WO1996026580A1 - A wireless alerting and telecommunications device for the hearing impaired - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunications system allowing a conventional telecommunications device such as a radio pager, cellular telephone or portable computer equipped with a radio modem (40), to deliver information regarding alarms and events occurring in the environment (12). This is accomplished while still allowing the telecommunication device to operate as originally designed and support telecommunication with people. The invention was designed primarily for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired but can also be applied in the area of security.

Description

A Wireless Alerting and Telecommunications Device for The Hearing Impaired

Background - Cross Reference to Related Applications

This document makes reference to a number of pπor art patents as follows:

US Patents 5,254,986; 5,196,842; 5,355,126; and 4,644,347; all assigned to Motorola

Background - Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to radio based Selective Signaling Systems particularly, though not solely, to those systems which support teiecommunicauons and alerting of alarm conditions in an inaudible manner for use with hearing impaired persons, and in security applications.

Background - Present Situation

Approximately 1% of the worlds population is deaf or significantly hearing impaired to such an extent that they cannot use a telephone or hear common sounds around their home or workplace Unfortunately few products have been developed for the Deaf due to the relatively small size of this market and the general lack of understanding of the unique needs of the Deaf As a result, the Deaf and Hearing Impaired have been using ineffective and outdated devices for many years. There is an major opportunity to improve the lives of these people with modern technology

Just as the number of hearing impaired persons is increasing worldwide, so is the amount of cnme There is an increasing need for effective and discrete security systems also

Many systems utilise audible signals to indicate events taking place in a normal home or work environment Some examples are. smoke, fire, and intruder alarms, ringing doorbells and telephones, oven Umers etc. These audible signals can be difficult to detect in a noisy environment, or when distant from the signal, or if one has a hearing impairment Whereas in other situations it may be inappropriate to use audible signals since they would be dismpuve such as in the quiet environment of a child nursery or in discrete security situations

There is a need for a method of alerting a person to events occurring in the surrounding environment which does not rely on the use of sound, or a need for hearing

For the Hearing Impaired, solutions have been to replace or supplement audible signals with visual ones This may involve the use of a lamp which flashes when a particular event occurs However, there are problems with this technique If the person is in a location which prevents him from seeing the visual signal, or the person's attenuon is momentarily diverted or focused on other things, the individual would not detect the signal

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Therefore a method of attracting the attention of a person without concern for their locauon or visual attention is required. Since some of the events may be life threatening or require immediate attention, the alerting must take place with a minimum of delay. Also, since numerous events may occur throughout the day (eg. a crying baby alert), the notification of each event must involve minimal cost (if any).

It is also important for a person to be able to communicate with other people and/or machines over greater distances using inaudible methods.

Present inaudible communications devices which convey information over distance include, faxes, TTY devices, computer e-mail, and video conferencing Unfortunately most of these devices are connected to a telephone line and therefore fixed in place. To use them a person must be notified of the incoming message and then physically move to the device to receive it. This greatly restricts the person's freedom and mobility. If the person is unaware of the incoming message, or cannot get to the device in ume, the information may be missed.

What is required is a more reliable method of communicaung with people over distance in an inaudible manner. The solution must be portable so as to allow communicauon regardless of the person's location and does not restrict the person's mobility

There are instances when a person may require assistance and must signal for help. The person may not be able to generate a suitable verbal signal due to a lack of strength or a speech impediment In other situations the person cannot rely on an audible signal since the recipients of the call for help cannot hear the signal due to distance, locauon, background noise, or a hearing impairment Such is the case with deaf caregivers, security guards, the elderly, and bed πdden.

Therefore a device is required which can be easily earned by a person and acuvated to signal a caregiver. neighbour, or security force over distance in an audible and/or inaudible manner

The solution must be very reliable since it may be conveying information about life-threatening events

A soluUon is required which is simple to use, and of the lowest possible cost since many of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired are either poorly educated, elderly, and have limited income

SUBSTITUTE SHEET The solution should be easy and inexpensive to install and remove so that it can be moved from one environment to another (eg. moving house, when on vacation, or for use "in the field"). It 80 should utilise commercially available technology which is fiuniliar to a user and is less expensive than custom designed equipment

Within the limits of the above objects of the invention the Present Invention aims to provide a solution to these problems without the limitations of the prior art 85

Background - Discussion of Prior Art

In order that the invention may be completely understood and appreciated in its proper context reference may be made to a number of pnor art patents and publications as follows:

90 US Patent numbers 3,925,763; 4,297,677; 4,380,759; 4,539,557; 4,692,742; 4,731,603, 4,777,474, 4,853,674; 4,926,460; 5,159,315; 5,200,735; 5,223,816; 5,272,465; 5,319,698, 5,355,126; 5,365,214

Whatever the precise merits, features, and advantages of the above cited references, none of them 95 fulfills the goals or delivers the fimcuonality of the Present InvenUon. Specifically, the pnor art,

• does not provide a single portable device which combines the ability to communicate with people over distance and deliver detailed information about events, and in a manner which does not require the need for hearing and,

100

• does not use a conventional and commercially available telecommunicauons devices such as, a radio pager, text capable cellular telephone, or computer equipped with a radio modem, as a portable alerting and commumcaUons device and,

105 • does not utilise the capabilities of a conventional personal computer to generate alerts, program and configure the system, and communicate with a telephone network and,

• does not convey detailed event information directly to a portable alerting and telecommunicauons device using a locally generated radio signal But instead use a public

110 telecommunicauons network which introduces delays and communications charges

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Objects and Advantages of Present Invention

As stated it is an object of the Present Invention to provide a telecommuωcaύon system which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. The Present Invention also aims to overoome

115 the problems with the pnor art by providing one or more of the following objects and advantages;

• To support communications with distant people via a portable device. This provides a person with increased communicaUons freedom by maintaining the person's mobility.

• To monitor events and show details of these events on a portable device. So as to notify a 120 person of important events anytime and almost anywhere, creating a safer environment while maintaining the person's mobility.

• To convey information in an inaudible manner using vibration, text and/or graphics. So that the Present InvenUon can be used in situauons where verbal commumcaUons, hearing or audible signals cannot or should not be used Such as with deaf individuals or in security

125 applications.

• To deliver information to a specific person in an inaudible manner, so that information can be provided in a very private and discrete manner

• To provide both details of environmental events and support commumcaUons between distant parties using the same device So that the present invention has maximum portability and

130 simplicity of operation

• To utilise radio commumcaUons wherever possible so that the Present Invention offers a user maximum mobility and freedom

• To utilise conventional and commercially available components wherever possible (such as radio pagers, cellular telephones, PDAs, wireless modems, personal computers etc) thereby

135 keeping the Present Invention's development costs and selling pπce down The use of conventional devices also improves the familiarity and ease of use

• To work with devices which already exist within the office or home such as smoke alarms, intruder alarms, baby monitors etc This facilitates installation and keeps costs to a minimum

140 • To use direct radio transmission wherever possible and not rely upon a public telecommumcations network to deliver information Radio is a more direct commumcauon method and allows event information to be delivered without delay and with a minimum of cost Whereas communicating via a public telecommunications network can be less reliable, inserts significant time delays, and incurs commumcaUons charges

145 • To be able to communicate over a telephone network so that the Present Invention can commiuucate with people who use common telecommumcations devices such as telephones fax machines, computers, and TTYs The telephone network can also be used as a backup network in case of radio network failure

SUBSTITUTE SHEET • To allow a person to remotely control electrical devices, remotely activate alarms and remotely send messages. So that a person can signal for assistance or highlight an emergency situation

• To be legally compliant with RF frequency regulations and minimise the chances of RF 155 interference So that the reliability of the Present Invention is improved

• To be a self-contained device capable of operating from a battery power source So that the Present Invention is fully portable, and can be easily installed, removed, and used elsewhere

• To maintain a record of events and messages delivered by the device, so that a history of activities can be viewed

160 • To be programmable so that the operation of the Present Invention can be customised by a person to meet his/her specific needs

Further objects and advantages of the Present Invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing descnption

165

Summary of Present Invention

Accordingly, the Present Invention comprises a telecommumcations system which involves a plurality of sensors placed to mo tor the occurrence of a number of events or alarm conditions Each event sensor being connected to a radio transmitter so that upon occurrence of an event or

170 alarm, the radio transmitter transmits an encoded radio signal The encoded radio signal contains information identifying the event sensor and/or the radio transmitter activated The system further includes a radio receiver for receiving and decoding the radio signal, and a controller containing a micro-processor to processes the decoded information and select a course of action pre-programmed into the controller memoπ The controller's actιon(s) will serve to

175 alert a person of the occurrence of the event or alarm by using one or more methods One method involves the application of power to electrical contacts which in turn operate annunciators attached thereto Another alerting method is to have the controller send information to personal computer attached to the system so that the personal computer can use its telephone dialing and information delivery capabilities to communicate text, graphics, fax or voice messages with a

180 remote location via a telephone network

Still another method is to use the systems ability to communicate with a portable transceiver using a 'local transceiver' Here the controller sends information relating to the event or alarm to a portable transceiver earned by a person The portable transceiver receives and decodes the 185 signal and delivers the information in inaudible manner Conversely, the portable transceiver can transmit a radio signal to the controller so as to instruct the controller to follow a pre¬ programmed course of action such as described above

SUBSTITUTE SHEET In a further aspect of the Present Invention, the system has the ability to communicate with a wide area radio network using a 'network transceiver'. This allows the controller to deliver information about events to the wide area radio network and/or, be instructed by the wide area radio network to follow a particular course of action such as described above.

190

Since communication occurs between the portable transceiver, the 'local transceiver', the controller, the 'networic transceiver', and a wide area radio networic, and vice versa, the portable transceiver and wide area radio networic can communicate information with each other.

195 The Present Invention has been designed to allow a conventional portable telecommunications device (such as a radio pager, cellular telephone, or computer with a radio modem) to act as the portable transceiver. So as to directly convey details of events occurring in a environment as well as continuing to operate in the normal manner by communicating with people over a wide area radio network. The system is designed to convey information in an inaudible manner using

200 tactile alerts, text and/or graphics so that it can be used in security applications, and also by the Deaf and Hearing Impaired.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

One preferred form of the Present Invention and modifications of the Present Invention will be 205 described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing interconnection of major components of the Present

Invention

Figure 2 is a diagram showing selection of channels by Personal Transceiver shown in Figure 1 210 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the Present Invention

Figure 4 is an operational flow chart when a 'general event' occurs.

Figure 5 is an operational flowchart when an 'emergency event' occurs.

Figure 6 is an operational flowchart when an 'incoming Wide Area Radio Network communication' occurs. 215 Figure 7 is an operational flowchart when an Outgoing communication from the Personal

Transceiver' occurs.

Figure 8 is an operational flowchart when 'incoming Telephone Network communication' occurs.

Figure 9 is an operational flowchart showing how the Present Invention can be queried or programmed. 220

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Reference Numerals Used in Drawings

Event Sensor (10) Interface Circuit (46) Event (12) Keypad (48)

225 Event Transmitter (14) Visual Display (50) Event Radio Signal (16) Communications Port (52) Small AC Power Supply (18) Electrical Contacts (54) Pocket Transmitter (20) Personal Computer (56) Alert Radio Signal (22) Telephone Network (58)

230 Buttons (24) Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60)

Base Station (26) Alarm Annunciators (62) Event Receiver (28) Computer Annunciators (64) Network Transceiver (30) Power Supply (66) Wide Area Radio Network (32) Local Environment (68)

235 Network Radio Signal (34) Network Environment (70) Local Transceiver (36) Radio Pager (72) Local Radio Signal (38) Salcom ll43 (74) Personal Transceiver (40) Salcom l l40 (76) Message Received Alert (42) Salcom 1521 (78)

240 Remote Switch (43) Salcom 1110 (80) Controller (44)

List of Equivalent Terms

The following list of terms have been provided to ensure terms used in the claims find suitable 245 antecedent in this patent specification. The following words can be read as equivalents when interpreting the claims:

In Claims: In Specification:

250 first transmitter means Event Transmitter second receiver means Event Receiver third transceiver means Local Transceiver fourth transceiver means Persona] Transceiver fifth transceiver means Network Transceiver

255 sixth receiver means Remote Switch controller means Controller data entry means Keypad

SUBSTITUTE SHEET display means Visual Display storage means memory storage 260 timing means clock circuit electrical interface means Communications Port processing and controlling means Controller condition responsive device Event Sensor event responsive device Event Transmitter & Event Sensor 265 combined a radio network Wide Area Radio Network first receiver Event Receiver second transceiver Network Transceiver local radio transceiver Local Transceiver 270 first radio transceiver Persona] Transceiver user information information from Personal Transceiver event signal Event Radio Signal telecommumcations actuated activating device Personal Transceiver

275 Definitions of Terms

The following terms have been defined to ensure the proper interpretation of the wording contained in this patent specification, and the appended drawings and claims These defimtions are to supplement other generally accepted defimtions, however should a contradiction exist between these definitions and other generally accepted defimtions, the following defimtions shall 280 take precedence

Sensor

A device which can detect an event or condition and generate an electncal signal in response to said event or condition.

285

Electromagnetic Radiation

Energy radiated in the form of radio waves, heat or light, and including ultra-sonic sound

Communicate

290 The movement of information between two or more entities, or electncal devices The term 'communicate' shall be interpreted in the broadest possible manner to include one-way transfer of information or two-way transfer of information (eg. sending information, and/or receiving information)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 295 Wireless Modem or Radio Modem

A device which allows two electrical devices to communicate with each other using electromagnetic radiation thereby eliminating the need to use a wired communications link between the devices.

300 Transmitter

A device which can generate an electrical or electromagnetic signal, and may encode information on said signal.

Receiver

305 A device which can receive an electrical or electromagnetic signal and may extract information from said signal.

Transceiver

As used in this patent specification, appended drawings and claims, the term "transceiver" shall 310 be strictly taken to mean a device (or combination of devices) which can transmit and/or receive information using electrical or electromagnetic signals. A "transceiver" shall be interpreted as a device which can only transmit or can only receive, or can transmit and receive. In this way the term "transceiver" is broader in scope than either the term "transmitter" or the term "receiver" alone, since it defines a device which can do either one or both. 315

Commercially Available

An object is described as being 'commercially available' if it is manufactured and has been offered for use, or for sale, to the public.

320 Conventional

An object is described as being 'conventional' if it is common place, usual, typical, standard, and/or commercially available.

Conventional or Commercially Available Telecommunications Device

325 In the context of this patent specification, a "conventional telecommunications device" or "commercially available telecommunications device" will include among others, radio pagers, cellular telephones, two-way radios, and computing devices equipped with radio modems.

Selective Call Device

330 A device which can be selectively signaled, and can selectively receive information and

SUBSTITUTE SHEET selectively transmit information.

Communications Port

A means to communicate information between two electrical devices, generally comprising a 335 physical electrical connector which may also employ a communication protocol. Examples are; serial RS-232 ports, parallel printer ports, PCMCIA interfaces etc.

Electrical Characteristics

The electrical resistance, continuity, and/or electrical potential, between two electrical contacts. 340

Annunciator

A device which can generate a signal which can be detected by a person, such as electromagnetic radiation, light sound, and/or mechanical vibration, in response to an electrical signal.

345 Fax/Modem/Voice Card

An electrical device which connects to a computer and allows the computer to send and or receive fax information, binary data, and/or voice over a telephone network.

Local Environment

350 A physical area surrounding, and in near proximity to, a person such as an office, warehouse, compound, campus, home and yard, etc. More specifically in the context of this patent specification, it defines the area in which radio signals from the Local Transceiver can be received.

355 Local Information

Information generated by or delivered to devices located in the local environment

Network Environment

The physical area comprising all areas other than the local environment 360

Network Information

Information generated by or delivered to devices located in the network environment

Wide Area Radio Network

365 A network which allows devices to communicate information with each other using radio signals over a wide area such as a city, state, or country, or otherwise outside the Local Environment

SUBSTITUTE SHEET defined above. Examples are; the cellular telephone network, radio paging network, radio telephone networic etc.

370 Structure of the Preferred Form of the Present Invention as shown in Figure 1

The Present Invention's major components, their functions, and interconnections are described below and shown in Figure 1 as discrete parts to facilitate explanation. In the final embodiment of the invention, several functions may be combined into a single component Therefore the Present Invention should not be limited to the specific items in the drawings and text as these are

375 illustrative only of the principles involved. The actual scope of the invention will be covered in the claims section.

Event Sensors

A number of Event Sensor (10) (or condition responsive devices) are employed which can detect 380 an Event (12) and generate a corresponding electrical signal. Event (12) can be the presence, absence or change in; a mechanical action, motion, magnetism, electrical signal, electrical characteristic, light (visible and invisible), sound (audible and ultrasonic), heat vibration, water level, contact closure, or chemical state.

385 Event Transmitter

One or more Event Transmitters) (14) will generate an Event Radio Signal (16) when electrically activated by one or more Event Sensor (10) attached to Event Transmitter (14). Event Radio Signal (16) is encoded so as to contain the identify of Event Transmitter (14) and/or Event Sensor (10) activated. The characteristics of Event Radio Signal (16), (eg. frequency, modulation,

390 and encoding format) are such that Event Radio Signal (16) can be received and decoded by Event Receiver (28). Event Transmitter (14) can be housed in weatherproof case so as to protect Event Transmitter (14) in adverse environmental conditions. Event Transmitter (14) is powered by a battery and/or Small AC Power Supply (18) to give an event signal in the form of an e.g. personal emergency alert signal.

395

Pocket Transmitter

Pocket Transmitter (20) is equipped with a plurality of Buttons (24) which when pressed by a person will cause Pocket Transmitter (20) to generate a specific radio signal which is received by Event Receiver (28). Each one of Buttons (24) will generate a different and unique radio signal

400 which Event Receiver (28) can decode and identify. Pocket Transmitter (20) is small in size and is battery powered so that it can easily fit in a pocket purse, or be worn as a pendant. It is designed to be carried by a person, and used to signal for attention or indicate an emergency situation.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET A processing and controlling means is shown in Figure 1 in the form of a Base Station (26) 405 contained within broken lines. In this Base Station (26) integers are provided as follows:

Event Receiver

Event Receiver (28) is capable of receiving the radio signals sent by one or more Event Transmitter(s) (14) and Pocket Transmitter(s) (20). It can decode the radio signals received and 410 extract information to identity which transmitter. Event Sensor (10) or Button was activated.

Network Transceiver

Networic Transceiver (30) is designed to emulate a specific telecommunications device such as a conventional and commercially available cellular telephone, radio pager, or wireless modem etc. 415 Networic Transceiver (30) may be purpose built to operate as only one type of telecommunications device or it may be programmable so that it can emulate several different telecommunications devices.

If Networic Transceiver (30) is a programmable device it may be tuned to transmit and/or receive 420 signals on various channels used by Wide Area Radio Network (32) by any number of known methods, including changing its internal oscillator crystals or reprogramming its synthesised tuner circuitry etc. Network Transceiver (30) can also be configured as a selective call device to respond only to Network Radio Signal (34) which is addressed to a specific telecommunications device(s). Conversely Network Transceiver (30) can generate Network Radio Signal (34) which 425 is destined for Wide Area Radio Network (32) and contains unique identification information. Network Transceiver (30) uses the frequency (s) of the Network Channel.

In this way Network Transceiver (30) is capable of communicating with Wide Area Radio Network (32) as a telecommunication device using Network Radio Signal (34) and Network 430 Channel.

To provide at least one individual telecommunications actuated activation device a Personal Transceiver (40) is provided.

435 The characteristics of Network Radio Signal (34) (ie. frequencies, power and protocols) used by Network Transceiver (30) is the same as that used by the particular type of telecommunication device being used as Personal Transceiver (40). The characteristics of Network Radio Signal (34) (eg. frequencies, power and protocols) are also selected so as to comply with appropriate radio emission legislation, and not cause interference with Local Radio Signal (38). This means that

440 Network Channel and Local Channel use different, non-interfering frequencies.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Networic Transceiver (30) is equipped with an antenna to improve reception and transmission of Networic Radio Signal (34).

Local Transceiver

445 Local Transceiver (36) is designed to emulate a specific Wide Area Radio Networic (32) such as that used by telecommunication devices like conventional and commercially available cellular telephones, radio pagers, or wireless modems etc. Local Transceiver (36) may be purpose built to operate like only one type of Wide Area Radio Networic (32) or it may be programmable so that it can emulate several different Wide Area Radio Networks (32).

450

The local Transceiver is designed to be responsive to an event emanating from a local environment

If Local Transceiver (36) is a programmable device it can be tuned to transmit and/or receive 455 signals on vanous channels used by telecommumcation devices by any number of known methods, mcludmg changing its internal oscillator crystals or reprogramming its synthesised tuner circuitry etc Local Transceiver (36) can also be configured as a selective call device to respond only to Local Radio Signal (38) from a specific telecommumcations device Conversely Local Transceiver can generate Local Radio Signal (38) which is addressed for a specific 460 telecommumcation device Local Transceiver (36) uses the frequency(s) of the Local Channel

In this way Local Transceiver (36) is capable of communicating with a telecommumcation device as a Wide Area Radio Network (32) using Local Radio Signal (38) and Local Channel

465 The characteπstics of Local Radio Signal (38) (ie frequencies and protocols) used by Local Transceiver (36) is the same as that used by the particular type of telecommumcations device being used with the Present InvenUon as Personal Transceiver (40) The charactensucs of Local Radio Signal (38) (eg frequencies, power and protocols) are also selected so as to comply with appropriate radio emission legislation, and will not cause interference with Network Radio Signal

470 (34)

Local Transceiver (36) is equipped with an antenna to improve reception and transmission of Local Radio Signal (38)

475 Local Transceiver (36) periodically transmits a "null message" or "preamble" signal as part of the Local Radio Signal (38) This null message is received by Personal Transceiver (40) only when Personal Transceiver (40) is in communication range of the Local Transceiver (36) Personal

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Transceiver (40) can then take appropriate action to monitor the signal on a continuous basis such as switching its operating frequency or channel as described below.

480

Personal Transceiver

Personal Transceiver (40) is a telecommunications device which contains means for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals. Personal Transceiver (40) is a selective call device which can identify radio signals which have been addressed to it and then activate means to notify a person 485 of this fact by generating Message Received Alert (42) which may be a visual, audible and/or tactile stimulus. Personal Transceiver (40) will decode the radio signal and preferably display the information or message using a means which does not require sound such as text and or graphics

Personal Transceiver (40) can also be instructed by a person to generate a radio signal with 490 information encoded on it and transmit it to a radio receiving device such as Local Transceiver (36). Personal Transceiver (40) is fully portable and is powered by a battery.

The Present InvenUon has been specifically designed to allow a "commercially available" Telecommumcations Device such as a conventional radio pager (eg. Motorola's Advisor), a 495 cellular telephone with text paging capabilities (eg Nokia 2110) , a computer or portable computing device equipped with a wireless data modem (eg Motorola's Personal Messenger lOOD) etc. to be used as Personal Transceiver (40)

Personal Transceiver (40) is also capable of changing the radio frequencies or channels upon 500 which it operates as described below

Channel Selection Methods

Personal Transceiver (40) can transmit and/or receive radio signals over two or more different radio frequencies or channels These channels will include the frequencies used by Local 505 Transceiver (36) and the frequencies used by Wide Area Radio Network (32) Personal Transceiver (40) can effecuvely operate on either of these channels and can switch from one channel to another by employing one or more of the following channel selection means

(i) the physical selection of a different receiver tuning crystal (or other resonance timing 510 device) using a switching means manually activated by a person or,

(n) reprogramming of a synthesised receiver circuit using a manual switching means (eg

Motorola's Bravo Plus radio pager) or, (in) the automatic reprogramming of a synthesised receiver circuit as a result of the presence

(or absence) of a received signal (like that disclosed in Patent Numbers 5.254.986,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 515 5,196,842; and 5,355,126 assigned to Motorola) or,

(iv) the continual and automatic "scanning" of different frequencies by the receiver circuitry

(like that disclosed in patent 4,644,347 assigned to Motorola) or, (v) the use of a second complete receiving circuit.

520 The above mentioned patent specifications are herein incorporated by reference.

Remote Switch

Remote Switch (43) is a selective call device which can receive and decode Local Radio Signal (38) on the Local Channel. Remote Switch (43) is equipped with one or more electrical switches 525 which it can activate to generate open and/or closed circuit conditions Remote Switch (43) will receive and decode Local Radio Signal (38) addressed to it and can activate one or more Electrical Switches depending upon the data content of Local Radio Signal (38)

Remote Switch (43) may be equipped with an antenna to improve reception of Local Radio Signal 530 (38) and may be powered by a battery and/or an AC power source.

Controller

Controller (44) is designed to monitor and control the operation of the Present Invention and is compnsed of a micro-processor, memory storage means such as Random Access Memory, a

535 timing means such as a clock circmt, and controller software. Controller (44) has the means to send and receive information from Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30), Event Receiver (28), Interface Circuit (46), Power Supply (66), and Controller (44), while using the memory storage as a data buffer by stonng all data to be sent to, or received from. Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30), Event Receiver (28), Interface Circmt (46), Power

540 Supply (66), and Controller (44). This data can be analysed, decoded or otherwise processed by a micro-processor. Depending upon the content of this data, the micro-processor will execute pre¬ programmed instructions also stored in the memory storage. Micro-processor will store details of the Present Invention's actions in memory storage as an activity log The clock circuit supplies the time and date of an event or action so that this information can be stored in the activity log as

545 well. Memory storage also contains the software and configuration information required for the Present Invention to function properly.

Controller (44) is fully programmable therefore it can perform vanous functions which can, and will, extend beyond the descnptions so far Some of the additional functions and capabilities of 550 Controller (44) will become evident in the "Operation of Present Invention" section of this document

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Interface Circuit

A further activating device may alternatively, or in addition to the Personal Transceiver (40), be provided as Interface Circuit (46) to provide a way for externally connected electrical devices and 555 people to activate, control, program or otherwise change the activated signal given as a result of using the Present Invention.

Interface Circuit (46) provides a way for externally connected electrical devices and people to activate, control, program or otherwise change the operauon of the Present Invention.

560

Conversely, Interface Circuit (46) provides a way for the Present Invention to activate, control, or communicate with externally connected electrical devices and people. This is accomplished by having Controller (44) communicate electrical signals and data with a number of input and output devices via Interface Circuit (46). These input and output devices are; Keypad (48),

565 Visual Display (50), Communications Port (52), and Electrical Contacts (54).

Keypad (48) is an input device attached to the Present Invention. Keypad (48) allows a person to supply data to Controller (44) via an alpha-numeric keypad This data can be used to program the Present Invention to operate in a particular fashion. 570

Visual Display (50) is an output device such as a liquid crystal display which can display alpha- numenc text and/or graphics Controller (44) sends data to Visual Display (50) so as to inform a person of the Present Invention's actions and configuration

575 • Communication Port is an electncal interface means which allows Controller (44) to communicate with Personal Computer (56), a modem or other electncal device. Communications Port (52) is a standardised electncal interfaces such as, a serial RS-232 port, a PCMCIA port, a parallel pnnter port, or a SCSI interface etc CommumcaUons Port (52) is used to pass data or commands between Controller (44) and Personal Computer (56)

580 This allows the Present Invention to use the hardware and capabilities of Personal Computer

(56) to enhance the operauon of the Present Invention. Access to Personal Computer (56), in combination with computer software, will allow the Present Invention to, • send data over Telephone Network (58) via Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60) located in Personal Computer (56),

585 • receive data from Telephone Network (58) via Personal Computer (56) and Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60),

SUBSTITUTE SHEET • instruct Personal Computer (56) to activate Computer Annunciators (64) such as displaying a "pop-up window", displaying a text message or graphic image, flashing the screen, and/or generating audible signals using a computer sound card,

590 • allow a person to utilise the keyboard and screen of Personal Computer (56) to program, configure, or monitor the operation of the Present Invention,

• provide a very simple and highly graphical user interface for those with sight or reading problems.

• store and display on Personal Computer (56), a complete log of events, messages and 595 activities which have taken place,

Interface Circuit (46) has the means to change the electrical characteristics of Electrical Contacts (54) when instructed by Controller (44). This includes the ability to deliver electrical power from Power Supply (66) to Electrical Contacts (54) and/or generate open and closed circuit 600 appearances at Electrical Contacts (54). The opening and closure of the circuits and/or the application of power can be continuous or periodic and can be programmed to last for a specific period of time.

Electrical devices such as Alarm Annunciators (62) can be attached to Electrical Contacts (54) 605 and therefore be operated upon instruction from Controller (44). Alarm Annunciators (62) can be used to supplement the alerts and messages displayed on Personal Transceiver (40), or to inform individuals who are not in possession of the an appropriate Personal Transceiver (40) (eg. neighbours, hearing people, etc). The following are examples of Alarm Annunciators (62);

610 • a series of lamps (or other visual indicators) a large alphanumeric display a siren (or other audible indicators) a "loop transmitter" system which sends signals to a hearing aid with a T-coil setting an "auto-dialer" which automatically dials a telephone number and delivers a 615 pre-recorded message

Power Supply

The device uses Power Supply (66) which supplies electrical power to operate Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30), Controller (44), Interface Circuit (46), and Event Receiver (28). 620 Power Supply (66) also provides electrical power to be applied to Electrical Contacts (54). Power Supply (66) can obtain electrical power from an AC mains power source and also from a battery power source. The battery source allows the Present Invention to continue to operate if the AC power source has failed or is otherwise unavailable. Power Supply (66) and its power sources are

SUBSTITUTE SHEET continuously monitored by Controller (44) so that appropriate action can be followed in the event 625 the supply of power changes. For example, if the AC power source has failed and the battery voltage is running low, the Present Invention could send a "low power" message to Personal Transceiver (40), and/or activate an alarm annunciator.

Housings

630 The components of the Present Invention previously described are housed within one or more containing means so as to contain and protect the components from damage.

Personal Computer

Personal Computer (56) is a conventional personal computer which comprises; a communications 635 interface or data interface which is compatible with Communications Port (52); hardware and software, such as Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60), to allow Personal Computer (56) to send and receive data, to and from, Telephone Network (58); Computer Annunciators (64) which allow Personal Computer (56) to signal a person (such as pop-up windows and graphics, a speaker, and sound card). Personal Computer (56) also contains a software program to allow it to 640 communicate with Controller (44).

Controller and Computer Software

Software resides within Controller (44) and also within Personal Computer (56). This software is designed to control the operation of the Present Invention so that Controller (44) can, among 645 other things;

• receive data from Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30), Event Receiver (28), Power Supply (66), Interface Circuit (46), and Keypad (48) and store data in the memory storage,

• analyses the content of received data and identify the source of received data and compare 650 received data with pre-programmed data, stored in the memory storage,

• execute pre-programmed instructions when received data matches pre-programmed data, thus causing the Present Invention to follow a particular course of action associated with received data,

• send data and control signals to Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30), Event 655 Receiver (28), Power Supply (66), Interface Circuit (46), and Visual Display (50),

• instruct Local Transceiver (36), Network Transceiver (30) and Event Receiver (28) to change their operating parameters such as frequencies, signal formats, and which signals they are receptive to etc,

• pass message data to Local Transceiver (36) and Network Transceiver (30) which is to be 660 incorporated into a transmitted radio signal,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET • instruct Interface Circmt to open or close Electncal Contacts (54) and/or apply electrical power to Electncal Contacts (54),

• pass data to Visual Display (50) for a person to see,

• use the memory storage to maintain a log record of all its actions such as; the data it receives 665 or sends, the device it was sent to or received from, and the tune this occurred,

• send and receive, data and instructions, to and from, Personal Computer (56) via CommumcaUons Port (52). So that Personal Computer (56) can be instructed to activate Computer Annunciators (64), display configuration of Present Invention, display and print contents of activity log, commumcate with Telephone Network (58) Also allowing Personal

670 Computer (56) to program Controller (44) and configure operauon of Present Invention

• buffer all data sent and received so that data to be sent by and/or received by Event Receiver (28), Local Transceiver (36), and Network Transceiver (30) will not be lost if one or more of the Present Inventions components are already busy

675 Since the Present Invention in the preferred form is fully programmable, it can perform functions which can extend beyond that implied by the explanation above Some of the additional functions and capabilities of the Present InvenUon will become evident from the following description of how the Present InvenUon operates

680 Operation of the Present Invention

This section and figures D, E, F, G, H, and I, describe the operation of the present invention under several common situations For simplicity only the most common situations have been explained Since the Present Invention can be programmed and configured to operate in many different ways and in different situations, it will be evident that many other forms of operauon are 685 possible These operational descnptions are provided to facilitate understanding of the Present Invention's function and flexibility, and should not be used to limit the Present Invention Again, the actual scope of the Present Invention will be covered in the claims

Notification of General Event (Figure 4)

690 An Event (12) occurs in a person's surroundings, such as a doorbell, telephone or fax machine nnging, smoke alarm, baby crying etc Event Sensor (10) which has been specially selected and located to detect Event (12) generates an electncal signal which in turn activates Event Transmitter (14) Event Transmitter (14) generates a Event Radio Signal ( 16) which is encoded with the identify of the particular Event Sensor (10) and/or Event Transmitter (14) activated

695 Event Radio Signal (16) is received by Event Receiver (28) which decodes the Event Radio Signal (16) and passes the encoded data to Controller (44) Controller (44) stores and analyses the data, to identify which Event Sensor (10) and Event Transmitter (14) was activated

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Controller (44) compares the data to pre-programmed information in the memory storage and sends a corresponding message data to Local Transceiver (36). Controller (44) also records the

700 time of Event (12), details of Event (12) and the actions of Controller (44) in the memory storage. Local Transceiver (36) transmits the message data using Local Radio Signal (38) and Local Channel. If tuned to Local Channel, Personal Transceiver (40) receives Local Radio Signal (38) and generates Message Received Alert (42) using vibration, sound, light etc. Personal Transceiver (40) then decodes and displays the message data preferably in text and/or graphical

705 form. A person is informed of Event (12) by reading this message data which corresponds to, and describes. Event (12).

Request for Assistance Event

A person wishes to indicate that they require special attention, such as help with mobility etc. A 710 person presses one of Buttons (24) on Pocket Transmitter (20). Pocket Transmitter (20) transmits a Alert Radio Signal (22) which contains the identity of Pocket Transmitter (20) and Button.

Event Receiver (28) receives and decodes Alert Radio Signal (22) and passes decoded data to

Controller (44).

Alternatively, a person can transmit a Local Radio Signal (38) using Personal Transceiver (40). 715 Local Radio Signal (38) is encoded to identify it as a "request for assistance event" type message.

Local Transceiver (36) receives and decodes Local Radio Signal (38) and passes data to

Controller (44).

Controller (44) identifies Alert Radio Signal (22) and/or Local radio Signal (38) as a "request for 720 assistance event" and performs the same activities as described above in 'Notification of General Event'. However Controller (44) will also instruct Interface Circuit (46) to supply electrical power to, and/or close. Electrical Contacts (54). Alarm Annunciators (62) connected to Electrical Contacts (54) will in turn be activated to generate a visual, audible and/or tactile assistance alarm signal to attract the necessary attention from neighbours or caregivers etc. 725

Emergency Event Occurrence (Figure 5)

A serious emergency event occurs such as a violent attack on a person, the presence of fire, or a medical emergency, etc. A person presses a different Button (24) on Pocket Transmitter (20) to transmit an "emergency event" encoded Alert Radio Signal (22). Alert Radio Signal (22) 730 contains the identity of Pocket Transmitter (20) and Button. Or Sensor (10) detects the emergency event and Event Transmitter (14) sends Event Radio Signal ( 16). Event Receiver (28) receives and decodes Alert Radio Signal (22) and/or Event Radio Signal (16) and passes data to Controller (44).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Alternatively, a person can use Personal Transceiver (40) to transmit a Local Radio Signal (38)

735 which is encoded with data to identify it as an "emergency event" type message. Local

Transceiver (36) receives and decodes Local Radio Signal (38) and passes data to Controller (44).

Controller (44) identifies data as an "emergency event" and performs the same activities as described above in 'Notification of General Event'. However Controller (44) will also instruct 740 Interface Circuit (46) to supply electrical power to, and/or close, Electrical Contacts (54). Alarm Annunciators (62) connected to Electrical Contacts (54) will in turn be activated to generate a visual, audible and or tactile emergency alarm signal to attract the necessary attention from neighbours or caregivers etc.

745 Controller (44) would also send data to Communication Port to instruct Personal Computer (56) to; log the event details, and/or activate its Computer Annunciators (64), and/or use its Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60) to place a telephone call over Telephone Network (58) to a remote station. Once connected to the remote station Personal Computer (56) would deliver a pre¬ programmed fax, voice or data message to a computer, radio pager, TTY, and/or telephone etc.

750 identifying the type and location of emergency event, and a request for assistance.

Cancellation Event

When an event alert, "request for assistance", or "emergency event" is to be canceled, a person can use a different button on Pocket Transmitter (20) to generate Alert Radio Signal (22) which 755 is encoded as a "cancellation event" type message. Event Receiver (28) receives and decodes Alert Radio Signal (22) and passes data to Controller (44).

Alternatively, a person can transmit a Local Radio Signal (38) using Personal Transceiver (40).

Local Radio Signal (38) is encoded to identify it as a "cancellation event" type message. Local

760 Transceiver (36) receives and decodes Local Radio Signal (38) and passes data to Controller (44).

Controller (44) identifies Alert Radio Signal (22) and/or Local Radio Signal (38) as a "cancellation event" and; records the "cancellation event" in an activity log, instructs Interface Circuit (46) to return Electrical Contacts (54) to normal status thus deactivating any 765 annunciators, sends a "cancellation event" message to Personal Transceiver (40).

Controller (44) would also send data to Communication Port to instruct Personal Computer (56) to; log the "cancellation event" details, deactivate Computer Annunciators (64), and use

Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60) to place a telephone call over Telephone Network (58) to a remote

770 station. Once connected to the remote station Personal Computer (56) would deliver a fax. voice

SUBSTITUTE SHEET or data message identifying that the emergency situation has been canceled, and that assistance is not required.

Incoming Wide Area Radio Network Communication (Figure 6)

775 A person wishes to send a 'network message' from a remote location to Personal Transceiver (40). The 'network message' is transmitted over Wide Area Radio Network (32) using Network Radio Signal (34) and is received by Network Transceiver (30) which is tuned to Network Channel. Network Transceiver (30) decodes Network Radio Signal (34) and sends the 'network message' data to Controller (44). Controller (44) stores and analyses the 'networic message' data,

780 records the 'network message' data in an activity log, and forwards the 'network message' data to Local Transceiver (36). Local Transceiver (36) transmits the 'network message' data to Personal Transceiver (40) using Local Radio Signal (38) and Local Channel. If tuned to Local Channel, Personal Transceiver (40) receives Local Radio Signal (38) and generates Message Received Alert (42) using vibration, sound, light etc. Personal Transceiver (40) then decodes and displays

785 the 'network message' data preferably in text and/or graphical form.

Personal Transceiver (40) can reply to the 'network message' by transmitting a 'reply message' on Local Radio Signal (38) using Local Channel. The 'reply message' is received by Local Transceiver (36), decoded and passed to Controller (44). Controller (44) stores and analyses the 790 'reply message' data, records the 'reply message' data in an activity log, and forwards the 'reply message' data to Network Transceiver (30). Network Transceiver (30) transmits the 'reply message' data using Network Radio Signal (34) and Network Channel. In this manner, two way communication can take place between Wide Area Network and Personal Transceiver (40).

795 Controller (44) can take appropriate action based upon the content of 'network message' data and 'reply message' data, such as signaling Interface Circuit (46) to operate Electrical Contacts (54), instruct Personal Computer (56) to record message data, activate its Computer Annunciators (64), or send data over Telephone Network (58).

800 Outgoing Communications from Personal Transceiver (Figure 7)

A person wishes to send a 'personal message' from Personal Transceiver (40) to Wide Area Radio Network (32). The 'personal message' is transmitted by Personal Transceiver (40) using Local Radio Signal (38) over Local Channel. Local Transceiver (36) receives and decodes Local Radio Signal (38) and passed 'personal message' data to Controller (44). Controller (44) stores

805 and analyses the 'personal message' data, records the 'personal message' data in an activity log, and forwards the 'personal message' data to Network Transceiver (30). Network Transceiver

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (30) transmits the 'personal message^* data to Wide Area Network using Networic Radio Signal (34) and Networic Channel.

810 Wide Area Networic can reply to 'personal message' by transmitting 'reply message' on Networic Radio Signal (34) using Networic Channel. The 'reply message' is received by Networic Transceiver (30), decoded and passed to Controller (44). Controller (44) stores and analyses the 'reply message' data, records the 'reply message' data in an activity log, and forwards the 'reply message' data to Local Transceiver (36). Local Transceiver (36) transmits the 'reply message'

815 data using Local Radio Signal (38) and Local Channel. In this manner, two way communication can take place between Personal Transceiver (40) and Wide Area Networic.

As before, Controller (44) can store and analyse the content of 'personal data' and 'reply data' and take appropriate action such as signaling Interface Circuit (46) to operate Electrical Contacts 820 (54), instruct Personal Computer (56) to record message data, activate its Computer Annunciators (64), or send dau over Telephone Network (58).

Incoming Telephone Network Communication (Figure 8)

A call is placed over Telephone Network (58) to Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60) which is contained

825 within Personal Computer (56). Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60) answers and receives the call, and determines whether the call is a voice, fax or data call and handles it using appropriate software. Personal Computer (56) then sends 'call data' (eg. call type, call content, and/or commands) to Controller (44) via Communications Port (52). Controller (44) stores and analyses the 'call data', records appropriate 'call data' in an activity log, and selects and sends an appropriate 'call

830 message' to Local Transceiver (36). The 'call message' may include 'call data' and/or a pre¬ programmed message. Local Transceiver (36) then transmits the 'call message' using Local Radio Signal (38) and Local Channel. If tuned to Local Channel. Personal Transceiver (40) receives Local Radio Signal (38) and generates Message Received Alert (42) using vibration, sound, light etc. Personal Transceiver (40) then decodes and displays the 'call message'

835 preferably in text and/or graphical form.

Controller (44) may also receive 'call commands' via Telephone Network (58) to instruct

Interface Circuit (46) to operate Electrical Contacts (54) and/or send a Local Radio Signal (38) to activate electrical switches on one or more Remote Switches (43). Thereby allowing a person or

840 device to remotely control the operation of electrical devices via Telephone Network (58).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Remote Control Event

In any of the events described above, Controller (44) can choose to instruct Local Transceiver (36) to transmit Local Radio Signal (38) addressed to one or more Remote Switch(s) (43) to instruct Remote Switch(s) (43) to activate one or more of their electrical switches. Thus remotely 845 controlling the operation of electrical devices which may be attached to those switches.

Programming & Software (Figure 9)

The Present Invention can be configured to operate in a particular manner by supplying the micro-processor with programming instructions via Keypad (48) and/or the keyboard of Personal

850 Computer (56). The micro-processor will display existing and new configurations via Visual Display (50) and/or the screen of Personal Computer (56). The details of any reconfiguration will also be stored in an activity log located in Controller (44) and Personal Computer (56). Controller (44) can also be configured by extracting programming commands sent via Network Radio Signal (34) and/or Telephone Network (58). This "remote programming" allows a person to configure

855 and control the operauon of the Present Invention from a remote location. Likewise, Controller (44) can send activity log information to a remote location by using Network Radio Signal (34) or Telephone Network (58).

Personal Transceiver Frequency Selection (Figure 2)

860 When Personal Transceiver (40) is NOT located within Local Environment (68), Personal Transceiver (40) will be tuned to Network Channel which communicates directly with Wide Area Radio Network (32). Since Personal Transceiver (40) is out of range of Local Transceiver (36), it will not receive signals detailing events occurnng in the Local Environment (68) directly from Local Transceiver (36) However the Present InvenUon may be configured to send event details

865 to Personal Computer (56) which then sends event details over Telephone Network (58) using Fax/Modem/Voice Card (60). Telephone Network (58) in turn sends event details to Personal Transceiver (40) via Wide Area Radio Network (32). Or the Present InvenUon may send event details to Wide Area Radio Network (32) using Network Transceiver (30).

870 When Personal Transceiver (40) enters Local Environment (68) and is in communication range of Local Transceiver (36), Personal Transceiver (40) can be instructed to operate using Local Channel This allows Personal Transceiver (40) to receive event details directly from Local Transceiver (36) on the Local Channel. In this situation. Personal Transceiver (40) will not commumcate directly with Wide Area Radio Network (32) on Network Channel Instead

875 commumcaUons between Wide Area Radio Network (32) and Personal Transceiver (40) will take place via the Present InvenUon

SUBSTITUTE SHEET The methods used to instruct Personal Transceiver (40) to operate on Local Channel or Network Channel have been described previously. However the following is an operational description of 880 an automatic channel switching method.

Local Transceiver (36) will periodically transmit a Local Radio Signal (38) which contains a 'null message' or preamble signal. This 'null message' will be of suitable duration and format so that it can be detected by Personal Transceiver (40). Personal Transceiver (40) will periodically

885 or continuously monitor Local Channel for this 'null message'. When Personal Transceiver (40) detects the 'null message'. Personal Transceiver (40) deems itself to be in communication range of Local Transceiver (36) and hence within Local Environment (68). Personal Transceiver (40) then begins using Local Channel in a more continuous manner so that it can communicate directly with Local Transceiver (36). Should Personal Transceiver (40) no longer receive

890 periodic null message signals (or any other signal) from Local Transceiver (36), Personal Transceiver (40) will assume that it is out of communication range of Local Transceiver (36), and outside of Local Environment (68), and will begin operating using Network Channel so as to communicate directly with Wide Area Radio Network (32).

895 An Alternative Embodiment of the Present Invention (Figure 3)

The following section defines an alternative embodiment of the Present Invention using components manufactured by a company called Salcom of New Zealand. The function and operation of this embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiment, except that it uses;

900 a POCSAG encoded radio signal for all radio communications, a POCSAG compliant radio pager as a receive only Personal Transceiver (40), a Salcom 1143 (74) as Pocket Transmitter (20), a Salcom 1143 (74) as Event Transmitter (14),

905 a Salcom 1140 (76) as Event Receiver (28) and providing Electrical Contacts (54), a Salcom 1521 (78) as a receive only Network Transceiver (30), a Salcom 1110 (80) as Controller (44), Communication Port (52), and a transmit only Local

Transceiver (36),

910 One or more Sensor(s) attached to one or more Salcom 1143 (74) can detect an event and cause Salcom 1143 (74) to transmit Event Radio Signal (16) to Salcom 1140 (76). Button(s) located upon Salcom 1143 (74) can also be actuated by a person to cause Salcom 1143 (74) to transmit Event Radio Signal (16). Event Radio Signal (16) is coded so as to identify the Sensor(s) and/or Button(s) actuated.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 915 Salcom 1140 (76) receives and decodes Event Radio Signal (16) and activates specific electrical relays which are associated with the received code. When activated, these relays close Electrical Contacts (54). Some of Electrical Contacts (54) are used to activate Alarm Annunciators (62). The remaining Electncal Contacts (54) are connected to the input terminals of Salcom 1110 (80) Depending on which of these remaining Electrical Contacts (54) are closed by Salcom 1140 (76),

920 Salcom 1110 (80) will select and transmit a pre-programmed 'canned' alpha-numeric message which is stored within its memory. The alpha-numeric message is transmitted by Salcom 1110 (80) and received by Radio Pager (72) as Local Radio Signal (38) using Local Channel. Radio Pager (72) activates its Message Received Alert (42) and when instructed by a person, displays the alpha-numeric message.

925

Salcom 1521 (78) receives and decodes Network Radio Signal (34) on Network Channel and passes decoded alpha-numeric data to CommumcaUons Port (52) of Salcom 1110 (80). Salcom 1110 (80) transmits the alpha-numeric data as Local Radio Signal (38) using Local Channel. Again, Radio Pager (72) receives Local Radio Signal (38), activates its Message Received Alert

930 (42) and when instructed by a person, displays the alpha-numenc message.

Radio Pager (72) used with this particular alternative embodiment is a Motorola Advisor Pager which has been modified to include a manually actuated switch which electrically connects/disconnects different tuning crystals When Radio Pager (72) moves out of

935 commumcation range of Salcom 1110 (80), Radio Pager (72) must be made to operate on Network Channel This is accomplished by having a person manually actuate the switch on Radio Pager (72) to disconnect the Local Channel timing crystal and insert a tuning crystal for the Network Channel Conversely, when Radio Pager (72) is within range of Salcom 1110 (80), a person must manually actuate the switch to change back to the timing crystal for the Local

940 Channel

Salcom 1110 (80) can be configured and programmed via CommumcaUons Port (52). This allows for the changing of 'canned' alpha-numenc messages, and modifying the characteπstics and content of Local Radio Signal (38) 945

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of the Invention

In conclusion it can be seen that the Present Invention provides a means for keeping a person informed of important events occurnng in their surroundings while also supporting long distance

950 commumcaUons This is done using a single, portable, conventional telecommunicauons device, which can operate anytime and almost anywhere The Present Invention is designed to create an

SUBSTITUTE SHEET unprecedented degree of communications freedom and environmental safety for deaf and hearing unpaired individuals This is accomplished by

955 Usmg a plurality of sensors to detect events occurnng in the local environment When an event occurs a signal is sent from a sensor to a controller which records and analyses the signal and follows a predetermined course of action These actions may be to activate an audible or visual alarm, and/or activate a remote switch, and/or send a message over a telephone network, and/or send details to a portable device via a radio signal

960

The Present Invention can also commumcate with a wide area radio network and a telephone networic and convey message details from these sources via a radio signal to the portable device The portable device is also capable of receiving messages directly from the wide area radio network when the portable device is not in commumcation range of the Present Invention

965

The Present Invention also provides a portable transmitter which can be earned by a person and activated to instruct the Present Invention to generate an alarm, and/or send a message to the portable device, and/or send a message over a telephone network The portable device can also be used in place of a separate portable transmitter to achieve the above

970

The Present Invention is designed so that certain conventional and commercially available telecommumcation devices such as radio pagers, cellular telephones, or portable computers equipped with a radio modem, can be used as the portable device

975 The Present Invention can commumcate with a standard personal computer so that the computer can, act as an annunciator, act as an input device to configure the operation of the Present Invention, maintain a log of events and system activities, and use its fax/modem/voice card to commumcate with other telecommumcations devices over a telephone network

980 Since the preferred embodiment of the Present InvenUon is controlled by a Micro-processor, the Present InvenUon can be configured or programmed to operate in many different ways

While the above descnptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the Present invention but rather as examples of presently preferred embodiments of 985 the Present InvenUon Many other vanations are possible For example,

• The Present Invention may not compnse Network Transceiver (30) and therefore not allow Personal Transceiver (40) to commumcate with Wide Area Radio Network (32) In this

SUBSTITUTE SHEET possible embodiment the Present Invention would only provide details of events to Personal 990 Transceiver (40).

• Personal Transceiver (40) does not have to be a conventional, commercially available telecommunications device. The Present Invention could utilise a specially designed receiver and or transmitter to fulfill the role of Personal Transceiver (40).

995

• Controller (44) functions may be performed by the CPU of a personal computer, or otherwise incorporated into a circuit board physically contained within a personal computer.

• Network Transceiver (30), Local Transceiver (36), and Event Receiver (28) may also be 1000 located on a circuit board contained within a personal computer.

• Network Transceiver (30) may be a receiver only, Local Transceiver (36) may be a transmitter only, Personal Transceiver (40) may be a receiver only. So that Personal Transceiver (40) can only receive information from Wide Area Network, and not transmit to

1005 Wide Area Radio Network (32).

• Personal Transceiver (40) can be any device which can send and/or receive information using radio waves such as any computing device with a wireless modem or radio modem. This includes so called "Personal Digital Assistant" devices.

1010

• Although the prefeπed form of the Present Invention has been specifically designed for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, it has use in many security applications, or in remote monitoring of industrial processes, etc. Basically anywhere information about events or conditions must be gathered and delivered to a person, along with personal messages from people, or other

1015 information from distant sources.

• Event Transmitter (14) could commumcate with Event Receiver (28) using; electrical signals conveyed by an electrical power line, or electrical signals conveyed by dedicated wire conductors, or ultrasonic sounds, or infra-red light.

1020

The functionality of Remote Switch (43) may be incorporated into Event Transmitter (14) making Event Transmitter (14) a transceiver. Event Receiver (28) may also become a transceiver thereby allowing Controller (44) to instruct Event Transmitter (14) via Event Radio Signal (16), to activate electrical switches attached to Event Transmitter ( 14).

1025

SUBSTITUTE SHEET • Another means whereby Personal Transceiver (40) is informed that it is in (or out of) Local Environment (68) and therefore undertakes to switch its operating channel, could involve the use of a NEDAP "Hands-free" XS Card and NEDAP Access Control System both manufactured by NEDAP N.V., Groenlo, The Netherlands. The NEDAP system detects 1030 Personal Transceiver (40) entering or leaving Local Environment (68) and will send a message or signal to Personal Transceiver (40) using either Local Transceiver (36) or Wide Area Radio Networic (32), to instructing Personal Transceiver (40) to switch to an appropriate channel.

1035 Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the examples given.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

ClaimsThough the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof, 1040 many variations and modifications will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims will be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.The embodiments of the Present Invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed 1045 are defined as follows:

1. A telecommunications system comprisin

1050 (a) a first transmitter means which transmits first information in response to an electrical signal;

(b) a second receiver means which communicates with said first transmitter means,

(c) a controller means for, receiving the first information from said second receiver means and, processing the first information to generate second information and, sending the

1055 second information to a third transceiver means,

(d) said third transceiver means which uses a first channel to send second information to a fourth transceiver means,

so that second information which is associated with the first information, can be sent to said 1060 fourth transceiver means upon the occurrence of the electncal signal

2. A telecommumcation system as set forth in claim 1, further including a condition-responsive device which delivers the electrical signal to said first transmitter means upon detection of a 1065 condition; so that said first transmitter means transmits in response to a sensed condition

3 A telecommumcation system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first transmitter means communicates with said second receiver means using electromagneuc radiauon, so that a 1070 wired commumcation link between said first transmitter means and said second receiver means is not required

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 1075

4. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said first transmitter means;

(a) is portable;

(b) can encode the first information with one or more uniquely identifiable codes;

1080 so that a person can easily carry said first transmitter and control the operation of said telecommunications system.

5. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said third transceiver means can

1085 communicate information with a conventional telecommunications device selected from the group comprising cellular telephones and radio pagers and computers with radio modems and two way radios; so that a commercially available telecommumcations device can be used as said fourth transceiver means to receive second information over first channel.

1090

A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said third transceiver means can be instructed by said controller means to change the manner in which it communicates; so that said third transceiver means can be configured to communicate with different types of said fourth transceiver means.

1095

7. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1, further including a channel changing means to cause said fourth transceiver means to alter the channel it operates on: so that said fourth transceiver means can begin operating on the first channel when in communication 1100 range of said third transceiver means without human involvement.

8. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1, further including;

1105 (a) a fifth transceiver means which uses a second channel to receive third information directly from a wide area radio network; (b) a means for said controller means to receive third information from said fifth transceiver means, and process the third information to generate fourth information, and send the fourth information to said third transceiver means; 1110 (c) a means for said third transceiver means to send fourth information to fourth transceiver means over first channel;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (d) a means for said third transceiver means to receive fifth information from fourth transceiver means over first channel;

(e) a means for said controller means to receive fifth information from said third transceiver 1115 means, and process the fifth information to generate sixth information, and send the sixth information to said fifth transceiver means;

(f) a means for said fifth transceiver means to send sixth information directly to wide area radio networic over second channel;

1120 so that wide area radio network and said fourth transceiver means can commumcate information with each other while each is using a different channel.

9. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 and claim 8 wherein said first transmitter 1125 means, said third transceiver means, and said fifth transceiver means transmit radio signals in a manner approved by an appropriate legislative body; so that said telecommunication system complies with applicable radio emission laws, and minimises radio interference.

1130 10. A telecommumcation system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said fifth transceiver means can commumcate directly with a wide area radio network used by a conventional telecommumcations device selected from the group comprising cellular telephones and radio pagers and computers with radio modems and two way radios; so that said fourth transceiver means can communicate with a wide area radio network used by commercially available

1135 telecommunications devices.

11. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said fifth transceiver means can be instructed by said controller means to change the manner in which it communicates; so 1140 that said fifth transceiver means can be configured to communicate with different types of wide area radio networks.

12. A telecommumcation system as set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of electrical 1145 contacts and a means for said controller means to change the electrical characteristics of said electrical contacts; so that said communication system can control the operation of an electrical device connected to said electrical contacts.

TE SHEET 1150

13. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of electrical contacts and a means for said controller means to respond to electrical signals applied to said electrical contacts; so that said telecommunication system is responsive to at least one electrical device connected to said electrical contacts.

1155

14. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1, further including;

(a) a data entry means for conveying information from a person to said controller means;

(b) a display means for conveying information from said controller means to a person in a 1160 visual manner,

so that a person is able to control the operation of said telecommunication system.

1165 15. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1, further including;

(a) a storage means for storing information sent to, and received by, said controller means;

(b) a timing means for determining time and date;

1170 so that a log of said communication system's activities can be maintained.

16. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1. further including an electrical interface means for communicating information between said controller means and an electrical 1175 device connected to said interface means; so that said controller means and an electrical device connected to said electrical interface can communicate with each other;

17. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 and 16. further including a computer 1180 which can be connected to said interface means; so that a computer can communicate activity log and programming information with said controller.

18. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 1 and claim 8 wherein;

1185 (a) said third transceiver means is a transmitter only;

(b) said fourth transceiver means is a receiver only,

(c) said fifth transceiver means is a receiver only;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

19. A telecommunication system as set forth in claims 1, further including a sixth receiver means comprising:

1190

(a) a means for receiving information from said third transceiver means using the first channel;

(b) one or more electrical switches capable of creating open and closed circuit conditions;

(c) a means for activating said electrical switches upon receipt of specific information from 1195 said third transceiver means;

so that said sixth receiver means can be instructed by said controller means to activate said electrical contacts.

1200

20. A telecommunication system as set forth in claims 1 and 8, further including said fourth transceiver means comprising:

(a) a means for communicating with said third transceiver means using the first channel; 1205 (b) a means for communicating directly with the wide area network using the second channel; (c) a channel selection means for switching the operating channel of said fourth transceiver means between the first channel and the second channel;

1210 so that said fourth transceiver means can communicate with said telecommunication system by using the first channel and alternatively, can be instructed to communicate directly with a wide area radio network by using the second channel.

1215 21. Said fourth transceiver means as set forth in claim 19 wherein said channel selection means is responsive to the receipt of a selected signal; so that said fourth transceiver means can alter its operating channel upon receipt of a particular signal.

1220 22. Said fourth transceiver means as set forth in claim 19 wherein said fourth transceiver means is a conventional telecommunications device such as a radio pager, cellular telephone, or computer with a radio modem, and with the means to convey information to a person in a manner which does not require sound.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 1225

23. A method for allowing a conventional wireless telecommunications device such as a cellular telephone, radio pager, or computer with radio modem to deliver information to a person regarding events and alaπns occurring in the environment, while still allowing the conventional wireless telecommunications device to continue to operate as designed and support teleoommunications with people using a radio networic.

1230

24. A method for a local radio transceiver to communicate local information with a first radio transceiver which is operating on only one channel, while allowing a wide area radio network which operates on a different channel, to communicate network information with 1235 said first radio transceiver also, comprising the steps of;

(a) communicating local information via a local radio signal using a first channel;

(b) communicating wide area radio network information via a network radio signal using a second channel;

1240 (c) receiving wide area radio network information by decoding the networic radio signal;

(d) storing and processing the wide area radio networic information;

(e) re-transmitting the wide area radio network information via the local radio signal using the first channel;

(f) receiving the local information and wide area radio network information with said first 1245 radio transceiver via the local radio signal on the first channel;

so that said first radio transceiver can receive both local information and wide area radio network information while said first radio transceiver is operating on the first channel alone.

1250

25. A method as recited in claim 24 further comprising the steps of;

(a) detecting one or more conditions;

(b) generating information which relates to said conditions;

1255 (c) incorporating the information related to said conditions in the local information;

so that said first radio transceiver can receive information which relates to detected conditions.

1260

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

26. A method as recited in claim 25 further comprising the step of; 1265

(a) changing the electrical characteristics of a plurality of electrical contacts based upon the detection of said conditions;

so that an electrical device connected to said electrical contacts can be activated upon the 1270 detection of a condition.

27. A method as recited in claim 24 further comprising the steps of;

1275 (a) transmitting user information from said first radio transceiver via the local radio signal on the first channel;

(b) receiving the user information by decoding the local radio signal;

(c) storing and processing the user information;

(d) re-transmitting the user information to the wide area radio network via the network 1280 radio signal using the second channel,

so that said first transceiver can send user information to the wide area radio network.

1285 28. A method as recited in claim 27 further comprising the step of;

(a) changing the electrical characteristics of a plurality of electrical contacts based upon the content of user information;

1290 so that said first transceiver can remotely control the operation of an electrical device connected to said electrical contacts.

29. A method as recited in claim 24 wherein step (a) of communicating information via a local 1295 radio signal includes;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (a) using a local radio signal and first channel which is compatible with a conventional telecommunications device such as a cellular telephone, or a radio pager, or a two way radio, or a computer equipped with a radio modem;

1300 so that a commercially available telecommunications device can be used as said first radio transceiver.

1305 30. A method as recited in claim 24 wherein step (b) of communicating information via a network radio signal includes;

(a) using a network radio signal and second chaimel which is compatible with a conventional telecommunications network used by devices such as cellular telephones, or 1310 radio pagers, or two way radios, or computers equipped with radio modems;

so that said first transceiver can communicate with a wide area radio network used by commercially available telecommumcations devices.

1315

31. A method as recited in claim 24 wherein steps (a) and (b) of communicating local information and wide area radio network information includes;

(a) using radio signals and channels in a manner approved by an appropriate legislative 1320 body;

so that transmissions comply with applicable radio emission laws, and minimise radio interference.

1325

32. A method as recited in claim 24 further comprising the step of;

(a) automatically transmitting a local radio signal on the first channel in a manner which can instruct said first transceiver to change the channel it is operating on;

1330 so that said first transceiver can begin operating on the first channel when in communication range of the local radio signal without human involvement.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

33. A method as recited in claims 24 and 25 further comprising the steps of; 1335

(a) communicating the local information with a telephone network;

(b) incorporating information from a telephone network into the local information;

so that devices connected to a telephone network can be informed of detected conditions and 1340 can communicate with said first transceiver.

34. A telecommunication system comprising;

1345 (a) a plurality of condition-responsive devices each capable of sensing at least one condition and upon sensing said condition(s) transmit a radio signal on a first channel which contain first information unique to each said condition-responsive device; (c) a first radio receiver which receives the first information from said plurality of first radio transmitters; 1350 (d) a second radio receiver which receives second information directly from a wide area radio network using a second channel; (e) a third radio transmitter which transmits third information to a fourth radio receiver using a third channel; (0 a micro-processor which; 1355

(i) receives the first information from said condition-responsive devices and receives the second information from said second radio receiver; (ii) processes the first information and the second information to generate third information; 1360 (iv) instructs said third radio transmitter to transmit the third information;

so that information relating to a sensed condition and information received from a wide area radio network can be sent to said fourth receiver;

1365

35. A telecommunication system as set forth in claim 34, further including;

(a) controls and visual display which communicate with said micro-processor; so that a human can control, and view the operation of said telecommumcation system;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 1370 (b) a plurality of electrical contacts who's electrical characteristics can be altered by said micro-processor, so that said micro-processor can control the operation of electrical devices connected to said electrical contacts; (c) an electrical interface via which said micro-processor can communicate information to an electrical device; so that said micro-processor can commumcate with a computer.

1375

36. A telecommunication system comprising;

(a) a plurality of event responsive devices each of which generates and transmits an event 1380 signal unique to that event responsive device, said event signals collectively forming first information;

(b) a first receiver means capable of receiving said first information;

(c) a second transceiver means capable of communicating second information with a wide area radio network;

1385 (d) a processing and controlling means capable of receiving, processing and converting said first information and said second information into third information and communicating said third information with at least one portable telecommunications device;

1390 37. A telecommunication system comprising;

(a) a plurality of event responsive devices at least one of which is responsive to an event emanating from a wide area radio network using one or more network channels and at least one of which is responsive to an event emanating from a local environment using

1395 one or more local channels;

(b) each said event responsive device generating an event signal individual to that event responsive device, said event signals collectively forming first information;

(c) a processing and controlling means adapted to receive, process and convert said first information into second information and send selected second information to at least one

1400 individual telecommunications actuated activating device adapted to be activated to generate an appropriate activated signal indicative of a selected event signal.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET