an output. (B) A second switch coupled with the call answering facility, coupled with the first switch and coupled with an administrative number switch in the network. The second switch receives the second call in the second format and the interim call and distributes the calls among the call answering positions.

Abstract: A monitoring and communication system for monitoring a supervised person is provided. The system includes a preferably portable personal communication device (PCD), e.g., a portable telephone, and further includes a computer system which stores a contact plan for the supervised person and which is in two-way communication with the PCD. The computer system, using an automated phone call routine, automatically initiates the transmission of electronic voice messages or inquiries to the supervised person's PCD. The computer system records responses transmitted by the supervised person's PCD back to the computer system. The system can contact the supervised person anywhere within a service area. The supervised person responds to one or more questions or requests from the computer system by pressing appropriate keys on the PCD, thereby transmitting responses. The responses are recorded by the computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disseminating emergency warning information via a telecommunication network via a telecommunication network is disclosed. After a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has decided to issue a warning regarding an impending emergency to a specific area, the LEPC dials a group emergency telephone number to issue a warning to any subscriber of the group emergency telephone number. The warning, which may be audio and/or visual, informs the subscriber of the impending emergency and/or the necessary actions that needs to be taken by the subscriber. By sending the warning via a telecommunication network, a large number of people can be contacted with specific details of the impending emergency within a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number optionally first over a private network and to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: A system for handling a call requiring non-standard processing to a call answer point and for providing location information concerning the call to the call answer point, comprising a call routing apparatus for identifying the call as requiring non-standard processing and in response providing a priority routing for the call, translation table apparatus for receiving the call via the priority routing and in response assigning a predetermined designation for indicating the location information, protocol harmonization apparatus for formatting the call for digital transmission to the call answer point, including inserting the predetermined designation in an information portion of the digital transmission, and digital interface apparatus for receiving the call properly formatted for the digital transmission and in response transmitting the call to the call answer point, whereupon the call answer point ascertains the location of origination of the call from the predetermined designation.

Abstract: An emergency dispatching system which can reduce the occurrence of false reports, reliably send the first report to relatives or the like in an emergency, and automatically detect even the occurrence of an internal danger.

Abstract: The telephone line dial monitor with wireless transmitter, and external visual indicator with wireless receiver function together to alert emergency response personnel to the location of an emergency event. Two versions are available, wireless and hard wired. The wireless version connects the line monitor with the external visual indicator by sending a radio signal on an FCC approved frequency. A DPL (digital private line) is included in the transmission so that effectively, each unit is independent of others in the broadcast area. The wired version sends a signal from the line monitor to the external indicator over a wired connection using standard gauge, insulated cable.

Abstract: Systems for dialing an emergency telephone number from a teleworking client according to the invention include apparatus that implement the steps of detecting at a teleworking client when an emergency number is dialed, disconnecting the teleworking client from the PBX/MLTS, connecting the teleworking client to the PSTN, and dialing an associated stored number. Though the invention is described with reference to a teleworking client, it may also be applied to any other dialup network connection.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic emergency incident notification system (“EEINS”) which allows subscribers to transmit notification of a nuclear/chemical/biological release to a central server for transmittal to the appropriate governmental agencies. In the preferred embodiment, a subscriber would utilize a user interface device to transmit spatial data and an incident report to the central server, typically using the Internet. The central server would map the spatial data onto a GIS database to determine which agencies require notification, and would then transmit the incident report to the receiving nodes at the appropriate agencies. At the local level, the receiving node may include software to automatically activate the appropriate public warning systems. The EEINS is sufficiently flexible to service both fixed and mobile sites.

Abstract: A system for providing expanded emergency communication in a telecommunication network including an array of switches, junctions, channels, customer-operated communication devices and service providing stations. The network is connected to facilitate communication among stations using a plurality of milieux. Communication is effected among a service providing station, an emergency complex, an emergency answering position, and an expanded service subscriber. The system comprises: (a) a request acquisition subsystem for receiving emergency requests from a requesting caller; (b) an information store for storing information relating to selected callers; (c) a notification facility for notifying selected subscribers; and (d) a dispatch facility for receiving selected of the information relating to an extant emergency. The system effects transfer of information from the information store to the dispatch facility based upon emergency request information relating to the extant emergency.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously providing multiple telephone-type services to any/all POTS-type devices on a single wire pair at a user premises. The present invention provides for the ability to add separately addressable POTS devices on a single service loop. This can be accomplished in at least two ways: first by the use of a multipoint protocol or second by Frequency Division Multiplexing.

Abstract: A robot-related information held at a robot user ad data held at a robot manufacturer as well as to enhance the user's sense of attachment to the robot. Each of personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) has both a function to send information on a robot 1 to a telecommunication line (39) and a function to receive answer information sent from a server (38) to the robot user via the telecommunication line, and the server (38) generates answer information on the basis of robot-related information sent from the personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) via the telecommunication line and reference information previously stored in an information storage device and corresponding to the robot-related information and sends the answer information to the personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) via the telecommunication line. The answer information is a diagnostic report on the robot.