Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a service provider to map a subscriber service address to a specific Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and then provides an association between the subscriber's out of area phone number and the correct PSAP are disclosed. When the subscriber places an emergency call, such as an E911 call, the network performs a database lookup obtaining the corresponding PSAP associated with the subscriber's service address and routes the call to that PSAP accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method that transmits and displays graphical images among wireless devices in a push-to-talk system. A predefined set of graphical images is stored in a wireless device, and when a user presses a push-to-talk button on the wireless device, the wireless device displays a list of predefined images to the user to select. After the user selects an image, the wireless device transmits an image code associated with the selected image to a server for relaying to every wireless device in a push-to-talk communication group. When a receiving wireless device receives the image code, it retrieves an image corresponding to the image code from the predefined set and displays the image to the user of the wireless device.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for communicating with a wireless network. The device includes a processor, a communications sub-system connected to the processor for exchanging signals with the wireless network and with the processor, a user input device connected to the processor for sending user input signals to the processor in response to user inputs. A security module is associated with the processor for automatically taking a security action upon detecting a predetermined security user input through the user input device. The security action can include sending a duress message and/or wiping data stored on the device.

Abstract: In the method of updating a unique call back number for a wireless unit having originated an emergency call, a unique call back number for the wireless unit is updated (e.g., changed or added to a list of unique call back numbers) based on a received unique call back number.

Abstract: Method and system of determining a location of a wireless transmitting device, such as a cellular phone, a wireless PDA or a radio tag, and guiding the searching personnel to physically reach the wireless transmitting device are disclosed that employ a “Movable Detection Station” and a “Guiding and Reference Device”, and optionally a “searching robot”. The movable detection station is carried on board of a moving platform, such as a police car, an ambulance or a fire truck, or carried by searching personnel. The guiding and reference device is a handheld device including a display device that displays position and guiding information to a user, and a reference wireless transmitter that works with a movable detection station. A searching robot is a robot with a reference transmitter installed on it.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating temporary dispatch talk groups are provided. A console receives a request to create a temporary dispatch talk group. The temporary dispatch talk group includes at least two existing talk groups. The console accesses a group database in a publicly-accessible wireless network. The temporary dispatch talk group is created in the group database, along with an identification of the lifetime of the temporary dispatch talk group. A temporary dispatch talk group identifier is provided to at least one member of the temporary dispatch talk group. A talk group call for the temporary dispatch talk group can then be initiated using the temporary dispatch talk group identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for translating dispatch communications between networks which operate according to different dispatch communication formats are provided. A communication system includes a dispatch translation network that translates dispatch communications between different dispatch communication networks. The dispatch translation network includes two or more dispatch translation gateways coupled to dispatch communication networks, the dispatch translation gateways perform signaling protocol and media translation for dispatch communications between the dispatch communication networks.

Abstract: A dispatch translation server (DTS) translates messages between a first dispatch communication network that uses a first protocol and a second dispatch communication network that uses a second protocol. The messages relate to the setting up of a dispatch communication session, controlling the channel floor of the dispatch communication session, and terminating the dispatch communication session.

Abstract: A wireless communication system including dispatch call controllers, signaling gateways, base stations, a first network coupling the dispatch call controllers to the signaling gateways, and a second network coupling the signaling gateways to the base stations. The signaling gateways serve as intermediaries between dispatch call controllers and base stations by translating messages received from dispatch call controllers intended for the base stations from the protocol used in the first communications network to the protocol used in the second communications network, and translating messages received from base stations intended for dispatch call controllers from the protocol used in the second communications network to the protocol used in the first communications network. The system may be configured such that each dispatch call controller has individual logical links to each of the signaling gateways, and each signaling gateway has logical links to a distinct subset of the base stations.

Abstract: An emergency communications device contains dispatch consoles for use by user that contains multiple repeaters and multiple communication networks. The multiple repeaters and multiple communication networks are used for redundancy purposes, in case the repeater or communication network in use becomes disabled for any reason. The device also contains a recorder unit capable of provided instant playback to emergency dispatch personnel independently of whether the unit is recording. The device does not require an external computer to operate.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing latency for direct group communications, such as push-to-talk (PTT) calls, among a group of wireless telecommunication devices on a wireless telecommunication network. The wireless telecommunication device selectively requests and then receives an open dedicated broadcast channel for an outgoing communication, which can include a group communication stream to a communication server that receives and creates a group communication to all wireless telecommunication devices of the designated group. The wireless telecommunication device selectively receives a broadcast channel based upon a predetermined probability, and assigns a greater probability of receiving an open broadcast channel for requests to transmit group communication streams than for requests to open a broadcast channel that are not for a group communication.

Abstract: A system for detecting hazardous agents is based on cellular telephone networks. The cellular telephones in public circulation have at least one detector for detecting at least one hazardous agent and broadcast alarm packets upon detecting the hazardous agent. A computer or computer network interconnected with telephones by the cellular telephone network processes the alarm packets and sets an alarm condition for the hazardous agent in a vicinity of the cellular telephone by calculations based upon alarm packets from other telephones with detectors for the hazardous agent in the vicinity. A map of the contaminated area is also created.

Abstract: Method for allocating radio resources for the establishment of an outgoing call originating from a mobile terminal of a first system for radiocommunications with mobiles having a given radio interface and a mutual help channel, via a base station of a second system for radiocommunications with mobiles having a given radio interface which is incompatible with the radio interface of the first system. The base station monitores the mutual help channel of the first system. In case of detection, by the base station, of a given pattern transmitted by the mobile terminal on the mutual help channel, by the base station allocates a traffic channel emulating the radio interface of the first system, for communication with the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A mobile computing and communication device for an emergency occasion is disclosed. The device, for example, is useful for a trapped person under a mound of debris created by a fallen building during an earthquake or a terrorist attack. The invention is based upon a conventional mobile communication device with an additional communication unit. The additional unit is based upon a short-range and ad hoc communication network. The invention is characterized by that a power management unit is used to monitor the remaining power of a battery system for the mobile device. If the power is below a preset threshold value, the main function of the mobile device as a mobile phone is switched off and the reserved power is used to supply energy for the second communication unit, which typically consumes much less power and lasts for very long time.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for assigning a frequency to an access point in a wireless network comprising a plurality of access points. The system and method includes accessing a rule-base to obtain a set of rules for the wireless network, accessing a license database to obtain information about relevant wireless nodes in a region, creating a list of possible primary node frequencies from a list of frequencies associated with primary wireless nodes in the license database, creating a list of possible secondary node frequencies from a list of frequencies associated with secondary wireless nodes in the license database, identifying a list of clear frequencies from a set of unused frequencies, selecting a frequency from frequencies in the lists of possible primary node frequencies, possible secondary node frequencies, and clear frequencies and registering the frequency in the license database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for establishing an emergency session in a communication system which includes at least one user equipment and one or more network entities involved in establishing an emergency session. When the user equipment initiates a session by sending a message to a network entity indicating an identifier, e.g. the call number or logical name of a called entity, one of said network entities analyses the received identifier. When detecting that the session to be initiated is an emergency session, an information is returned to the user equipment for informing the latter that the initiated session is an emergency session. The user equipment thereupon initiates the execution of an emergency session. Thus, even when the user equipment is unable to detect, by itself, that the intended session is an emergency session, the network will inform the user equipment on the emergency session for ensuring appropriate handling thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for priority dispatch communications are provided. Priority access to the communication network is provided. Additionally, barge-in for active dispatch communications in a publicly-accessible network are provided. When the user is in an active dispatch communication with another communication station, and a dispatch communication request from a second communication station is received, it is determined whether a priority value of the second communication station is higher than a priority value assigned to the user or the other communication station. When the priority value for the second communication station is higher, the dispatch communication between the user and the other communication station is suspended, and a dispatch communication is established between the user and the second communication station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for connecting a phone call during a Push To Talk (PTT) call traffic in a mobile communication system. The method comprises the steps of searching for a subscriber information of a selected current subscriber from both a PTT subscriber information and a subscriber group list, if a predetermined phone call key has been input; determining if the subscriber information of the selected current subscriber which has been searched from the PTT subscriber information and the subscriber group list is matched to a subscriber information stored in an address registry to confirm the matched subscriber information of the address registry; and terminating the PTT session of the PTT call traffic, connecting the phone call to the selected current subscriber's phone number based on the matched subscriber information of the address registry to perform the phone call traffic.

Abstract: A pre-connection readiness system employs a telematics unit and a telematics call center. The telematics unit receives and stores pre-connection user information prior to a connection between the telematics unit and the telematics call center. The telematics unit and the telematics call center exchange the pre-connection user information subsequent to the connection between the telematics unit and the telematics call center.

Abstract: A security system (52) using cellular wireless half duplex communication call (62) is provided. The security system (52) comprises a set of monitored resources (10), group of owners (48) and group of helpers (50) connected using said cellular wireless half duplex call (52). The monitored resource (10) is configured to generate an alarm and is coupled with said cellular wireless half duplex call (62). Said owners (48) and helpers (50) are also coupled with said cellular wireless half duplex call (62). In an event of emergency said monitored resource (10) generates an alarm and initiates said cellular wireless half duplex call (62) to connect to said owners (48) and said helpers (50) in shortest possible time without significantly contributing to cellular network load. Said security system (52) provides most scalable, efficient and viable security solution using cellular wireless networks.

Abstract: A communication system can include an access network, a core network, and user equipment for connection to the core network through the access network. The access network can be configured to receive a request for network access from the user equipment, to receive network access information from the core network, to selectively control access to the core network for the user equipment in dependence on the network information, to identify a request for an emergency call, and to disable the selective control of access to the core network responsive to identification of an emergency call.

Abstract: A compact handheld notebook computer using flash memory to store, retrieve and display information needed by emergency responders is designed for prolonged use under severe conditions and utilizes an electrophoretic display to conserve energy and provide a high resolution display more readable than LCD displays.

Abstract: An improved method and system are disclosed for processing prioritized wireless calls. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of providing prioritized wireless services, comprising the steps of: receiving a request for prioritized wireless service from a mobile device; determining the availability of a radio channel without obtaining the priority of the request; and if no radio channel is available, assigning a priority to the request and queuing the request according to the assigned priority.

Abstract: In the method, a paging identifier for a wireless unit is obtained using a unique call back identifier for an emergency call placed by the wireless unit in response to an emergency call back. Then, an emergency intersystem page, which provides the paging identifier of the wireless unit and identifies the emergency intersystem page as requesting paging of the wireless unit for an emergency call back, is sent.

Abstract: A method of expanding the activation and tracking capability of a limited number of stolen vehicle recovery dedicated radio-frequency networks activated from a control center upon notification of the theft of the vehicle includes supplementarily using more numerous widely geographically provided cellular-telephone frequency band networks to respond to the control center to indicate rough location of the stolen vehicle, while the recovery networks provide fine tracking of the vehicle for recovery.

Abstract: A method for origination signaling in a wireless network is provided. The method includes receiving a delayed feature request at an input device. The delayed feature request is directly provided from the input device to an override chip. An invitation message that is operable to request establishment of a delayed feature session is generated in the override chip based on the delayed feature request. The invitation message is sent to a base station.

Abstract: A method for reliable communication within a digital trunked radio system having a digital control channel and a plurality of working channels, wherein said working channels are assigned for temporary use by a subset of radio units by digital control signals transmitted over said control channel, said control channel carrying outbound digital control signals from a base site to said radio units, said outbound digital control signals having a fixed transmission time slot, said method comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a first message and a second message, each 28 bits in length, within said time slot; (b) defining at least one first message type identifier field within said first message; (c) defining a group identifier in said first message, said group identifier comprising from greater than 11 up to 16 bits; (d) defining at least one second message type identifier field within said second message; (e) defining a logical identifier in said second message, said logical identifier comprising from greater

Abstract: A novel system and method for a network overlay geolocation system operating in a host wireless communication system with repeaters (350a, 350b) is disclosed. Embodiments of the novel system and method enable the geolocation system to determine if signals being received by the geolocation system arrive directly from a target mobile appliance or if the signals are passing through a repeater (350a, 350b) and therefore are subject to a known time delay. Embodiments of the novel system and method provide a more accurate geolocation of mobiles served by repeater stations than capable in the prior art.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing set-up time for walkie-talkie calls. One or more mobile units are assigned to a first paging channel and a second paging channel. A first and second slot cycle may be determined using a first and second slot cycle index, respectively. The second paging channel slot cycle is determined using a negative slot cycle index. A mobile unit can then be configured to monitor the first paging channel during the first slot cycle. Similarly, the mobile unit may also be configured to monitor the second paging channel during the second slot cycle. The first paging channel may be used to provide the mobile unit with notification of a cellular call and the second paging channel may be used to provide notification of a walkie-talkie call. The second paging channel is checked more frequently than the first paging channel.

Abstract: An advanced voice service known as “Press-to-Connect” for wireless communications systems. A real-time exchange interfaces to the wireless network to provide a Press-to-Connect (PTC) call between an initiator and one or more recipients, wherein the PTC call comprises a time-limited Press-to-Talk (P2T) call. The real-time exchange uses a Talk Timer to limit how long the user may press a button and talk (i.e., the Talk Timer limits the length of each continuous “Talk” session of the call), before a “Talk” session of the call in the wireless network is ended, and the real-time exchange uses a Call Timer to limit how long the call can last (i.e., the Call Timer limits the overall length of the call), before the call in the wireless network is ended.

Abstract: A vehicle pre-collision countermeasure system is provided has a communication component, a rear collision predicting component and an acceleration countermeasure component. The communication component conducts a direct communications with other vehicles, including broadcasting vehicle parameter identifiers of a host vehicle equipped with the communication component and receiving vehicle parameter identifiers of a following vehicle. The rear collision predicting component predicts a likelihood of a potential rear collision event occurring in the host vehicle based on the vehicle parameter identifiers of the following vehicle. The acceleration countermeasure component accelerates the host vehicle in response to the rear collision predicting component predicting that the potential rear collision event is likely to occur with the following vehicle.

Abstract: Mobile nodes of a wireless network route messages from one node to another. At least one node has a user input device, such as a button, that may be activated to indicate an emergency or other event in which the immediate attention and/or assistance of users of other nodes is needed or desired. Logic senses a panic condition based on the user input device and transmits a panic message to alert users of other nodes. At least one of the nodes provides an alarm that indicates a current location of the node that originally transmitted the panic message thereby assisting a user in finding such node, referred to as the “panicking node.

Abstract: A wireless communication network 20 operates in an emergency mode 22. In one example, network components enter an emergency mode 24. In another example, mobile stations enter an emergency mode 26. Various disclosed emergency mode features such as having a dedicated emergency channel, using dedicated emergency devices, using mobile stations as repeaters, providing alive user indications and utilizing beacon signals can be combined in different ways to facilitate search and rescue operations, for example.

Abstract: A wireless communication network can reliably deliver high priority broadcast information from base stations to mobile terminals located deep in building and those located in scarcely populated areas that are remote from the base stations. Each of the base stations of the wireless communication network comprises a broadcast information input unit for receiving high priority broadcast information and a transmission power changing unit for changing the transmission power of the downlink common channel when high priority broadcast information is input to it. As broadcast information is input, the transmission power changing unit changes the transmission power of the downlink common channel so as to boost the effective radiation power used by the downlink common channel of the base station at places in the coverage of the base station that are subjected to a propagation loss.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for transient endpoint location identification are disclosed. The exemplary method may include transmitting a registration request from an endpoint to a server. The server requests a location identification number from the endpoint. The server associates the address of the endpoint with the location identification number provided by the endpoint. When the endpoint contacts emergency personnel, the server provides the location identification number associated with the endpoint, allowing emergency personnel to locate the endpoint.

Abstract: Apparatus (58), and an associated method, for facilitating delivery of network-specific dialing codes to a mobile node (12). Broadcasts of the network-specific dialing codes are scheduled by a broadcast scheduler 64 embodied at a cell broadcast center (38). Signals containing the codes are broadcast and detected by the mobile node (12), thereby to download the values to the mobile node. And, the downloaded dialing codes are indexed (88) together with the dialing codes normally used by the mobile node (12) to call the corresponding service centers (44). Subsequently, when a call is placed to a service center, the dialing codes are transposed (94), if necessary, to permit the call to a designated service center (44) to be completed.

Abstract: An address server comprising a UFMI server application adapted to allocate an inter-working UFMI to an iDEN subscriber unit and map the inter-working UFMI to an external subscriber address. The inter-working UFMI is associated with an iDEN network, and the external subscriber address is associated with an external network. The address server includes an iHLR, a data storage storing a pool of reusable iDEN UFMIs and mapped pairs of iDEN UFMIs to external subscribers. The mappings are stored on a per user, per fleet or per account basis. The data storage also stores a pool of global iDEN UFMIs. Use of the inter-working UFMIs facilitates dispatch communications between the iDEN subscriber unit and the external subscriber.

Abstract: An automatic crash notification system may include a crash detection system configured to detect a crash of the vehicle, a memory system containing a first prerecorded message that includes one or more words that mean that a remote location has received notice of a crash, a wireless communication system configured to wirelessly transmit a message to and wirelessly receive a message from a remote location, a user communication system configured to deliver words to an occupant of the vehicle, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to transmit notice of a crash over the wireless communication system to a remote location in response to detection of the crash by the crash detection system, and cause the first prerecorded message to be communicated over the user communication system in response to receipt by the wireless communication system of an acknowledgement from the remote location that the remote location has received notice of the crash.

Abstract: A system and method of retrieving dispatch call information from a dedicated database by using interconnect call information. Interconnect call information from an interconnect communication system is obtained. The information identifies a target dispatch subscriber unit in a dispatch communication system. A request is received from a source dispatch subscriber unit. The request includes the interconnect call information. The interconnect call information identifying the target dispatch subscriber unit is extracted from the request. The interconnect call information of the target dispatch subscriber is related to unique dispatch call connection information of the target dispatch subscriber in a dedicated database. The unique dispatch call connection information concerning the target dispatch subscriber unit from the dedicated database in the dispatch communication system is retrieved using the extracted interconnect call information from the request.

Abstract: A communication system and method is provided for handling emergency situations wherein complex public safety radio systems can be used to directly communicate with normally incompatible radio systems used by organizations such as schools, hospital, and other facilities. The system includes a radio communication bridge that is selectively activated by emergency personnel to contact selected organizations. The bridge is activated via a TCP/IP command sent from an organization having activation privileges to the selected communication endpoints. Computer software or firmware installed at various communication endpoints, emergency responder locations, and at an emergency call center is used to facilitate functionality of the system to include emergency notifications, dissemination of information associated with a particular emergency, and the status of the system to include activation and deactivation of the radio bridge.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining an object associated with a host server and determining if the object includes an indication that identifies a first zone. The method also includes identifying a message contained in the object if the object includes the indication that identifies the first zone, and creating a formatted notification if the object includes the indication. The formatted notification includes a representation of the message. Finally, the method includes broadcasting the formatted notification within a network.

Abstract: An interconnect communication system is provided that provides for dispatch-type services including Instant Access call set up, talkgroup creation and management, and in-band floor arbitration and mode switching that employ in-band signaling tones. By providing talkgroup creation and management and in-band floor arbitration that are transparent to the underlying network, the talkgroup creation and management and in-band floor arbitration may be implemented in a legacy system without the need to modify the network and regardless of the type of network employed. Furthermore, by providing Instant Access call set up procedures and mode switching procedures that are capable of utilizing modified versions of known messages, the procedures may be implemented in a legacy system in a simplified manner, minimizing the impact of an addition of such procedures to a legacy network.

Abstract: This invention provides wireless communications using a remote, self-contained communications antenna unit that transceives signals from a disconnected cell site and communicates these signals with a communications network. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote, self-contained communications antenna unit includes a transportation vehicle that carries a generator for power, backup batteries, transmitter and receiver equipment, a digital signal processor (DSX), a network interface unit, an air conditioner, and an extendible mast.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing latency in initiation of a real-time data session between wireless communication stations. In order to initiate a session with one or more target parties, an originating station will send a voice call origination message to a network switch, providing in the origination message (i) a session-initiation feature code and (ii) a target code indicative of the one or more target parties. The switch will then detect the session-initiation feature code as an intelligent-network trigger and responsively signal to a service controller, which will in turn signal to a communication server. The communication server will then invite the originating station and each of the one or more target parties to participate in the session, setting up a conference leg with each and bridging the legs together to allow the session to proceed.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for a dual dialer state machine are provided. The state machine allows a Radio Interface Layer (RIL) to make decisions on whether to allow calls to be initiated or terminated depending upon the type of call (interconnect or dispatch). The RIL uses the state machine to coordinate the functions of an interconnect phone application and a dispatch phone application.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining the location of a mobile appliance using the reverse pilot channel provided in CDMA 2000 communication systems to determine an attribute (e.g., time of arrival, angle of arrival, time difference of arrival, received power level) of a reverse pilot signal at one or more wireless location sensors. A network overlay of wireless location sensors monitors the reverse pilot channel for a target mobile's reverse pilot signal. The monitored signal may be compared to a reference signal to determine a correlation and thereby determine an attribute of the target mobile's reverse pilot signal. The method may be performed independently from the communication system and without requiring retrieval of information bits from the mobile appliance. The reference signal may be generated from the unique long spreading code mask of the target mobile appliance which is typically a function of the ESN of the target mobile appliance.

Abstract: A communication system and method is provided for handling emergency situations wherein complex public safety radio systems can be used to directly communicate with normally incompatible radio systems used by organizations such as schools, hospital, and other facilities. The system includes a radio communication bridge that is selectively activated by emergency personnel to contact selected organizations. A communication network, such as a local area network, can be used to activate and deactivate the bridge. Computer software or firmware installed at various communication endpoints, emergency responder locations, and at an emergency call center is used to facilitate functionality of the system to include emergency notifications, dissemination of information associated with a particular emergency, and the status of the system to include activation and deactivation of the radio bridge.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and locating at least one mobile in a standby mode using a search device located at a certain altitude above the at least one mobile. A simulation of a cellular network activates the at least one mobile within range of the simulated network. At least one parameter representative of at least one signal transmitted by the activated at least one mobile is determined.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: When an entity (such as a customer using a communication device 131, 141, 151 . . . ) attempts to communicate with a target (such as an employee), an arrangement indicates to the customer, “status” information describing at least the employee's present and future ability to communicate with the entity (such as by returning his call). At least one sensing device 111-119 is configured to provide sensing information concerning the target employee's status in response to an action of the target employee with respect to the sensing device. A monitoring server 102 is configured to receive the sensing information and to govern communication to the entity (customer) of the target's “status.” In one implementation, a particular sensing device (such as a cash register 111, computer terminal 112, or time clock 113) is configured to perform both (A) a primary function that is not related to providing the sensing information, and (B) the secondary function of providing the sensing information.