Abstract: A method and system and process for providing forced hold behavior is disclosed. The forced hold behavior may be enabled during an emergency dialog between a user and a Public Safety Answering Point, or PSAP, if a user has abandoned or attempted to end the emergency call. This behavior informs the PSAP that the user has abandoned the call, and permits the PSAP to reestablish communication with the user.

Abstract: The system is based on the arrangement of a plurality of terminals (1), (I?) . . . (In), which are interconnected with one another to form a digital network by means of two databuses, one write and one read, by means of differential transmission, with a hybrid connection topology based inter alia on UTP-type cables (4). Each terminal is constituted by a DLP-type card (7), which contains a programmable logic device for the management of a series of cards associated with the card (7), said cards being a main card (8) and a user-interface card (9), which enable the user to configure the various system options, it being possible, also, to incorporate one or more extension cards (H-H?) for the input and output of audio/video signals, the Internet, a telephone line or an automatic-door-entry line, and also a remote-control and alarm card (10) for activating external loads, activating alarms and receiving signals originating from sensors.

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: A method for establishing an emergency call between a user equipment within a radio coverage area and one of at least two points able to answer the call, the method comprising: receiving said emergency call request; determining a first estimate of the position of said user equipment within said coverage area; interrupting said call establishment by triggering a control point; and using the control point to select, based on said first position estimate, which one of said at least two answering points the call is established with.

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: Included are embodiments for recording data from a communication. A least one embodiment includes a system for recording data from a communication that includes a controller component and a gateway component passively coupled to a switching component. In at least one embodiment the gateway component configured to receive at least a portion of the control data, the gateway component further configured to receive media data associated with the with the communication.

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 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, systems, and computer program products for E911 registration assistance for subscribers using portable Internet Protocol (IP) communications devices are disclosed. According to one method, an IP address of a portable IP communications device is stored. A message is received that indicates an IP address of the portable IP communications device. Next, it is determined whether a difference between the stored IP address and the received IP address indicated by the registration message indicates a change in geographic location of the portable IP communications device. In response to determining that the difference between the stored IP address and the IP address indicated by the received message indicates a change in geographic location of the portable IP communications device, a subscriber is prompted to update stored geographic location information for providing E911 service to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a signaling message to be sent in response to an emergency call, e.g., an E911 call, set up message to provide information as to whether or not the E911 call has been successfully completed are disclosed. An indicator of a failed call setup will trigger the call to be re-originated transparently to an emergency center where live operators can handle the call on a 24hours/day basis. In one embodiment, an emergency center is a call center that is operated by a network provider or a third party provider to support emergency calls when a PSAP cannot be reached by a caller for various reasons. The emergency center is capable forwarding a call to the appropriate PSAP for call termination on behalf of the E911 caller.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing emergency and alarm communications between devices via an interface device are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device comprises an input, an output, and logic. The input receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic detects whether the data is intended to request assistance from emergency services and if so, determining proper routing, retrieving location information and transmit the data and location information to the proper destination. If not intended to request assistance, a second device for receiving the data is identified as well as a second format, the data is translated to the second format and transmitted to the second device. A battery may selectively provide power to essential components of the interface device upon detection of a power failure. Notifications are made upon detection of a power failure, malfunction, or emergency request.

Abstract: A digital communication translator for redirection of preprogrammed instructions and/or information from a digital alarm communicator system or digital communicator transmitter. The inventive device includes an integrated circuit board containing memory ships with input for a common analog or digital communications circuit and output for the same. An input for a low voltage direct current power. An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) may interact with the activated host communication process and initiate a communication circuit with the redirected receiver. This EEPROM may simulate a receiver to the host transmitter, An EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory) may contain a library of various formats and data to assist the EPROM in simulating the appropriate receiver for the host communicator.

Abstract: The emergency call such as Enhanced 911 call or the like is also originated through an exchange such as PBX (Private Branch Exchange). In this case, the identification information such as the extension number of the extension telephone terminal connected to the PBX should be transmitted to a network corresponding to the emergency call. For the extension telephone terminal, it is necessary to unhook or to capture an arbitrary line by the line key, before inputting the dial data “911”. Independent of the capture of arbitrary line, the PBX searches a vacant line connected to the network corresponding to the emergency call, captures the vacant line, transmits the identification information such as the extension number, and switches over and connects the extension telephone terminal from the line captured by the terminal to the vacant line.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and receiving text data via a communication device is provided. In one embodiment, an incoming message is received at a communication node. The node determines whether the incoming message comprises text data. If so, the incoming message is forwarded to a communication device. If not, the message is forwarded to a text interface. In another embodiment, an instruction signal is received at a communication node. Based on the instruction signal, a connection is established with a communication device. A text message is then received. The node determines if the device can receive the text-message. If so, the message is forwarded to the device. If not, the message is forwarded to a text interface.

Abstract: The emergency call such as Enhanced 911 call or the like is also originated through an exchange such as PBX (Private Branch Exchange). In this case, the identification information such as the extension number of the extension telephone terminal connected to the PBX should be transmitted to a network corresponding to the emergency call. For the extension telephone terminal, it is necessary to unhook or to capture an arbitrary line by the line key, before inputting the dial data “911”. Independent of the capture of arbitrary line, the PBX searches a vacant line connected to the network corresponding to the emergency call, captures the vacant line, transmits the identification information such as the extension number, and switches over and connects the extension telephone terminal from the line captured by the terminal to the vacant line.

Abstract: A method of provisioning databases in a telecommunications system includes storing data for a telephony service in a plurality of redundant database nodes. An operation to be performed in the redundant database nodes is received and broadcast to the redundant database nodes for execution. Responses are received from the redundant database nodes. Each response includes an identification of the redundant database node transmitting the response and a result of executing the operation in the redundant database node. The results of the responses are automatically stored. In response to an event, the stored results are automatically queried to determine a status of the operation. The status of the operation is automatically reported.

Abstract: A security system having two distinct channels of communication and which uses a single communication device provides improved security. The system monitors a host of security alarm panels connected to a telephone system. A status signal is communicated between each control panel and a scanner placed at a switching station of the telephone system to confirm the integrity of the communication channel. An alarm event continues to be reported to a monitoring station using the telephone system in the normal manner.

Abstract: A dialer intercept module is provided in an event detection system for automatically selecting between alternative communication channels and formats based on detected characteristics of control panel signals. More specific features detect predetermined signals, such as the telephone number dialed by the panel, or the type of alarm, and determine from the predetermined signals whether to: a) send the signal as is, over a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN); or, b) translate the signal into a different format suitable for an alternative channel, such as a wide area computer network.

Abstract: A supervisory signal for a derived channel data reporting system is implemented as a tone having a frequency capable of transmission using a telephone signal communicating network, including networks incorporating digital equipment, at an attenuated level. The tone preferably has a frequency of from 200 Hz to 300 Hz, and is capable of operating in conjunction with biphase modulated (BPSK), frequency shift keyed (FSK) and multi-tone modulated (MLT) polling systems. Such frequencies are effectively communicated by conventional digital loop carrier systems, despite a limited frequency range, and are of a sufficient magnitude to be detected by the derived channel data reporting system.

Abstract: A method for handling alarm conditions from paging stations in a paging system is disclosed. The paging system includes a paging terminal, a plurality of paging stations, and a network manager. When a paging station has an alarm condition, the paging station forwards the alarm to the network manager, which in turn, compares the alarm with an alarm record for that paging station and determines whether or not that alarm is a higher priority than the previous alarms received from the paging station. If so, the network manager transmits a signal to the paging terminal to page the technician responsible for servicing that particular paging station. The technician is paged and dispatched to the paging station for service.

Abstract: A call selecting apparatus which comprises a signal receiver section for receiving dial signals in the form of dial pulse or DTMF; a main body processor for effecting call connection processing based on the transmitted digit codes which were received; and a received digit codes accumulating section for accumulating the digit codes received based on the dial signals received by the signal receiver section and which is provided as a peripheral device of the main body processor. The apparatus includes a digit figure decision/call determination section for executing the decision how many digit codes should be accumulated in the received digit codes accumulating section as an accomplished destination telephone number, as well as determining whether the received digit codes correspond to the destination telephone number of a specified call or not. The digit figure decision/call determination section is provided as a peripheral device of the main body processor.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus includes a telephone line interface, a telephone line fault detector, DTMF and pulse dialing detectors, data pulse and tone detectors, a tone generator, a microprocessor controller, and a radio transmitter. The line fault detector monitors the phone line for a fault. The DTMF and pulse dialing detectors detect the telephone number dialed by the dialer. The microprocessor directs the radio transmitter to transmit a message indicting a telephone line failure if a line failure is detected. When a line failure is detected, the microprocessor causes the telephone line interface to disconnect the telephone dialer from the telephone line and to "capture" the dialer by coupling it to the data pulse and tone detectors and the tone generator. The data pulse and tone detectors and the tone generator emulate telephone line communication between the dialer and a monitoring station. The data received from the dialer is transmitted by the radio transmitter as an RF data burst.

Abstract: A telecommunications system that performs page-connect paging is disclosed. The telecommunications system of this invention includes a paging system (28) that is designed to receive calls from page-connect paging system subscribers. Once such a call is received, the system (28) parks the call on hold while sending a page to the subscriber. The subscriber can then call the paging terminal (28) to automatically be connected with the calling party. The system further includes a cordless telephone-2 system (26) wherein each of the system subscribers is further provided with a portable handset (26) from which he can access the publicly switched telephone network. Subscribers with the handset, upon receiving a page-connect page, can automatically dial the paging terminal (28) to be connected to their calling parties.

Abstract: An electronic code plug programming apparatus and operating method that automatically recognizes and configures a radio frequency communication device without reference to a prestored signal in the radio frequency communication device. The programming apparatus uses a communication interface operating in either a first or second configuration using first and second signal sets, respectively. The first configuration and signal set allows communication with a non-microprocessor based radio frequency communication device while the second configuration and signal set allows communication with a microprocessor based radio frequency communication device. In response to the success or failure of a direct code plug read request communicated to an undetermined radio frequency communication device, a controller recognizes whether the device is microprocessor based without reference to a prestored signal therein and programs the device, configuring operational parameters according to its recognized capabilities.

Abstract: A system for identifying a specific station, of a plurality of stations serviced by a telephone system, which has initiated a telephone call. The system includes means for providing designation indicia associated with each station within the system. A module at each station includes a control circuit for converting the designation indicia to an electronic format and, at an appropriate time, transmitting the electronically formatted designation indicia to a call-receiving station. In response to a call, the receiving station polls the calling station, and, in response, the calling station transmits the electronically formatted indicia to the call-receiving station.

Abstract: A battery-powered infrared sensor security system capable of operating on a single set of batteries for a minimum of one year. The system is connected to a telephone line and employs a bidirectional dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) tone generator/receiver to allow communication to and from a remote location. The system status may be checked from the remote location and certain system parameters may be varied from the remote location. The system uses a Fresnel lens arrangement and a pair of infrared sensors to provide a substantially uniform field of coverage of 180.degree.. The system also uses real time digital analysis of the output signals from the infrared sensors. The digital analysis uses time sequence analysis of the output signals, performs variance measurements between the current measurement of the infrared sensor signals and the stored time sequence, coherence measurements between the two sensors, and can compare measured amplitude spectra to predefined signature spectra entered by the user.

Abstract: A cellular backup system is provided for a standard security alarm network, so that upon the inoperativeness of the telephone land line, automatic switch over to the cellular system is achieved, so that a digital communicator or teleophone tape dialer may still transmit its distress call to a central alarm station, via the cellular system. A line fault monitor is provided which automatically detects the outage of the land-based telephone system which, in turn, provides an output signal to a latching relay which causes the activation of a pair of switching relays to automatically switch the connection of the alarm communicator from the DB-8 cord of the land-based system to a cellular interface coupled to a conventional cellular transceive of a cellular system. The switching relays are latched in the state connecting the alarm communicator to the cellular backup system and held in such a state, regardless of the state of the land-based system, as long as a manual rest switch has not been used.

Abstract: A device for responsively providing, in cooperative association with the 911 emergency system, the number and location of a telephone, especially a PBX extension telephone, from which such a 911 emergency call originates. A first device is installed between PBXs and the extensions thereof, with the number and location of each extension stored in the device's electronic memory. A second such device is installed at a Public Safety Answering Point. When 911 is dialed from an extension telephone of a PBX equipped with a device of the present invention, even if the extension receiver is still on-hook, the extension is connected over telephone lines to the second device installed at the PSAP. The device at the PSAP then interrogates the device at the PBX which responsively transmits the location of the extension telephone from which the call originated. The device installed at the PSAP relays the location information to at least one computer which informs an operator of the location of the calling phone.

Abstract: A surveillance system which integrates voice identification with a passive monitoring mechanism is described. The surveillance system comprises a central station, located at the appropriate supervising authority, and a plurality of remote voice verification units, each of which is located at a designated locality for an individual under surveillance and connected to the central station via telephone lines. The central station initializes and retrieves information from each voice verification unit. Each voice verification unit conducts a voice verification test of a respective individual according to a test schedule outlined by the central station and continuously monitors the presence of the respective individual at the designated locality. The results of the voice verification tests and the physical monitoring during a defined surveillance period are transmitted to the central station periodically or on an exigent basis depending on the application.

Abstract: A system for use in a digital loop carrier (DLC) which allows low frequency (sub-audible) tones such as those used with alarm systems to be transmitted from one end of the DLC to the other end even though the DLC has been designed to reject signasl below 200 Hz. The system may be added to an already installed DLC or included with the DLC prior to installation. At the end of the DLC from which the low tone is to be transmitted, the system controls the amplitude of the tone so that it can be encoded for transmission within a predetermined window. The DLC allows such low frequencies to be transmitted through the window while still rejecting 60 Hz signals (and its lower order harmonics). The controlled low tone and the voice signals are combined for transmission to the other end. At the other end, the decoded low tone is amplified by the system and then recombined with the decoded voice signals for use therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that can monitor occupied or unoccupied buildings, and annuciate to a distant point, e.g. a digital pocket paper, emergency events such as burglaries, fires, high or low temperature, high or low flow rate in such devices as boilers and many more. The system has a circuit that makes interfacing with most commercial field detectors especially easy, and a circuit that enables the system to easily access telephone lines, so as to transmit annunciation messages.

Abstract: A cellular backup system is provided for a standard security alarm network, so that upon the inoperativeness of the telephone land line, automatic switch over to the cellular system is achieved, so that a digital communicator or telephone tape dialer may still transmit its distress call to a central alarm station, via the cellular system. A line fault monitor is provided which automatically detects the outage of the land-based telephone system which, in turn, provides an output signal to a latching relay which causes the activation of a pair of switching relays to automatically switch the connection of the alarm communicator from the DB-8 cord of the land-based system to a cellular interface coupled to a conventional cellular transceiver of a cellular system. The switching relays are latched in the state connecting the alarm communicator to the cellular backup system and held in such a state, regardless of the state of the land-based system, as long as a manual rest switch has not been used.

Abstract: A central control unit (scanner) is connected across a set of subscriber loops. At each subscriber's premises, an individual subscriber terminal unit (STU) is connected across that particular subscriber's loop. To each STU are connected the various instrumentalities which are to be monitored by the system, e.g. fire alarms, burglar alarms, etc. FSK modulated signals in the upper part of the audible range are transmitted from the scanner to the STUs at appropriate times. The STUs reply by means of similar signals to indicate the status (e.g. alarm, or non-alarm) of the instrumentalities at the respective subscriber premises. This transmission and retransmission is interrupted when the subscriber's telephone is off-hook. In addition, a signal below the audible range (low tone) is produced at the STU, and transmitted to the scanner over the telephone loop when all the instrumentalities at the particular subscriber premises are in a given state (e.g. non-alarm).

Abstract: A portable, self-contained device for monitoring an area and reporting conditions automatically over standard telephone lines is disclosed. The device communicates through a modem in digital code with digital terminals or in synthetic speech when a digital terminal is not used.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting in series a plurality of communication line pairs, typically direct connected security loops used by alarm companies for monitoring customer's facilities. A bridge with pairs of bridge terminals and switches for connecting bridge terminal pairs to communication line pairs or to terminating lines. Local and remote control for the switches and control apparatus which permits service personnel to selectively terminate a bridge terminal pair with a direct or zero resistance connection line and leave a subscriber's communication line open, for maintaining service for other communication lines connected to the bridge while performing maintenance on the disconnected line. The apparatus is suitable for bridges with various numbers of terminals, such as six way, eight way and twelve way.

Abstract: A gate circuit is described for use in a telephone system which includes one or more ports located on a subscriber's premises for connecting equipment on these premises to a specified vendor of services having equipment at a remote location. The gate circuit simulates a hard wired connection between the ports on the subscriber's equipment and the vendor's equipment.