Abstract: A method of alerting a person to a situation is disclosed. An alert signal is received from a mobile communication device in signal communication with a wireless communication system and an alert system. In response to the alert signal, a database of an alert service is accessed for information relating to the subscriber of the mobile communication device and for information relating to a contact list associated with the subscriber. Information is obtained from the wireless communication system relating to the location of the subscriber, and a communication is made to a member of the subscriber's contact list providing information relating to the subscriber and the situation.

Abstract: A method of requesting emergency rescue in a mobile communication terminal having a Bluetooth device. The method comprises the steps of: computing position information of the terminal in case of emergency; switching into a sleep mode after computing the position information of the terminal; transmitting an emergency-informing packet containing the position information into the Bluetooth device after switching into the sleep mode; and executing by the Bluetooth device communication with another nearby Bluetooth device.

Abstract: System and a method for recording a personal greeting associated with a pre-paid telephone calling card. The system and method include and involve a data storage system for storing data corresponding to a pre-paid telephone calling card and a personal greeting. Also included and involved is a pre-paid telephone calling card processing system that is coupled to the data storage system and which is configured to receive a request to record the personal greeting during a setup call over a telephone network and to cause the personal greeting to be recorded for subsequent playback. The pre-paid telephone calling card processing system is also configured to receive a request to make an outbound telephone call in relation to the pre-paid telephone calling card during an access call over the telephone network and to cause the personal greeting to be played back automatically during the access call.

Abstract: A method of alerting a person to a situation is disclosed. An alert signal is received from a mobile communication device in signal communication with a wireless communication system and an alert system. In response to the alert signal, a database of an alert service is accessed for information relating to the subscriber of the mobile communication device and for information relating to a contact list associated with the subscriber. Information is obtained from the wireless communication system relating to the location of the subscriber, and a communication is made to a member of the subscriber's contact list providing information relating to the subscriber and the situation.

Abstract: A mobile station MS accesses a home page of an IP server W and receives HTML data. The mobile station MS then extracts URLs, telephone numbers, and/or electronic mail addresses marked by anchor tags in the obtained HTML data and stores them with titles in the flash memory of the mobile station MS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively informing at least one person in the case of an alarm condition of an object, comprising of producing successive images of the object with at least one camera, comparing successive images, establishing at least one communication connection with the person in the case an image differs to a predetermined extent from a previous image, and sending an alarm report to the person over this communication connection.

Abstract: A method of alerting a person to a situation is disclosed. An alert signal is received from a mobile communication device in signal communication with a wireless communication system and an alert system. In response to the alert signal, a database of an alert service is accessed for information relating to the subscriber of the mobile communication device and for information relating to a contact list associated with the subscriber. Information is obtained from the wireless communication system relating to the location of the subscriber, and a communication is made to a member of the subscriber's contact list providing information relating to the subscriber and the situation.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a host having a plurality of sensor inputs for connection to sensors. A converter is designed to receive input signals from the sensor input and to convert the input signals from the sensors into digital signals. A processing system is configured to receive the digital signals and to generate alarm signals in response to selected ones of the received digital signals. An internally integrated voice/data modem is in operative association with the processing system. A phone connector is placed in operative association with the voice/data modem, to act as a port for transmission of the alarms to an external telephone network. A network connector is in operative association with the processing system and is designed to receive data in the form of alarms from the processing system and to act as a port for transmission of the alarm data to data network.

Abstract: A network-attachable computer system (40) that comprises a network interface for connection to a network (41), a server module address, a secure identifier (ID), and a key k. The computer system (40) generates identity information which comprises the secure identifier ID and which is protected using said key k. This identity information is automatically sent via the network interface to a server module (42) which is reachable via the network (41) by using said server module address where it is used to determine whether the respective computer system (40) is reported lost or stolen.

Abstract: A message distribution system for distributing a message via a telecommunications network to a plurality of communications terminals comprises: a message unit for contacting each of the terminals and sending the message, memory for storing, for a plurality of said terminals, corresponding terminal address data, and storing also a plurality of geographical element data linking geographical features of a portion of the Earth with location data; input for accepting an input control signal to initiate message distribution; area designation unit to designate a geographical area within the portion of the Earth; terminal derivation unit for outputting the terminal address data of terminals for outputting the terminal address data of terminals recorded as being geographically within the area and supplying the addresses for use by the message unit.

Abstract: A home control system for automatic detection and warning of abnormal behavior includes a unit for observing behavior in a predetermined area under surveillance, a unit for processing an output of observed behavior from the unit for observing, and a pattern recognition module for recognizing whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined normal behaviors. The detection of predetermined normal behavior in progress leads to a provision of an anticipatory action. Upon recognition that the observed behavior is abnormal, an alarm signal is triggered to remind the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing intelligent paging services is disclosed. A server receives a paging request from a customer. The page request may be, for example, a telephone call initiated by the customer from a telephone. The server then determines the identity of the customer who initiated the page request and (if necessary) the condition which prompted the identified customer to initiate the page request. The identity and condition information is then used to identify a predetermined list of one or more parties who should be contacted on behalf of the customer and how they should be contacted. Examples of the contact methods the server may execute include making a telephone call to a designated number via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), sending a page to a designated pager via the PSTN, and/or sending an electronic mail (e-mail) message to an Internet protocol (IP) addressable device via an IP network.

Abstract: An electronic assistant, incorporates electronic functions in a personal object that the user finds indispensable. Examples of personal objects include a cane, a walking stick, a walker, a wheelchair, a personal transportation vehicle, a purse, a key holder, a watch, a pendant, a hearing aid, an eyeglass frame, or a crutch. Electronics may include a PDA, a cell phone, a navigation module, a biosensor module, and an emergency alert module. The navigation module might include a GPS, an altimeter, an electronic compass, and/or a stored map. Biosensors may be directly incorporated into the personal device or communicate with a receiver therein if the biosensor is required to be attached directly to the user's body or surgically implanted. The emergency alert module may include an emergency button, and an emergency notification sequence stored in the electronic assistant capable of calling for assistance through the cell phone.

Abstract: A multi-stage data logging system comprising a telecommunications stage for receiving, processing, and compressing data from one or more input channels, a recorder stage for storing said data to a memory device, a distribution stage for retrieving said stored data and distributing said data to one or more output channels, and a plurality of interface paths linking said three stages to one another. Different stages of the system can be located wide distances apart and the interface paths linking the three stages can be automatically switched to achieve fault tolerance of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for emergency telephone call notification. The system includes an AIN capable switch, a service control point (SCP) having a database of designated contact numbers associated with a service subscriber telephone number, and an intelligent peripheral (IP) in communication with the SCP for contacting the designated contact numbers. The method includes the steps of recognizing an N11 trigger and the SCP initiating telephone calls, via the IP, to each of the contact numbers corresponding to the telephone number of the subscriber making the emergency telephone call.

Abstract: A house intercom security system includes a main unit connected between the exchange line of a telecommunication office and a telephone set, an indoor intercom and an outdoor intercom respectively connected to the main unit, and an alarm connected to the main unit. The main unit is driven to dial a pre-set telephone number when a visitor presses on the outdoor intercom, as the host of the house in which the house intercom security system is installed is absent. The indoor intercom is driven to trigger the alarm and to dial a pre-set telephone number for help when the user presses on an alarm button of the indoor intercom.

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 device and method for emergency calling of an assistance center by a vehicle provided with an on-board system that includes a location module for estimation and recording of the location of the vehicle and a sensor for estimation of the number of passengers in the vehicle. The last location and the estimated number of passengers are memorized in a memory of a central unit. The on-board system includes a second sensor interconnected with the central unit and adapted to detect the occurrence of an accident and an on-board communication module that is also interconnected with that central unit. When an accident is detected, the central unit is adapted to communicate to the assistance center a message that includes both the last location of the vehicle and the number of passengers on-board.

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: In an emergency notification and rescue request system having an answer detector for detecting a call receiving party's answer to a telephone call, the answer detector comprises a level detector for outputting a first signal when a level of an audio signal on a telephone line is greater than a prescribed level and otherwise outputting a second signal which is different from the first signal, wherein an interval between adjacent prescribed state changes in the output signal from the level detector is computed every time the prescribed state change is detected, and the current and previous intervals are compared so that if such an event that the current and previous intervals do not substantially correspond to each other has occurred prescribed times consecutively, it is determined that no regular signals such as the busy signal or ring signal exist on the telephone line, i.e., the call receiving party has answered the telephone call.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the communication of emergency information are disclosed. A subscriber to an emergency information data base places an emergency call. The communication device used by the subscriber sends an identifying message in a variety of formats, allowing an emergency response system to access the emergency information data base through a variety of means to obtain, for example, the medical history of the subscriber. Alternatively, the communications device has direct access to the data base. The communication device has a variety of features to enhance the communication of emergency information.

Abstract: An automatic telephone dialer for use in an intruder alarm system including an intruder sensor for providing an intruder signal upon sensing an intruder. The dialer comprises a body for locating a hand-held telephone, and at least one keying device supported by the body and operatively connectable to a key of the telephone located by the body for operating the key. The dialer includes an electronic controller connectable to the intruder sensor for receiving an intruder signal and in response operating the keying device to cause the telephone to dial a predetermined telephone number.

Abstract: A surveillance system utilizing a plurality of communication devices that are operative with portable telephones to permit an easily reconfigurable remote surveillance area. The portable telephones can have audio and imaging transmitting functions and at least one has an audio and imaging receiving function. An image sensor can sense images within a predetermined area and is operatively connected to a portable telephone for providing an output signal upon detection of a predetermined amount of change in the image area. An auto-dialing section is connected to a first telephone for calling a second remote telephone automatically based on the output signal. Infrared detecting sensors can also image within the surveillance area and be utilized to activate the auto-dialing function. The portable telephones can further include an image sensor for providing an image of the surveillance area.

Abstract: A high frequency bypass circuit is advantageously used in combination with a security system control panel. The bypass circuit divides telephone signals provided to the circuit into a low frequency DC signal and a high frequency AC signal, typically used for data transfer. The DC signal is provided to the security system alarm control panel and the high frequency AC signal bypasses the control panel, and is connected to the private telephone system. Conventional phones on the private telephone system can be disconnected by the control panel while any high frequency signal continues uninterrupted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to receive and record an Emergency Alert System warning message on a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes an Emergency Alert System radio receiver and detector module to receive and record an Emergency Alert System warning message. The emergency message can be reviewed either locally or remotely. In another embodiment, an Emergency Alert System warning message is received by a telephone system, and played in the earpiece or speaker on a substantially real-time basis. In yet another embodiment, an Emergency Alert System warning message may be recorded and then forwarded to another location based on address information (e.g., telephone number, e-mail address, pager number, etc.) which would not otherwise be within the broadcast area of the original Emergency Alert System warning message.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying the receivers with information in successive steps. The source supplies the first receiver with the information in a first step and supplies a second receiver in a second step whilst the first receiver simultaneously supplies the information to a third receiver. In further steps the source and already supplied receivers each supply a further receiver with the information until all receivers to be supplied have received the information. ADVANTAGE—Enables transfer of large quantities of program code and data from central station to several interconnected decentral stations, in very short time and with optimal use of transmission capacity.

Abstract: A multi-stage data logging system comprising a telecommunications stage for receiving, processing, and compressing data from one or more input channels, a recorder stage for storing said data to a memory device, a distribution stage for retrieving said stored data and distributing said data to one or more output channels, and a plurality of interface paths linking said three stages to one another. Different stages of the system can be located wide distances apart and the interface paths linking the three stages can be automatically switched to achieve fault tolerance of the 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: A mobile security system, which includes a warning signal transmitter unit installed in the place or equipment to be protected, an auto dialing unit having a signal receiver, and a cellular phone coupled to the auto dialing unit, wherein when the warning signal transmitter unit detects an abnormal condition, it immediately sends a warning signal to the signal receiver by radio, and the signal receiver immediately drives the auto dialing unit to dial a particular telephone number upon receipt of the warning signal, so as to inform a particular person or security center to take the necessary step. The auto dialing unit can be a mechanical design, or an electronic design as desired.

Abstract: A mobile security system, which includes a warning signal transmitter unit installed in the place or equipment to be protected, an auto dialing unit having a signal receiver, and a cellular phone coupled to the auto dialing unit, wherein when the warning signal transmitter unit detects an abnormal condition, it immediately sends a warning signal to the signal receiver by radio, and the signal receiver immediately drives the auto dialing unit to dial a particular telephone number upon receipt of the warning signal, so as to inform a particular person or security center to take the necessary step. The auto dialing unit can be a mechanical design, or an electronic design as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote detection device including a conventional measurement device, such as a thermostat, having an internal contact which is wired in series with a resistor and two wires of a standard telephone line. When the measurement device reaches or surpasses a predetermined set value, such as a predetermined temperature, the measurement device will close the internal contact such that the resistor will short the telephone line. Accordingly, when the ambient condition has reached or surpassed the predetermined set value, the owner or manager of a building will receive a busy signal when dialing a telephone line connected to the remote detection device. In another embodiment the remote detection device may comprise a computer program component which periodically monitors the status of a communication line connected to the measurement device at the remote location.

Abstract: An apparent temperature monitor and/or alarm comprises separate sensors that monitor at least ambient temperature and humidity of a location in which an occupant resides. It has been noted that certain elderly and/or poor residents of urban areas may be unable to self-monitor their environmental and health situation, and that use of an apparent temperature monitor/alarm may assist in preventing mortality of elderly occupants or those who are unable to fend for themselves. A system for monitoring a large number of remote locations may also be established and appropriate health or safety personnel may be directed from a central monitoring location to investigate specific occupants or remote locations indicative of unhealthy environmental conditions.

Abstract: A cordless telephone for making an emergency call upon sensing separation of a handset from a charger of a base unit. The handset is normally set in the charger in an idle state. A handset sensor detects separation of the base unit from the charger, and a user interface is used to input an emergency mode setting command and a phone number for an emergency call. A memory stores the input phone number for the emergency call, and a telephone answering device generates a voice message annunciating an emergency situation. When the handset is separated from the charger, a controller mutes a speaker, forcedly hooks off the base unit, reads the phone number for the emergency call from the memory, dials the read phone number, and sends the voice message. A microphone can also be enabled in order to transmit the sounds of the emergency situation to a called party.

Abstract: A pager having a telephone number memory, a telephone number retrieval section, a radio transmitter section, and a reply operation control section, which makes it possible to automatically send a reply message back to the sender of a message to the pager, without requiring a complex operation to be performed by the user of the pager. The telephone number memory stores information including telephone numbers of other pagers. The telephone number retrieval section executes retrieval of a telephone number out of the telephone numbers stored in the telephone number memory, in response to a sequence of numbers which is included in the received message. The reply operation control section controls transmission of a reply message to the telephone number which has been determined by the telephone number retrieval section, using the radio transmitter section.

Abstract: An expandable and modular intercom and annunciation system includes a plurality of signal sources, such as smoke detectors, breakage detectors, intrusion detectors, telecommunication detectors (such as ringers), and gas detectors. The system further includes a plurality of originating interface modules, each respectively coupled to a signal source for receiving signals from the corresponding plurality of signal sources and for converting the signals to common communication protocol signals. The system also includes a receiving interface module coupled to the plurality of originating interface modules for communication via the common communication protocol, and an intercom and annunciation unit coupled to the receiving interface module to receive the common communication protocol signals. The intercom unit has a processor, a memory, and a user interface including an audio output.

Abstract: A telephone system including circuitry for monitoring the "on hook" and "off hook" conditions of telephone handsets coupled to a system controller and disconnecting all off hook handsets from the telephone line. With the detection of an alarm condition at a security alarm system that requires a communication link, line seizure is effected via an SCR controlled seizure circuit serially connected between each distributed handset and the telephone line. The seizure circuit normally conducts when a connected telephone is off hook. Upon detecting an alarm, a line monitor momentarily shorts the telephone line to drive any conducting line seizure circuits into a non-conducting condition that is maintained sufficiently long to permit the system controller to gain control of the line. During controller communications, the handsets are also isolated from the telephone line. A local phone is also coupled to permit reprogramming if an inoperative line is detected.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an emergency call box that has a cellular transceiver, a controller for controlling the cellular transceiver, and a memory for storing preprogrammed telephone numbers. Additionally, a display and push button selection switches are provided to allow bidirectional communication between the controller and a call box user. The controller presents the user with preprogrammed questions through the display, determines which one of the preprogrammed telephone numbers should be called based on the response received through the selection switches, and places a call to the determined telephone number using the cellular transceiver. In one embodiment, the controller determines whether there is an emergency or non-emergency situation based on the user's response, calls one of the preprogrammed telephone numbers if there is an emergency situation, and calls another of the preprogrammed telephone numbers if there is a non-emergency situation.

Abstract: An infrastructureless system is provided for automatically providing the telephone number of the phone making an emergency call by utilizing a synthetic voice announcement of the phone number during the emergency transmission from the phone, thereby to eliminate infrastructure involved in providing the telephone number to the recipient of the emergency call.

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: An alarm communication device and a method for mutual recognition between a first alarm unit and a second unit connected therebetween by a public switching unit is provided. The first alarm unit is connected to the public switching unit via at least one first communication line and the second unit is connected to the public switching unit via at least one second communication line. The method includes the steps of detecting a ring signal at the first alarm unit, detecting a caller identification (ID) signal provided by the public switching unit, determining a caller ID number from the caller ID signal, matching the caller ID number with at least one predetermined number and when the caller ID number is matched to one of the at least one predetermined number associated with the second unit, executing a predetermined procedure associated with the matched at least one predetermined number.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus provided with the maximum likelihood decoding utilizes a standard deviation of difference metrics as an estimating function for adjustment for the purpose of achieving a short-time adjustment with a small number of samples. A regenerative clock and a reproduction signal outputted from the information recording and reproducing apparatus are supplied to a maximum likelihood decoder. Based on the estimated recorded series detected by the maximum likelihood decoder at a low error rate, a recording state detector generates a recorded bit series. Then, a standard deviation calculator operates to select a difference metric delayed by a detected amount by a display line from the difference metrics outputted from the maximum likelihood decoder and derives the standard deviation of the difference metrics. Then, a .sigma..sub.-- .DELTA.m/.mu..sub.-- .DELTA.

Abstract: A public notification system includes a first database comprising phone numbers and one or more data fields associated with each phone number. Phone numbers (callees) in the first database are selected based on the data fields associated therewith. A recorded voice message is transmitted to callees through a plurality of outgoing phone lines, and callees are prompted to enter one of several dial codes, which is recorded. The database record for the callee is automatically updated based on the response dial code, so that the updated field may be used to select whether to send a future call to the callee. A second database comprising records identifying convicted criminals is also included in the public notification system. Each record in the second database comprises one or more data fields associated with a convicted criminal.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a telephone calling card service including the steps of providing a user with an access number to a telephone network and a personal identification code, prompting the user to input a personal identification code to initiate automatic dialing of at least one pre-selected telephone number associated with the personal identification code, and determining whether a call has been successfully completed to a called party via the pre-selected telephone number. The system may continue dialing pre-selected telephone numbers until a call has been successfully connected. In the alternative, the system may automatically and simultaneously dial all of the pre-selected phone numbers. An arrangement for determining whether an answering machine has answered a call is also provided.

Abstract: An antitheft system installed on a motor vehicle has an electronic control unit connected to a localization information detector and to a telephone apparatus, so that the control unit can produce a voice message and then transmit it directly to the police and/or to a security organization by means of the telephone apparatus, when a plurality of sensors detect certain conditions such as the theft of the vehicle. The message may also be sent by the system to a person authorized to use the motor vehicle by means of a transmitter-receiver radio and a portable transceiver radio. Voice messages are contained in a first mass memory unit, localization information derived from a second mass memory unit, the message selected on the basis of satellite signals received and decoded by the system.

Abstract: A system or method for interconnecting a security system with a telephone system. The system comprises one or more lockout modules that are connected between non-priority telephone devices and a telephone line. A security panel is directly connected to the telephone line. The lockout modules comprise a switch means for disconnecting the telephone device attached thereto from the telephone line when the security panel connects to the telephone line. The lockout modules further comprise a latch device that gives the first non-priority telephone device to connect to the line exclusive use of the line against other non-priority telephone devices. The lockout module further comprises a circuit that inhibits the reconnection of the telephone devices to the line to allow the security panel to recover a high and dry telephone line. The lockout module may be modified to include a switch that allows other non-priority telephone devices to share the line.

Abstract: A method of sending an alarm message through a phone system by turning on a computer having memory, an operating system, a computer program, and a modem. The method involves building the alarm message and sending it through the phone system by using the computer program. The computer's electric power is triggered by a person, a security device, or any other device that can turn on a computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for communication with a subscriber. The arrangement includes a spectral analysis unit for producing short-time spectral values (Y(i)) of received signals (E) which signals are at times subscriber's speech signals superimposed by echoes of transmission signals (S) transmitted to the subscriber, a echo cancelling unit for estimating short-time spectral values of the echoes (X.sub.w (i)) and for producing difference values (D(i)) between the short-time spectral values (Y(i)) of the received signals (E) and the estimated short-time spectral values (X.sub.w (i)) of the echoes, and speech recognition unit for evaluating the difference values (D(i)).

Abstract: A security system add-on device is disclosed that provides a false phone line apparatus for tricking an intruder into believing that they have cut the building phone line. The apparatus includes a close loop wire pair that acts as a false phone line and is coupled to a false line cut detector. When the false line is cut, the cut detector signals the security system that a breach of security has occurred.

Abstract: A security system backup device which provides a system that recognizes when an outdoor telephone line near the building has been severed and provides a means by which a distress message can be sent over the operable part of the outdoor telephone lines. The system utilizes a signal generator connected to a phone line inside of the building and a signal detector connected to the outdoor phone line outside of the building in a discreet and hard to reach location. When the signal no longer appears on the line, a telephonic calling unit, which is located with the signal detector, places a distress call.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically dialing and sending out a pre-recorded message in emergency situations to Police, Fire, or Ambulance departments at the push of a single button. The system has separated lighted buttons each for Police, Fire, or Ambulance, with an individual message for each emergency situation. The buttons are color coded and the international symbols for Fire, Police, and Ambulance are embossed on them respectively. The system is capable of storing phone numbers for each emergency service, and has the ability to record and play back a personalized message designed to describe the services needed and the location at which the service is need.