Emergency call setup with position determination

0001The invention relates to an apparatus and method for Making a paging, in particular for making an Emergency call and / or an information request.

0002For various reasons, are PSAPs entertain, for example, of an incoming emergency call the police or fire departments to alert. These PSAPs are on public communications networks or accessible via special emergency systems. In public Communications networks exist for this well-known Emergency numbers. On streets or other places are emergency call transmission units, in particular emergency telephones, placed the For example, a direct connection to an emergency call center have the road operator. are on call boxes located Flaps in their open automatically connect to the PSAP is established. Then the user inputs the Notrufsäule the local position and the reason for the Emergency call to the PSAP. It is then for example, notified the staff of a mobile vehicle breakdown to To send help to a stranded car.

0003Further service centers to be entertained, where Information of all kinds, for example, retrieve information about the traffic situation on the road or can be requested.

0004Known are mobile paging transmitter units for transmitting a Paging receiver to the paging. There are, for example, Mobile phones of different types and from a variety of several manufacturers in large numbers in use. Some of the paging transmitter units have interfaces through they with other devices such as a personal computer, a Fax machine or the like can contact. The Connection, a via a fixed line connection (eg. B. be prepared in a wireless manner cable) or. Newer Mobile phones are for this purpose with transmitting and / or receiving units equipped, in the electromagnetic wave Infrared region with the other devices communicate. From a personal computer, the mobile phone as a portable Modem used to connect to a establish communication network. For the preparation of Connect to other devices via fixed line, depending on the Type of mobile phone or a modem different Connections to the mobile phones or paging transmitter units available on the market. Furthermore, use the various manufacturers of mobile phones and modems different protocols for data transmission to the other devices or of these.

0005The present invention is based on the object, a Paging device and a method for making an specify paging, so that in mobile use a paging is deductible. It is in various, currently or future available on the market for paging transmission units Transmitting the paging can be used.

0006The object is achieved by a paging device with the Features of claim 1 and by a method having the Features of claim 10 is released. Developments are The subject of the respective dependent claims.

0007The paging device of the invention has a Position determining unit for determining the local Position of the paging device or the position of a with this related device, in particular a Motor vehicle on. Further, a trigger signal connection for supplying a tripping signal exists, by which To apply and / or in its absence the settling of the Paging is triggered. The actuating means, e.g. an electrical switch, can in particular also in the Paging device can be integrated. In this case, forms the Contact surface of the probe to trigger signal terminal. Preferably, however, the trigger signal in an externally generated electric signal. The Funkrufvorr has ichtung further comprising a detection terminal for supplying a Detection signal on, from the type and / or the mode one can be connected to the paging device paging transmitter unit can be seen. A Funkrufausgang outputting a paging signal to the paging transmitter unit is present, so that the paging transmitter when receiving the paging signal a corresponding paging sends. Finally, a Detection unit is provided which in accordance with the above the Recognition terminal supplied detection signal adaptation the paging signal to the type of paging transmitter unit and / or controls on its operation.

0008According to a core idea of ​​the invention is thus the Paging device with different types of the Paging device can be connected paging transmitter units combined. There is a preferably automatic Detection of the type and / or its mode of operation instead, so that the correct paging signal to the paging transmitter unit can be output. An advantage is that the different Protocols of different manufacturers in the transmission the paging signal are maintainable at the paging transmitter unit, depending on the type and / or mode.

0009Preferably, the detection terminal and the Funkrufausgang are by a common device-related terminal unit formed in particular by a multi-pin connector. The assembly effort when changing to a different type and / or has a different mode of paging transmitter unit therefore low.

0010In a further development, the paging device a Query unit for querying a device external Information on which of the in the form of the recognition signal Detection unit is supplied. The paging device asks then, for example, immediately after its activation and / or at regular intervals, the device external Information from. This ensures that the Paging device always has the right to the paging Paging transmitter outputs.

0011Particularly preferred is a further development in which a in the Paging device insertable connector coding has, from the type and / or the operation of the paging transmitter unit can be seen. The coding can particularly in an electrical connection between different poles of a multipole connector exist. However, it is also possible a non-volatile data memory in the connector to integrate, where the case concerns an electrical voltage Detection signal outputs, or by the paging device can be read. The connector is preferably of Connector of a connecting line via which the connection is made to the paging transmitter.

0012In particular, when the connection between the Paging device and the paging transmitter unit wirelessly, , For example, implemented by an infrared interface is preferably a the information about the type and / or the operation of the paging transmitter unit -containing object in a receiving opening of the Paging device inserted. In the area of ​​the receiving opening then is the recognition terminal for supplying the Detection signal.

0013Preferably, the pager is called SMS (Short Message Service) sold. In particular, an answer of Recipient as an SMS message and / or other than the The manufacturer's protocol corresponding data message from the processed paging device or to other devices are passed, for example, to a navigation system in the motor vehicle or to a screen or display.

0014In a further development, the paging device a Handsfree control unit for controlling a handsfree , which can be coupled to the paging transmitter. Common have become handsfree in conjunction with Mobile telephones in motor vehicles to the driver of the Motor vehicle driving a conversation on the mobile phone to allow while driving. In particular, to to save manufacturing costs and assembly costs as well as to space to save, has the combined Paging device / handsfree control unit high Level of integration. Preferably, the Handsfree control unit, the position determining unit and the recognition unit of the same carrier device, particular board, worn. These units are then attached to the carrier unit line connections electrically interconnected. Furthermore, the Units all or partly in one microelectronic chip are integrated.

0015For handsfree control units it is usual that the Handsfree unit to the mobile phone in conjunction is to the received signals to a microphone to process mobile phone and to pass and to receiving loudspeaker signals from the mobile phone to process and route it to a loudspeaker device. Preferably, therefore, the triggered paging signal, the generated for example by a central processing unit is, on the handsfree control unit to the paging transmitter unit or the mobile phone transmits.

0016Preferably, the position determining unit is formed, GPS (Global Positioning System) signals through a GPS antenna device to recieve. In particular, the GPS antenna means serves as an antenna means for sending the Paging and optionally for receiving paging signals, in the paging transmitter unit and the mobile phone are processed.

0017It has already been proposed to provide a determination of the local Position of a mobile phone by evaluating received carry paging signals by different Base stations according to a predetermined or known Airtime patterns are sent. The determination of the local Position is therefore in the paging device also unlike carried by satellite. In particular, the Function of the position determining unit in the then paging device reduce that a Position signal indicative of the local position of the Paging transmitting unit is received. The actual determination the local position then takes place outside the device outside the Paging device. Furthermore, if a paging transmitter unit connected, which is in a position to a transmitting paging information about the local position shall be included, preferably the presence of such recognized paging transmitter unit of the detection unit and the Paging signal corresponding to the paging transmitter unit adapted so that the paging signal is not itself the information contains about the local position.

0018In a further development is the trigger signal terminal Keypad connected, which allows the user to a or choose to operate several different paging. Is in the paging device and a hands-free controller provided such an embodiment is particularly preferred, wherein which it is possible, via the control unit a on the to start handsfree control unit run this week and / or to end. The front panel may for example be removed in a holder in the dashboard area of ​​a motor vehicle be attached. Except via a line connection may alternatively via a wireless signal connection to the Paging device to be connected.

0019In the inventive method for issuing a paging the paging device with a paging transmitter, in particular a mobile phone, connectable to the pager settle on the pager transmitter. Launched by the Paging device to the paging transmitter unit to communicating, transmitting the paging causing paging depends on the type of paging transmitter unit and / or of whose mode. The type and / or the mode is out detected a detection signal corresponding to the paging device is supplied. Supplying, as already above- described by a query of the paging device done.

0020Preferably, the activation of the paging device is automatically by the signal technology connecting the paging transmitter unit initiated with the paging device. Among Activation is meant that the paging device in an operating condition is offset, in which it is ready sell a pager or a paging signal to the paging transmitter unit output. Specifically, the Paging device in the activation of a Operating state, energized in the essential components are connected, put into an operating state in which all required components to a voltage source are connected so that necessarily to a degree electrical energy is consumed. In de-energized connected state, however, is the electrical Energy consumption is minimal. In particular, the activation is by the insertion of a mobile phone in a sure provided holder causes the said support and the electrical connection of the mobile phone is used.

0021Is a handsfree control unit in the paging device provided, relates in a further activation Alternatively or additionally, the handsfree control unit.

0022In particular, the pager includes a previously between Paging device and receiver agreed meaning content on which is transmitted preferably abbreviated or coded.

0023The invention will now be more closely by means of embodiments described. In this case, reference is made to the accompanying drawing taken. However, the invention is not limited to these Embodiments limited. The individual figures of Drawing:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a view of an embodiment of the Paging device according to the invention with it connectable external components and devices in schematic representation and</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the interaction of the individual components in Fig. 1 Paging device schematically illustrated Representation.</dd></dl>

0024The paging device shown in FIG. 1 TSK (Telematics Starter Kit) is a device-internal telephone cable connection GSMI with a retainer for holding and electrical connector CRD Connecting a cellular phone connected. The Connecting line between the retaining connector CRD and the Telephone cable connection GSMI has a 26-pin Telephone cable connector on GSMC. The telephone cable connector or GSMC the entire connection cable with connectors is the Change the type of insertable into the retaining connector CRD Mobile phone is replaced or it is the first time Connecting a mobile phone to select the right Telephone cable plug GSMC respected. The telephone cable connector GSMC has a plurality of poles that are not for the Line connection between the paging device and the TSK Mooring connector CRD are required. According to the type of Mobile phone used are certain poles of Telephone cable plug GSMC together electrically shorted, for example, pins 3 and 5 and pins 23 and 26 for a particular mobile phone type.

0025Thus, by simply replacing the cable together Telephone cable connector GSMC the paging device to the TSK Operating be switched with another mobile phone. Instead of the telephone cable connector GSMC can also Adapter connectors are used, encoding the contains. In this case does not need the entire cable to be substituted, unless the retaining connector connector the cable is due to the different type of Plug-in connection to the support or on the connector CRD replace mobile phone. In any case, for the Switching to another mobile phone or / and on a other mooring connector CRD not take the help of professionals required. The user can this rather low cost make yourself. carried out the identification of new mobile phone turn automatically by the paging device TSK, which then the appropriate protocol for the transmission of Paging signals used to the mobile telephone or of this received signals correctly interpreted.

0026If the paging device TSK activated, a current flows on each shorted poles of Telephone cable plug GSMC. This determines the Paging device TSK device type or in several Types of devices that can be operated in the same manner, The operating mode of mobile phones. Activation is characterized triggered that a mobile phone in the holder connector CRD is used when all of a discontinuation of a paging required external equipment and components to the Paging device TSK are connected. these are in particular a control unit for triggering an alert and BP a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna GPSA. More external components, the one not necessarily for the dismissal Paging, but rather for driving a telephone conversation are required are a hands-free microphone MIC and a Radio RU.

0027The Radio RU is in turn connected to a speaker device SP connected, which is used for the speakerphone. The Handsfree control unit FSE is located as shown in Fig. 2 shown in the paging device TSK. Furthermore, the Paging device TSK on the radio RU to the battery BAT connected or the alternator of a motor vehicle, in the paging device TSK is installed. Between the the present case, to 12 volts lying, from radio to RU Paging device TSK leading battery management and a also from the radio paging device RU for TSK carried out, at ground potential line engages the Paging device TSK supply voltage from a. The Concerns the voltage on the paging device TSK may vary dependent or independent of the embodiment according to be the ignition switch of the motor vehicle. to misuse of the paging device and / or the thereby preventing coupled handsfree is preferably at ignition switch is switched off no voltage the paging device to TSK. The Radio RU has another, with IGN designated input terminal via the Switching state of the ignition switch is recognizable. Another Function of the wiring between the paging device TSK and the Radio RU is the speaker means SP during the operation of the speakerphone to strictly control of the handsfree control unit FSE and a simultaneous signal flow of audio signals of Radios RU or by some other, with the Radio RU prevent paired audio device.

0028The keypad BP has four button B. One of the key B exclusively serves the switching on and off the Speakerphone. A second button B is triggering an emergency call with particular urgency to a PSAP. Purpose of the call is for example the Request of the police, the fire department or a his ambulance. In the present case is first trying to reach the emergency services, who are able is, over a cellular network short messages sent (SMS) to receive and evaluate. Longer operating thereof, second button B, for example, over a longer period than 3 seconds, but is directly a PSAP is selected, the public, for anyone even from fixed-line telephone networks is achievable.

0029If attempts to send a text message, which evaluates in Fig. 2 illustrated GPS module GPSM via the GPS antenna GPSA received satellite signals and determines the physical location of the motor vehicle. The evaluation can also carried out continuously, the analysis results stored will. This purpose, a flash memory FLASH (Fig. 2) for Available which in a central processor CPU connection stands. The central processor CPU generates a page signal, the to the left in the holding connector CRD cellphone MS is output. The paging signal contains information about the current physical location of the motor vehicle, a Identification number of the motor vehicle and / or its Users who dialed from the mobile phone MS number and the Severity of paging. The identification number of the motor vehicle and / or its user and the dialed Number are also in the flash memory FLASH stored. The paging signal is transmitted to the Handsfree control unit FSE (Fig. 2) and forwarded by there GSMI via the telephone cable connection, the Telephone cable connector GSMC, the adjoining Line connection and the mounting connector to the CRD Mobile phone MS transmitted.

0030If the emergency call center, which is capable of SMS messages to received, is busy or unavailable for other reasons, B is also in a shorter actuation of the second button directly the public for anyone to access emergency call center selected. To this end, the central processor CPU receives from the Mobile telephone MS and the handsfree control unit FSE a Signal from which the central processor CPU recognize that the SMS-enabled PSAP is unreachable. Then reads the Central processor CPU from the flash memory, the number of public emergency call center and sends a corresponding thereto paging signal to the mobile telephone MS.

0031Depending on the wireless network for which the mobile phone is authorized to access, it is usually necessary by the Paging device TSK selected the correct code number will. There are several possibilities. On the one hand, depending on the type of the mobile phone, the prefix number be interrogated. Furthermore, it is possible, from the encoding or a chip in the phone cable connector GSMC the right Code number to identify. In addition, the paging device try TSK after its activation, in various dial mobile networks using the mobile phone MS. there for example, well-known service numbers of the individual selected mobile networks or it is simply trying to to choose an area code, and it is awaited the answer. In the latter case the central processor evaluates the CPU of the sent mobile phone MS to the handsfree control unit FSE Audio signal.

0032If the wireless network for which the mobile phone MS is authorized to access, unreachable, is in predetermined Intervals attempts to send the text message again or the public for anyone to access emergency call center To recall. The predetermined time intervals may be used for various types of radio calls, which via the control unit BP are initiated, be of different sizes.

0033Then, by pressing a third button B of the control panel BP an emergency call with less urgency triggered. The emergency call used, for example requesting roadside assistance for the Motor vehicle. He is in an analogous manner as above generated as described and sold as an SMS message.

0034can by pressing a fourth button B of the control panel BP Information requested. The corresponding Informationsruf is in an analogous manner as above describes the emergency deducted as an SMS message.

0035If an SMS message sent successfully, evaluates the Emergency and information center, in which the SMS message has arrived, the message, so that as soon as possible much preliminary information on the physical location of the Motor vehicle, the user of the motor vehicle, the purpose of Emergency call or of the Informationsrufs and / or optionally others sent messages have content. Such more information information, in particular on the in the transmission of data between the mobile phone MS and the paging device TSK data format or protocol. The Paging device TSK can therefore by a response of Emergency and information center targeted not only with Audio signals, but also be addressed elsewhere. So It is possible, for example, by a demand Central more information via SMS message from the flash memory FLASH retrieve. but it is also possible to use a Telephone call to lead with the user of the motor vehicle, which in the manner of a normal telephone call on the Handsfree is performed.

0036As an example of the information that my Informationsruf is requested, here is information about the traffic situation or on the way to one of the users of the motor vehicle called desired end. The information may also Devices automatically retrieve active. Furthermore, on the paging device without mediation by human Intellectual activity information to a navigation system are received, which is present in the motor vehicle. The BP control unit is connected via a connecting cable and a Connectors with a trigger signal terminal BPI of Paging device TSK connectable. Furthermore, there is a Antenna connection between the retaining connector and the CRD GPS antenna GPSA to those for sending an alert and for the carrying of radio-transmitted telephone calls to use.

0037In FIG. 2, further, not yet described details of the Paging device TSK and connected thereto external Equipment and components shown. The presentation is schematically. The arrows, therefore, not necessary to in Fig. 1 cables or wire bundles shown.

0038On the paging device TSK a shock sensor is CD connected, which in the case of an accident, in which a unusually high deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle occurs, an emergency call is triggered. The triggering of the corresponding Triggered by actuation of the button B of the control panel BP.

0039Furthermore, an external battery BAC is connected or in a battery in any other way with the paging device TSK connected, which is not to the central battery Motor vehicle is. The battery BAT is used for Maintaining an operation of the paging device TSK the loss of power of the motor vehicle and / or the preservation of data stored in a volatile Data storage of the paging device TSK.

0040Finally, a power supply control unit in PCT the paging device TSK available. The controller PCT controls the activation and deactivation of the TSK paging device in dependence on the presence of a mobile phone in the holding connector above CRD described. Moreover, the control unit PCT offset by Lapse of a period of predetermined length since Turning off the ignition switch of the motor vehicle Paging device in the disabled state, even if a Mobile phone over the retaining connector with the CRD Paging device TSK is connected. When switched on again the ignition switch enables the controller PCT the TSK paging device back into the active state.

0041With the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 TSK paging device, it is also possible during a call a first and / or more paging, especially depose as an SMS message. Regardless of the simultaneous management of a Telephone conversation can repeat the current local position of the motor vehicle by repeated paging and / or in the paging device TSK stored history of the local Position of the motor vehicle by one or more paging be transmitted to a receiver. The receiver can thus determine in which direction and at what speed the motor vehicle is moving.

0042heard The procedure for issuing a paging the field of telematics, ie the combination of Telecommunications and Information Technology. The described Paging device TSK, by slight variation, z. B. by loading new software, for further telematic Services, such as the request and / or reception of Navigation information for a navigation system Motor vehicle, of technical information for rectifying and / or diagnosis of a cause of breakdowns and other Information to be established. In a development of described paging device TSK are control functions or Processing functions for one or more of such services already incorporated into the paging device. peripherals such as screens, displays and navigation devices are connectable. The information received can in the Paging device are cached, z. B. to the has user time to evaluate the information or the to note evaluation result. The information can in the paging device in language, ie voice signals, be converted and the loudspeaker device be issued. The driver of a motor vehicle will then stop For example, the recommendation at the next traffic lights turn left. It is then passed through an in Service center seated pilot on his travel destination passed.

0043All disclosed in the description of Paging device and the method for settling a Call are individually and as in any combination essential to the invention claimed. For example, is also a paging device without recognizing unit for recognizing the Detection signal with respect to the type and / or the operating mode the paging transmitter discloses essential to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

0044<dl tsize="6" compact="compact"><dt>B</dt><dd>button</dd><dt>BAT</dt><dd>battery</dd><dt>BP</dt><dd>keypad</dd><dt>BPI</dt><dd>Trigger signal terminal</dd><dt>CD</dt><dd>shock sensor</dd><dt>CPU</dt><dd>central processor</dd><dt>CRD</dt><dd>retaining connector</dd><dt>FSE</dt><dd>Handsfree control unit</dd><dt>FLASH</dt><dd>Flash memory</dd><dt>GPSA</dt><dd>GPS antenna</dd><dt>GPSM</dt><dd>GPS module</dd><dt>GSMC</dt><dd>Telephone cable connector</dd><dt>GSMI</dt><dd>Telephone cable connection</dd><dt>IGN</dt><dd>Zündschalteranschluß</dd><dt>MIC</dt><dd>microphone</dd><dt>MS</dt><dd>cellphone</dd><dt>PCT</dt><dd>Power supply control unit</dd><dt>RU</dt><dd>radio</dd><dt>SP</dt><dd>Speaker Setup</dd><dt>TSK</dt><dd>paging device</dd></dl>