Apparatus and method for providing weather and other alerts

ES 2 322 912 T3

DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and method for providing meteorological and other alerts.

This invention relates generally to the field of alerting systems and, in its preferred embodiments, to alerting systems that use cellular, personal, or wireless telecommunications technology to deliver an alert to a person.

In recent decades, the science of meteorology has advanced rapidly, allowing the increasing precision and detection of severe and dangerous meteorology. Specifically, high-resolution Doppler radar systems and satellites have been developed that allow early detection of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms and the precise tracking of their trajectories. The National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) now routinely issue advance warnings for the most severe or tornado-capable storms, alerting individuals and saving lives. However, for these warnings, or "alerts" to be effective, they must be communicated and received by their intended recipients.

Some local governments and municipalities use civil defense siren systems to provide warnings to people within the localized range of siren systems in the event of severe weather, natural disaster, war, or other emergency conditions. However, weather related advisories are most commonly provided through NOAA's Weather Radio system which is a nationwide extension network of radio stations operating twenty-four (24) hours a day to broadcast continuous weather information directly. from the local offices of the National Weather Service. NOAA's Weather Radio system also broadcasts alerts for the Emergency Alert System (EAS), maintained by the Federal Communications Commission, to provide emergency warnings for all types of hazards, including but not limited to these , earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe meteorology and nuclear warfare. NOAA's Weather Radio system has more than 460 transmitters, covering broad areas in each of the 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Territories of the United States. United. Unfortunately, receiving Emergency Alert System warnings through NOAA's Weather Radio system requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up your emergency warning signals.

Tone-activated alert receivers are commonly used to monitor NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, to provide severe weather warnings, and to provide emergency and civil defense alerts. A tone activated alert receiver continuously monitors NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for a specific 1050 Hz emergency alert tone. In response to the receipt of an emergency alert tone, the tone activated alert receiver produces an audible and / or visual alarm and activates a radio tuned to the NOAA Weather Radio broadcast. As each NOAA Weather Radio station broadcasts its signals to a relatively large geographic area, older tone-activated alert receivers suffer from the drawback of responding falsely to alerts when the condition to which the emergency alert pertains is only relevant to other geographic areas in the broadcast area of ​​the NOAA Weather Radio station broadcasting the alert tone.

Newer NOAA Weather Radio receivers known as "SAME receivers" incorporate a feature known as Area Specific Message Encoding (SAME) to decrease the frequency of false alerts. A SAME receiver recognizes a specific digital location code, in an emergency broadcast signal, which designates a specific location for which alerts are relevant. Once programmed by the user to respond only to a digital location code specific to the user's area, the SAME receiver switches to alarm mode only upon receipt of an emergency broadcast signal that includes a digital location code SAME. matching the preprogrammed digital code. Accordingly, SAME receivers are generally deployed at a particular fixed location such as an individual's home or office. Although these SAME receivers are useful in their fixed locations, they are not particularly useful if they are moved from the location for which they are programmed. Also, like many individuals who are not capable of programming a VCR, some individuals may find it difficult or inconvenient to program the SAME receiver.

US 5,565. 909 describes a location specific messaging that uses geo codes to filter the appropriate messages.

As an alternative to SAME receivers, some people are proposing that cellular wireless telephone networks or the Personal Communications System (PCS) be used to provide emergency alerts to individuals who have cellular or PCS telephones since telephone networks Cellular and PCS typically employ short-range broadcast transceivers (or transmitters) that have coverage areas, or cells, of a reasonably small size, thus enabling the provision of emergency alerts to people in selected areas served by private broadcast transmitters. As proposed, the provision of emergency alert messages to selected local areas would be achieved by activating only those cellular or PCS broadcast transceivers that provide coverage for the specific geographic area for which the emergency alert is relevant, rather than require the transmission, pre-programming, and recognition of a specific digital location code corres2

ES 2 322 912 T3 next to the geographic area for which the emergency alert is relevant. However, until recently, wireless telephone networks have not had the ability to transmit alphanumeric messages that would be required to efficiently distribute emergency alert messages. In contrast, conventional paging systems have the ability to support alphanumeric messaging, but have coverage areas too large to provide the level of geographic specificity required to deliver location-specific, emergency alert messages.

New cell phone and PCS networks are currently being deployed or have been deployed throughout North America and Europe that are capable of transmitting alphanumeric messages and have coverage areas that provide sufficient geographic specificity, making them ideal vehicles for the provision of location-specific emergency alert messages. Using the newer cellular and PCS networks, a network operator can send messages to a cellular or PCS telephone present in any single cell or any group of cells served by the network's transceivers. Accordingly, some people have recently proposed that these cellular and PCS networks be used to transmit location-specific, emergency alert messages to individual users' cell phone or PCS terminals by dialing the telephone number associated with each. terminal and, once the cellular or PCS terminal responds, deliver the emergency alert message to the terminal.

Although cellular or PCS telecommunications systems can be an effective vehicle for conducting location-specific emergency alert messages, such systems make it possible to deliver emergency alert messages to only those individuals who can be understood to obtain such messages through of your wireless phones. Currently, to obtain such messages, individuals must find their way through a multitude of icons (which many individuals cannot) and then go through all of their messages to identify the emergency alert messages from the other messages. Additionally, the provision of emergency alert messages through cellular or PCS telecommunications systems requires individuals to have their terminals close by and tuned (and not devoid of battery power). Unfortunately, individuals often turn off their terminals, forget to recharge them, or leave their terminals, for example in the car, while they are at home or at work. As a result, a system that relies on PCS or cellular terminal receivers to receive emergency alert messages may fail to notify large numbers of individuals of the existence of an emergency condition.

Other similar difficulties are inherent in the provision of information or messages that refer to military or other operations (ie different types of "alert"). For example, if a military division needs to inform its reservists of a service on Sunday rather than the Saturday as originally notified to the reservists, typically each reservist is contacted individually by phone to provide the reservist with such information, requiring therefore both a substantial amount of work to accomplish such a task.

Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an apparatus and method by which individuals can reliably receive cellular or PCS transmissions of location-specific alert information without requiring the use of a cellular terminal or telephone. PCS. Furthermore, there is a need for an apparatus and method by which individuals can reliably receive cellular or PCS transmissions of location-specific alert information without requiring individuals to perform complex recovery steps or inconvenient steps of programming the alarms. receivers.

Briefly described, the present invention comprises an alerting apparatus and method for receiving a location-specific alert (i.e., a targeted alert relevant to a particular geographic area) and for informing a user, who may be visually impaired or aurally, of the existence and severity of an alert. More particularly, the present invention includes an alerting apparatus and method that enables a user to receive data corresponding to an alert that has been broadcast through particular transmitters operating within the cellular or wireless telephone communications network. PCS, thus allowing the receipt of a location-specific alert (and a text message associated with the alert) without requiring the user to enter into the alerts device, representative data or data that identify the location of the device. In addition, the present invention includes an alerting apparatus and method that produces audible sounds of high loudness and a high intensity flashing strobe corresponding to alerts of the highest degree of severity and that produces audible sounds of low loudness and a Low intensity flashing light from a corresponding light emitting diode alarms of less severity.

According to the preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises an alerting device having a microcomputer that directs the operation of the alerting device in accordance with the instructions of the computer software program stored therein. The alerting device also includes a receiver that receives a broadcast of PCS digital transmissions over a cellular or PCS telecommunications network. The microcomputer has a central processing unit and a monitoring circuit communicatively connected with the central processing unit and the receiver. The monitoring circuit is capable of adjusting the receiver to receive the transmissions, if they exist, on the radio channels identified by the central processing unit, of determining the signal strength associated with the transmissions received on such radio channels, of identify the presence of a digital control channel on a radio channel, and communicate signal strength information, digital control channel information, and short broadcast messages, received by the receiver to the central processing unit.

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In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alerting device further comprises a plurality of peripheral devices and the microcomputer further comprises a peripheral device controller that connects to the plurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of peripheral devices include a liquid crystal display, a high level audio speaker, a low level audio speaker, a high intensity strobe, and a low intensity light emitting diode. The microcomputer controls the operation of the plurality of peripheral devices, through the peripheral device controller, according to the severity of the condition identified by an alert. For example, the microcomputer causes the production of an audible sound from the high-level audio speaker at a high-loudness level and the flash of a high-intensity strobe light to warn the user of the existence of a “Level One alert. ”(Ie the most serious or important alert condition). Similarly, the microcomputer causes an audible sound to be produced from the low-level audio speaker at a low-loudness level and the low-intensity light-emitting diode to flash to warn the user of a “ Level Two ”(ie a less severe or less severe alert condition). The microprocessor, through the peripheral device controller, also causes the text information received as part of the alert message to be displayed on the liquid crystal display.

The alerting device, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, may be operated to continuously monitor broadcasts from a cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications network. Consequently, the alert device connects to an electrical outlet to receive electrical power for normal operation, but includes a backup battery and a charging circuit to ensure the operation of the alert device even in the event of a power failure. Energy. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the alerting device operates continuously when powered by electrical power, has no on / off switch, and thus cannot be easily disabled by the user unlike the cellular terminal or PCS phone. . The alert device, however, includes a reset button that enables a user to temporarily disable, or stop, the audible and visual alarms once they are aware of the alert condition. In the preferred embodiment the alert device can be mounted on a wall electrical base in a manner substantially similar to that of a conventional smoke detector. In an alternative embodiment, the alert device has a housing that enables the device to be placed on a table or other surface in a manner substantially similar to that of a weather radio. In an alternate embodiment referred to, the alerting device includes a plurality of peripheral devices that can be located at sites removed from the alerting device.

In accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alerting device operates in accordance with the instructions of a computer software program residing on the microcomputer and performs a self-test when turned on to determine whether the alerting device it is working properly. The alert device, through cooperation between the microcomputer, the monitoring circuit, and the receiver, then scan a factory setting, a pre-identified set of radio channels comprising the range of channels used by compatible cellular or PCS telecommunications networks to identify the channel associated with the cellular or PCS transmitter that transmits on the digital control channel and that has the Stronger signal strength at device location for alerts. The alert device then latches onto the selected channel and passively monitors it for digital alerts in the form of short broadcast messages. As the alerting device passively monitors PCS network broadcasts, the use of alerting devices should not result in the user incurring periodic service charges from the network provider.

According to the method of the present invention, the alerting device, once a short broadcast message is detected and received, identifies whether the short broadcast message comprises an alert message. If so, the alerting appliance then analyzes the alert message and determines the severity level of the alert identified by the alert message. If the alert is a “Level One” alert, the alert device operates as described above, the high-level audio speaker produces a high-loudness, highly penetrating sound substantially similar to that of a conventional smoke detector. (that is, a sound that would make even the toughest of sleepers wake up) and the high intensity strobe produces bright, high intensity flashing light. If the flap is a “Level Two” alert, the alert device operates as described above, the low-level audio speaker produces a less penetrating “chirp” sound, low loudness and a low-noise emitting diode. Low intensity light produces a less intense, less bright flashing light. Regardless of the severity level of the alert, the alerting device extracts the text message information, if any, from the alert message and presents the text message information on the liquid crystal display to provide the user with an explanation more detailed nature of the alert. Once the user is informed of the existence and nature of the alert, the production of audible sounds and the generation of flashing light can be terminated by the user by pressing a reset button partially protruding from the alert device.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information without requiring the user to enter data representative of the user's location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that is not limited to a fixed location.

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Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for receiving location-specific alert information that can be moved from an old location to a new location without requiring reprogramming or input of data representative of the new location.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for receiving location-specific alert information that self-identifies the strongest source of such alert information.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for receiving location-specific alert information that self-identifies the frequency on which alert information is transmitted or broadcast.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that identifies the different levels of severity associated with alerts.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that produces different sensory outputs corresponding to different levels of alert severity or importance.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that operates continuously, unless moved by the user, at a particular location.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that can operate continuously from the external electrical power source and has an internal backup battery for use during power failures. .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for receiving location-specific alert information that displays a text message related to the alert to which the alert information belongs.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading and understanding of the present specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of an alert device with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram representation of the alerting device of Fig. 1 showing most of the components thereof.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the program domain of the non-volatile program memory of the alerting device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the data domain of the non-volatile data memory of the alerting device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the data domain of the volatile data memory of the alerting device of Fig. 1.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary PCS alert broadcast system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the data of a digital alert message in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart representation of a main part of an alert device computer software program in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart representation of the alert device computer software program self-test routine in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart representation of the high-level alarm routine of the alert device computer software program in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart representation of the low level alarm routine of the alert device computer software program in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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FIG. 12 is a flow chart representation of a timer interrupt handling the alert device computer software routine in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart representation of the reset interrupt handled by the alert device computer software routine in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram representation of a first part of an alerting device of an alternative preferred embodiment representing most of the components thereof.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram representation of the first part of the alerting device of Fig. 14 and a plurality of peripheral devices located remotely from a second part of the alerting device.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numbers represent like components throughout the various views, the alert device 20 is pictorially shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. and in Fig. 2 in block diagram form. Alert device 20 comprises a housing 22, a microcomputer 24, a receiver 26, a diversity receiver antenna 28, a power source 30, and a backup battery located therein. Preferably, housing 22 is made of a durable plastic material and alerting device 20 can be plugged directly into a wall electrical outlet by using an electrical plug 34 located at the rear of housing 22, thereby eliminating both the need to mount hardware and the difficulties of mounting the housing 22 to a wall. In accordance with the apparatus of the preferred embodiment, the receiver 26 is adapted to receive digital signals within the channel ranges used for cellular, PCS or other wireless communications in the area where the device is deployed. alerts 20. For example and not by limitation, receiver 26 is adapted to receive digital signals on channels having receive side frequencies in (i) the range of 969 MHz to 994 MHz, (ii) in the range of 1840 MHz to 1865 MHz, (iii) in the range from 1930.72 MHz to 1945 MHz, (iv) in the range from 1950.72 MHz to 1965 MHz, or (v) in the range from 1975.72 MHz to 1990 MHz. However, it is understood that the scope of the present invention includes similar receivers that are adapted to receive digital cellular, PCS, or digital wireless signals in any frequency range.

Alert device 20 further comprises a plurality of peripheral devices 36 that electrically connect to microcomputer 24, and an external antenna 38 having a first portion that is located within housing 22 and a second portion that extends outside of housing 22. An external antenna 38, acceptable in accordance with the preferred embodiment, is a rubber covered antenna commonly known as a "rubber duck antenna" often found on cellular, PCS, or wireless phones.

The plurality of peripheral devices 36 include a liquid crystal display 36a that is positioned within the housing 22 along with an opening 40 in the housing 22 that enables the liquid crystal display to be visible from the outside of the housing 22. Preferably, the liquid crystal display 36a is backlit to improve the readability of the display 36a. The liquid crystal display 36a has a signal strength indicator 37 located near the right side of the display 36a. The signal strength indicator 37 comprises a plurality of liquid crystal bars 39 arranged in a generally vertical direction that the microcomputer 24 activates to darken the bars 39 and thus indicate the signal strength of the strongest channel received by alerting device 20 at the current location of the device. A stronger signal intensity is indicated by the activation and darkening of a greater number of bars 39, while a weaker signal is indicated by the activation and darkening of a smaller number of bars 39.

The plurality of peripheral devices 36 also include a high-level audio speaker 36b and a low-level audio speaker 36c that are positioned within the housing 22 at positions adjacent to respective grille-shaped openings 42, 44 in housing 22 allowing audible sounds generated by loudspeakers 36b, 36c to exit housing 22 into the environment surrounding emergency alert device 20. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the high-level audio speaker 36b includes a speaker, substantially similar to those found in smoke detectors, that produces a continuous or pulsing high-level tone that is loud enough to wake up. to a person who is sleeping. The low-level audio speaker 36c, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, includes a speaker, which when properly activated emits a periodic "chirp-like" sound substantially similar to the sound emitted by the speakers used in portable pagers.

The plurality of peripheral devices 36 further includes a high intensity strobe light 36d and a low intensity light emitting diode (LED) 36e that are located within the housing 22 and are visible through covered window openings 46, from the outside of the housing 22. The high intensity strobe light 36d, in accordance with the apparatus of the preferred embodiment, includes a conventional xenon flash tube that can be pulsed periodically to produce a bright flash of light every one to two seconds when in use, thus making it possible for the alerting device 20 to collect the attention of a person from a person with hearing impairment. The low intensity light emitting diode 36e, according to the apparatus of the preferred embodiment includes a conventional red light emitting diode that can be pulsed in a manner similar to that used with the high intensity strobe light 36d. The plurality of peripheral devices 36 further includes a pushbutton

ES 2 322 912 T3 reset device 36f extending through an opening in the housing 22 so that it can be pressed by the user of the alert device 20.

The microcomputer 24 preferably comprises a custom-made device substantially similar to microcomputers that are incorporated in cellular, PCS, or wireless telephones and that includes, integrated within it, a central processing unit (CPU) 60, a monitoring circuit 62, a non-volatile program memory 64, a non-volatile data memory 66, a volatile data memory 68, a peripheral device controller 70, and a countdown timer 72. Non-volatile program memory 64, illustrated in Fig. 3, stores a computer software program 200 having a main portion 210, a self-test routine 400, a high-level alarm routine 500, a low-level alarm routine 600, a timer interrupt handling routine 700 and a reset interrupt handling routine 800 executed by CPU 60, as described below, to make the alert device 20 operate in accordance with a method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Non-volatile data memory 66, illustrated in FIG. 4, stores the values ​​for the start channel identifier 76 and the end channel identifier 78 of the range of channels to be monitored, or scanned, by receiver 26 for searching. of the presence of a digital control channel as described below. The non-volatile data memory 66 also stores the value of the size of the test channel step 80 and a plurality of corresponding reception frequencies 82 in a one-to-one relationship with the channels that can be monitored by the receiver 26 (i.e. , so that the reception frequency 82a corresponds to the first possible channel to be monitored, the reception frequency 82b corresponds to the second possible channel to be monitored, and the reception frequency 82n corresponds to the nth possible channel to be monitored. According to the preferred embodiment, the non-volatile data memory 66 stores a plurality of receive frequencies 82 corresponding to the channels associated with the receive side frequencies in (i) the range of 969 MHz to 994 MHz, (ii ) in the range from 1840 MHz to 1865 MHz, (iii) in the range from 1930.72 MHz to 1945 MHz, (iv) in the range from 1950.72 MHz to 1965 MHz, or (v) in the range of 1975 , 72 MHz to 1990 MHz. Non-volatile data memory 66 also stores a self-test time period 81 that defines the amount of time that self-test routine 400 delays the various stages during execution.

Volatile data memory 68, illustrated in FIG. 4 stores a plurality of channel identifiers 84 and a plurality of signal intensity values ​​86 organized into a list, or table, 88 of the plurality of channel identifier pairs 90 / signal strength. Each channel identifier / signal strength pair 90 comprises a channel identifier 84 and the respective signal strength value 86 representing a number that identifies the found digital control channel and the associated signal strength value 86 ( also referred to herein as "signal strength") identified by receiver 26 and monitoring circuitry 62 as described below. Volatile data memory 66 also stores a test channel identifier 91 and a pointer 93 to the selected digital control channel as described below (also referred to herein as "alert channel pointer 93").

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device controller 70 is an intelligent controller that produces, at the appropriate times described below, the signals necessary to produce the operation of each peripheral device 36 of the plurality of peripheral devices. 36 as described in this document. For example, and not by limitation, the peripheral device driver 70 produces, when necessary, the signals necessary to cause the high-level audio speaker 36b to generate a piercing tone that should awaken the most sound of sleepers, the low level audio speaker 36c to generate “chirping” sounds, and produce the flash of the high intensity strobe 36d and the low intensity light emitting diode 36e. The peripheral device controller 70 also ceases, at the appropriate times described below, the production of the signals that cause the operation of, for example, the high-level audio speaker 36b, the low-level speaker 36c, the strobe. high intensity 36d and low intensity light emitting diode 36e.

Countdown timer 72, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, comprises a timer that is programmable by CPU 60 to start the countdown time from the initial instant provided to countdown timer 72 by CPU 60. Once zero is reached, the countdown timer 72 produces an interrupt signal that is communicated to the CPU 60. The reset button 36f also produces an interrupt signal that is communicated to the CPU 60.

The microcontroller 24, as shown in Fig. 2, also includes a bus 74 that interconnects the CPU 60 and the monitoring circuit 62, the non-volatile program memory 64, the non-volatile data memory 66, the data memory volatile 68, peripheral device controller 70, and countdown timer 72 for communication of addresses, data, and control signals (including interrupt signals) between them. The monitoring circuit 62 communicatively connects with the receiver 26 through the respective signal lines 92. The receiver 26 electrically connects, through the respective signal lines 94, 96, with the diversity receiving antenna and the outdoor antenna 38. Peripheral device controller 70 communicatively connects with liquid crystal display 36a, high-level audio speaker 36b, low-level audio speaker 36c, high-intensity strobe 36d, low-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) 36e, and the reset button 36f across the respective signal lines 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108.

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Power supply 30 connects, through electrical conductors 110, electrical plug 34 for receiving alternating current electrical energy. Power supply 30 converts alternating current electrical energy to direct current electrical energy at appropriate voltages. The power supply 30 also connects the microcomputer 24, the receiver 26, and the plurality of peripheral devices 36, where necessary (although not shown in Fig. 2), for the supply of direct current electrical power thereto at appropriate voltages. The power supply 30 includes a charging and switching circuit 112 therein that connects in both directions with the backup battery 32 via leads 114. During operation, whenever alternating current electrical power is supplied to the alerting device 20, the charging and switching circuit 112 charges the backup battery 32, if necessary, supplying direct current electrical power to the backup battery 32 to through conductors 114. Alternatively, when AC power is not supplied to the alerting device 20 (for example, due to a utility failure or other power failure), the backup battery 32 supplies DC power to the circuit. charging and switching 112 through conductors 114 to subsequently supply the microcomputer 24, the receiver 26, and the plurality of peripheral devices 36, where needed.

In accordance with the apparatus of the present embodiment of the present invention, receiver 26 also includes receivers capable of receiving cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications signals corresponding to alert messages 130 (described below) broadcast from cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications transmitters 120 that are located in towers 122 and positioned to provide cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications for the respective localized and identifiable geographic areas 124 as pictorially illustrated in FIG. 6. Alert messages 130 are produced prior to being received by receiver 26, by an alert messaging system. The alert messaging system is typically operated by a government authority and comprises telecommunications equipment, computer hardware, and computer software that: (i) receives an alert from a source, for example, the Emergency Alert System or the National Meteorological Service or the Department of Defense, (ii) determines whether one or more alert messages 130 corresponding to the alert should be broadcast, (iii) identifies the appropriate telecommunication transmitters 120 (and consequently the geographic areas 124) to which the alert message 130 should be delivered, (iv) constructs and formats alert message 130 appropriately, and (v) communicates alert message 130 to the cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications network to route alert message 130 to transmitters of identified telecommunications 120 that subsequently broadcast the alert message 130 to their respective geographic areas 124.

Alert messages 130 received by receiver 126 and acting on them, as described below, by alert device 20 include, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, messages 130 that are encoded by the system. Alert messaging according to the Short Message Broadcast System in the format of a PCS short message (illustrated by the schematic representation of data in Fig. 7). Each alert message 130 includes a message header 132 indicating that the message 130 includes alert data and the overall level of the alert. Preferably, the header 132 comprises eight (8) bytes of data bits, including a market code of three (3) bytes of bits 134, a zone code of two (2) bytes of bits 136, a code of the level of alert of two (2) octets of bits 138, and a date stamp of one (1) octet of bits 140. Market code 134 includes data that identifies the regional market for which the alert message 130 is intended (that is, the regional market includes a plurality of telecommunications transmitters 120 located in the geographic region identified by the regional market code). . The area code 136 comprises data that identifies the particular telecommunications transmitter 120 within the regional market that will broadcast the alert message 130. Together, the market code 134 and the area code 136 are used by the cellular, PCS, or wireless telecommunications network as described above, for the routing and communication of the alert message 130 to the telecommunications transmitter 120 and geographic area 124 identified as appropriate by the alert messaging system.

The alert level code 138 in each alert message 130 includes data identifying the severity and type of the alert condition. The EAS AM & FM Manual, published by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States, divides the alerts sent by the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) (referred to in this document as “emergency alerts”) into three (3 ) general levels of severity. A “Zero Level” emergency alert (that is, indicated by an alert message 130 where the alert level code 138 has a value of four (4)) indicates the absence of emergency alert conditions and that previous emergency alerts are no longer valid or no longer have effect. A “Level One” alert (that is, indicated by an alert message 130 in which the alert level code 138 has a value of five (5)) indicates the existence, in the geographic area 124 to which it belongs and Alert message 130 is communicated, of an emergency situation that represents an extraordinary threat to the safety of life or property such as, but not limited to, the existence or eminent existence of a tornado, a flood, a fire, a hazardous materials discharge, an industrial explosion, or a nuclear incident. A “Level Two” emergency alert (that is, indicated by an alert message 130 in which the alert level code 138 has a value of six (6)) indicates the issuance of a severe or severe weather observation. possible a particular emergency condition in the geographic area 124 to which the emergency alert is communicated through the telecommunications transmitters 120.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the alert level code 138, when appropriate, contains values ​​other than the values ​​described above to indicate other types of alerts and the respective severity of such other types of alerts. For example, a “Level One” military alert (that is, indicated by an alert message 130 in which the alert level code 138 has a value of seven (7)) indicates the existence, for geographic area 124 to the

ES 2 322 912 T3 which belongs to and communicates the alert message 130, of an extremely important military alert (for example, an alert that requires all active duty military personnel and reservists to report to their bases immediately). A “Level Two” military alert (that is, indicated by an alert message 130 in which the alert level code 138 has a value of eight (8)) indicates the existence, for the geographic area 124 to which it belongs and alarm message 130 is communicated, of a less important military alert (for example, an alert requesting that all reservists report on Sunday instead of Saturday). It will be understood that the scope of the present invention includes other types and severities of alerts that have different values ​​for the alert level code 138.

Each alert message 130 further includes a string of text message characters 142 that follow the message header 132. The text message string 142 preferably includes a maximum of 160 ASCII text characters for representation on the liquid crystal display 36a of the alert device 20 and provides more detailed information or instructions related to an alert condition. As each alert message 130 is broadcast by one or more particular telecommunication transmitters 120 to alert devices 20 present in a specific, identifiable geographic area 124, information relevant to that geographic area 124 can be included in the character string of the text message 142. For example, and not by limitation, when a tornado has been identified by meteorologists heading on a path toward, for example, the Dunwoody, Georgia community, Alert Message 130 sent and broadcast to that area includes a string of text message characters 142 that stores a message such as "GET COVER IMMEDIATELY - A TORNADO MAY BE IMMINENT IN THE DUNWOODY, GEORGIA AREA." Other typical alert text message strings 142 include, for example and are not limited to, messages such as "SERIOUS THUNDERSTORMS WILL PASS INTO YOUR AREA WITHIN 30 MINUTES", "FLASH FLOODS ARE POSSIBLE IN YOUR AREA", " ALL ALERTS FOR YOUR AREA HAVE ELAPSED ”,“ AN ESCAPED CONVICTION IS LOOSE IN YOUR AREA - PLEASE CLOSE ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS ”or other relevant messages.

Alert device 20 operates, in accordance with a preferred method of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-13. In response to a user inserting the electrical plug 34 into an electrical outlet, the alerting device 20 initiates operation in step 212 where the CPU 60 of the microcomputer 24 begins executing the instructions in the main portion 210 of the program. computer software 200 residing in non-volatile program memory 64, thereby causing alerting device 20 to function as shown in FIG. 8. After performing various initialization tasks, the CPU 60 executes, in step 214, the instructions of a self-test routine 400 (illustrated in Fig. 9) which checks the availability of the alerting device 20 to present messages on the liquid crystal display 36a, to produce the appropriate tones on the high-level audio speaker 36b and the low-level audio speaker 36c, and to generate light flashing on high intensity strobe 36d and low intensity light emitting diode 36e. Upon completion of the execution of the instructions in the self-test routine 400, the operation of the alerting device 20 proceeds to step 216.

In step 216, CPU 60 reads into non-volatile data memory 66 the identifier of the beginning channel 76 of the range of channels to be monitored, or scanned, by receiver 36 for the presence of the digital control channel. CPU 60 sets test channel identifier 91 of volatile data memory 68 to the value of start channel identifier 76 and then prepares monitoring circuitry 62 and receiver 26 to monitor, or scan, the test channel identified by the test channel identifier 91 (i) by identifying the reception frequency 82 corresponding to the test channel by performing a search operation on a table using the test channel identifier 91 and the plurality of reception frequencies 82 stored in non-volatile data memory 66 and (ii) communicating the sought reception frequency 82 to monitoring circuit 62 via bus 74. The monitoring circuit 62 then sets the frequency to be received by the receiver 26 by communicating the reception frequency 82 to the receiver 26 via signal lines 92. The receiver (26) then begins receiving signals on the frequency of reception 82 and provides the output on the signal lines 92 to the monitoring circuit 62, including the signal strength of the channel that is currently being monitored by the receiver 26.

Once the output of receiver 26 is received, the monitoring circuit 62, in step 220, analyzes the output of receiver 26 to determine if the digital control channel is present on the test channel identified by the test channel identifier 91 . If so, the monitoring circuit 62 reports this to the CPU 60 and the CPU 60 stores the identifier of the test channel 91 in the plurality of channel identifiers 84 of the volatile data memory 68 in step 222. Next, in step 224, CPU 60 reads the value of signal strength 86 from monitoring circuit 62, via bus 74, and stores the value of signal strength 86 in volatile data memory 68 in association with the test channel identifier 91 stored in step 222 (ie, as a channel identifier / signal strength pair 90 of the plurality of channel identifier / signal strength pairs 90). Otherwise, the CPU determines in step 226 whether the identifier of the test channel 91 is equal to the identifier of the end channel 78. If the identifier of the test channel 91 is not equal to the identifier of the end channel 78, the CPU 60 increments the identifier of the test channel 91 of the volatile data memory 68 by the step size of the test channel 80 of the memory. of non-volatile data 66 at step 228 and returns again to step 218 to set monitoring circuitry 62 and receiver 26 to monitor, or scan, the test channel identified by the incremented test channel identifier 91.

ES 2 322 912 T3

In step 226, if CPU 60 determines that test channel identifier 91 is equal to end channel identifier 78, all channels have been monitored for the presence of a digital control channel and CPU 60 determines then in step 230, if any digital control channels have been found by checking table 88 of the plurality of channel identifier / signal strength pairs 90 for the presence of channel identifiers 84 and intensity values ​​86. In step 230, if the CPU determines that no digital control channel has been found (that is, table 88 does not contain any channel identifier 84 or signal strength values ​​86), in step 232, the CPU instructs peripheral device controller 70 to display "NO SERVICE AVAILABLE" on liquid crystal display 36a. The CPU 60 then returns to step 216 again.

In step 230, if CPU 60 determines that a digital control channel has been found, in step 236, then CPU 60 analyzes and compares signal strength values ​​86 stored in volatile data memory 68 to identifying and selecting the digital control channel having the strongest signal strength value 86 (the digital control channel identified in this way is referred to herein as the "alert channel"). At step 238, CPU 60 stores the alert channel channel identifier 84 as the alert channel pointer 93 in volatile data memory 68. Then in step 240, CPU 60 prepares monitoring circuit 62 to monitor the alert channel by retrieving the receive frequency 82 corresponding to the alert channel (referred to herein as the "alert channel receive frequency") using the alert channel pointer 93 and the plurality of reception frequencies 82 stored in non-volatile data memory 66 and communicating the reception frequency of the alert channel to the monitoring circuit 62 via the bus 74. Monitoring circuit 62 then prepares receiver 26 to receive signals on the alert channel receive frequency by communicating the alert channel receive frequency to receiver 26 via signal lines 92.

Proceeding to step 242, the CPU 60 produces the graphical representation of the signal strength of the alert channel instructing the peripheral device controller 70 to activate the appropriate bars 39 of the signal strength indicator 37 of the liquid crystal display. 36a. By graphically representing the signal strength of the alert channel, the alert device 20 enables the user to move the alert device 20 to other locations (for example, in the user's home) and visually see any change in the intensity of the signal. sign, thus further enabling the user to select a location for the alerting device 20 where the alerting device 20 receives the maximum possible signal intensity for the alerting channel. Next, in step 244, CPU 60 instructs peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, to display the word "READY" on the alphanumeric portion of the liquid crystal display 36a. In response, the peripheral device controller 70 communicates an appropriate command to the liquid crystal display 36a, via signal lines 98, causing the liquid crystal display 36a to display the word "READY".

In accordance with the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring circuit 62 continuously monitors, in step 246, the alert channel for the presence of a short broadcast message until the monitoring circuit 62 detects a short broadcast message. Once a short broadcast message is detected, the monitoring circuit 62 notifies the CPU 60 of the receipt of the short broadcast message in step 248 and, in response, the CPU 60 reads the header 132 of the short broadcast message. . The CPU 60, in step 250, analyzes the header 132 and determines if the broadcast short message is an alert message 130 by comparing the format and data of the received broadcast short message with the format and data values ​​known to the CPU. 60 as corresponds to an alert message 130. If the CPU 60 determines that the short broadcast message is not an alert message 130, the CPU 60 branches back to step 246 to resume monitoring the alert channel. If the CPU 60 determines that the broadcast short message is an alert message 130, the CPU 60 identifies the alert level of the alert message 130 by extracting the alert level code 138 from the alert message 130 in step 252.

Proceeding to step 254, CPU 60 determines whether the alert level code 138 corresponds to a "Zero Level" emergency alert (ie, the alert level code 138 has a value of 4). If the CPU determines that alert message 130 is a message for a "Zero Level" emergency alert, the CPU communicates, in step 256, a command to peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, instructing the peripheral device driver 70 to stop the production of all tones from all audio speakers 36b, 36c. In response, the peripheral device controller 70 ceases generating and supplying signals on the signal lines 100, 102 to terminate, respectively, the production of tones from the high-level audio speaker 36b and the low-level audio speaker 36c. . Next, in step 258, the CPU 60 communicates a command to the peripheral device controller 70 over the bus 74, instructing the peripheral device controller 70 to stop the flashing of the high intensity strobe 36d and the emitting diode. low intensity light 36e. Peripheral device controller 70, in response, ceases generating and supplying signals on signal lines 104, 106 thereby stopping the flash of high intensity strobe 36d and low intensity light emitting diode 36e. CPU 60 then returns back to step 246 and resumes alert channel monitoring.

If in step 254, the CPU determines that the alert level code 138 does not correspond to a "Zero Level" emergency alert, the CPU 60 determines, in step 260, whether the alert level 138 code corresponds to a “Level One” emergency alert. If so, the CPU 60 executes a call, in step 262, to the high level alarm routine 500 and begins execution according to the high level alarm routine 500, which is described further.

ES 2 322 912 T3 onwards, to cause the production of a high-level tone on the high-level audio speaker 36b and the flash of the high-intensity strobe light 36d. Upon completion of the high level alarm routine 500, the CPU 60 returns back to step 246 and resumes monitoring the alert channel. If the CPU 60 determines, in step 260, that the alert level code 138 does not correspond to a "Level One" emergency alert, the CPU 60 continues its operation with step 264.

In step 264, CPU 60 determines whether the alert level code 138 corresponds to a "Level Two" emergency alert. If so, the CPU 60 executes a call, in step 266, to the low-level alarm routine 600 and begins execution according to the low-level alarm routine 600, described below, to causing the production of a "gurgle tone" over the low level audio speaker 36c and the flashing of the low intensity light emitting diode 36e. Upon completion of the low level alarm routine 600, the CPU 60 returns back to step 246 and resumes monitoring the alert channel. If the CPU 60 determines, in step 264, that the alert level code 138 does not correspond to a "Level One" emergency alert, the CPU 60 continues its operation with step 266.

The CPU 60 determines in step 268 whether the alert level code 138 corresponds to a "Level One" military alert. If so, the CPU 60 executes a call, in step 270, to the high-level alarm routine 500 and begins execution in accordance with the high-level alarm routine 500, described later, to cause production a high-volume tone over high-level audio speaker 36b and high-intensity strobe flash 36d. Upon completion of the high level alarm routine 500, the CPU 60 returns back to step 246 and resumes monitoring the alert channel. If the CPU 60 determines, in step 268, that the alert level code 138 does not correspond to a "Level One" military alert, the CPU 60 continues its operation with step 272.

In step 272, CPU 60 determines whether the alert level code 138 corresponds to a "Level Two" military alert. If so, the CPU 60 executes a call, in step 274, to the low-level alarm routine 600 and begins execution in accordance with the low-level alarm routine 600, described later, to cause the production of a "chirp tone" over the low level audio speaker 36c and the flash of the low level light emitting diode 36e. Upon completion of the low level alarm routine 600, the CPU 60 returns back to step 246 and resumes monitoring the alert channel. If the CPU 60 determines, in step 272, that the alert level code 138 does not correspond to a "Level One" emergency alert, the CPU 60 returns again to step 246 and resumes monitoring the alert channel. .

Fig. 9 represents the self-test routine 400, according to the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes the steps that the CPU 60 performs when the alert device 20 calls the self-test routine 400 in the step 214 of the main portion 210 of the computer software program 200. After performing the initialization tasks in step 402, CPU 60 communicates, in step 404, an instruction to peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, directing peripheral device controller 70 to display the words " SELF-TEST IN PROGRESS ”on the liquid crystal display 36a. The peripheral device controller 70 then communicates the appropriate signals to the liquid crystal display 36a via signal lines 98. In response, the liquid crystal display 36a displays the words "SELF-TEST IN PROGRESS." Next, in steps 406 and 408, CPU 60 communicates instructions to peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, directing peripheral device controller 70 to generate the appropriate signals on signal lines 100, 104 that respectively cause the high-level audio speaker 36b to produce a high-level tone and the high-intensity strobe 36d to flash periodically. After delaying the time period stored in the self-test time period 81 of the non-volatile data memory 66 in step 410, the CPU 60 communicates commands, in steps 412 and 414, to the peripheral device controller 70 directing the peripheral device controller 70 to terminate the production of the appropriate signals on the respective signal lines 100, 104 and, accordingly, stop the high-level audio speaker 36b from generating a high-level tone and stop the high-intensity strobe light from flashing.

Continuing in step 416, the CPU 60 directs the peripheral device controller 70, by communicating a command between them on the bus 74, to initiate the production of a low-level tone over the low-level audio speaker. 36c. In response, peripheral device controller 70 generates the appropriate signals on signal lines 102 that cause low-level audio speaker 36c to begin to produce a low-level tone. Next, in step 420, CPU 60 sends an instruction to peripheral device controller 70 via bus 74, instructing peripheral device controller 70 to begin flashing of low intensity light emitting diode 36e. The peripheral device controller 70, in response, generates the appropriate signals on signal lines 106 that cause the low intensity light emitting diode 36e to periodically flash. Once delayed, in step 422 for a period of time equal to the period of self-test timer 81 stored in non-volatile data memory 66, CPU 60 communicates the commands to peripheral device controller 70 on bus 74, at steps 424 and 426, which direct peripheral device controller 70 to stop production of the low-loud tone and flash of light. In response to the commands, the peripheral device controller 70 terminates the production of signals on the respective signal lines 102, 106 thereby stopping the generation of the low-noise tone from the low-level audio speaker 36c and the flash of the low intensity light emitting diode 36e.

ES 2 322 912 T3

The CPU 60, at step 428, transmits an instruction on the bus 74 to the peripheral device controller 70 directing the peripheral device controller 70 to cause the words "SELF-TEST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED" to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 36a. Peripheral device controller 70 then generates the appropriate signals on signal lines 98, including signals representing the words "SELF-TEST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED", to cause those words to appear on the liquid crystal display 36a. In response, the liquid crystal display 36a displays the words "SELF-TEST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED." The CPU 60 then delays, in step 430, for a period of time corresponding to the self-test time period 81 stored in the non-volatile data memory 66 before returning, in step 432, to execution in accordance with the main portion 210 of computer software program 200.

Fig. 10 presents the high level alarm routine 500, in accordance with the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes steps that the CPU 60 performs when the alert device 20 calls the high alarm routine. level 500 in steps 262 and 270 of main portion 210 of computer software program 200. After performing various initialization tasks in step 502, CPU 60 communicates a command, in step 504 and via bus 74, to peripheral device controller 70 instructing peripheral device controller 70 to begin producing a tone. loudness over the high-level audio speaker 36b. In response, the peripheral device controller 70 generates and supplies, through the signal lines 100, the appropriate signals to the high-level audio speaker 36b, thereby causing the high-level audio speaker 36b to produce a tone. continuous high-level loudness. In an alternative method of the present invention, peripheral device driver 70 causes high-level audio speaker 36b to produce non-continuous high-level tones.

At step 506, CPU 60 similarly communicates a command, via bus 74, to peripheral device controller 70 instructing peripheral device controller 70 to begin flashing the high intensity strobe light 36d. The peripheral device controller 70, in response, produces and supplies the appropriate signals, via the signal lines 104, to the high intensity strobe 36d, thereby causing the high intensity strobe 36d to flash at a periodic rate. In an alternative method of the present invention, the peripheral device controller 70 causes the high intensity strobe 36d to flash non-periodically.

Continuing with step 508, the CPU 60 extracts the text message string 142 from the alert message 130 and communicates the string of the extracted text message 142 (and a command to display the text message string text code 142) to peripheral device controller 70 via bus 74. The peripheral device controller 70 then communicates the appropriate signals, including the extracted text message string 142, to the liquid crystal display 36a via signal lines 98 to cause the string of the text message to extracted text 142 appears on the liquid crystal display 36a. After the character string of the extracted text message 142 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 36a, the CPU 60 prepares, in step 510, the countdown timer 72 by sending the appropriate instructions to the countdown timer 72 through the bus 74, to start the countdown, according to the preferred realizations, during a period of two (2) hours during which the extracted text message string 142 remains displayed on the liquid crystal display 36a. Next, in step 512, the CPU 60 resumes execution according to the main portion 210 of the computer software program 200 after the step that was called for executing the steps of the high-level alarm routine 500. .

FIG. 11 depicts the low-level alarm routine 600, in accordance with the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes the steps that the CPU 60 performs when the alert device 20 calls the alarm routine for low level 600 in steps 266 and 274 of the main portion of the computer software program 200. After performing various initialization tasks in step 602, CPU 60 communicates a command, in step 604 and via bus 74, to peripheral device controller 70 instructing peripheral device controller 70 to begin producing a tone. Low-noise “chirp” over low-level audio speaker 36c. In response, the peripheral device controller 70 generates and supplies, through the signal lines 102, the appropriate signals to the low-level audio speaker 36c, thereby causing the low-level audio speaker to produce a low-level tone. Low loudness “chirp”. In an alternative method of the present invention, the peripheral device driver 70 causes the low level audio speaker 36c to produce a continuous low level tone.

At step 606, CPU 60 similarly communicates a command, via bus 74, to peripheral device controller 70 instructing peripheral device controller 70 to begin flashing of low intensity light emitting diode 36e. The peripheral device controller 70, in response, produces and supplies the appropriate signals, via signal lines 106, to the low intensity light emitting diode 36e, thereby causing the low intensity light emitting diode 36e flash at a periodic rate. In an alternative method of the present invention, the peripheral device controller 70 causes the low intensity light emitting diode 36e to flash at a non-periodic rate.

Continuing with step 608, the CPU 60 extracts the character string from the text message 142 from the alert message 130 and communicates the character string from the extracted text message 142 (and a command to display the character string from the message of extracted text 142) to the peripheral device driver 70 via

ES 2 322 912 T3 of bus 74. The peripheral device controller 70 then communicates the appropriate signals, including the character string of the extracted text message 142, to the liquid crystal display 36a via signal lines 98 to causing the character string of the extracted text message 142 to appear on the liquid crystal display 36a. Once the character string of the extracted text message 142 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 36a, the CPU 60 prepares in step 610, the countdown timer 72 by sending the appropriate instructions to the countdown timer 72 through the bus. 74, to start the countdown, according to the preferred realizations, a period of two (2) hours during which the extracted text message string 142 remains displayed on the liquid crystal display 36a. Next, in step 612, the CPU 60 resumes execution according to the main portion 210 of the computer software program 200 after the step it called for the execution of the steps of the low-level alarm routine 600.

Fig. 12 depicts the timer interrupt handling routine 700, according to the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that includes the steps that CPU 60 performs when countdown timer 72 completes the countdown to zero and provides an asynchronous interrupt signal to CPU 60 via bus 74. After performing various initialization tasks in step 702, the CPU 60 communicates a command, in step 704 and via bus 74 to the peripheral device controller 70, instructing the peripheral device controller to erase the liquid crystal display 36a. and then present the word "READY" on the liquid crystal display 36a. The peripheral device controller 70 then communicates the appropriate signals, including the word "READY", to the liquid crystal display 36a via signal lines 98 to cause erasure of all text present on the liquid crystal display. 36a and cause the word "READY" to appear on the liquid crystal display 36a. In response, the liquid crystal display 36a erases all the text and then displays the word "READY" on the screen. The CPU 60, in step 706, resumes execution in accordance with the main portion 210 of the computer software program 200.

Fig. 13 represents the routine for handling the reset interrupt 800, according to the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that includes the steps performed by the CPU 60 when the reset button 36f is pressed by a user ( that is, to stop the generation of all sounds and all flashes of light) and the peripheral device driver 70, in response, provides an asynchronous interrupt signal to the CPU 60 via the bus 74. After performing various initialization tasks in step 802, CPU 60 communicates, in step 804, a command to peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, instructing peripheral device controller 70 to stop production of all tones from all audio speakers 36b, 36c. In response, the peripheral device controller 70 ceases generating and supplying signals on the signal lines 100, 102 to terminate the production of tones from the high-level audio speaker 36b and the low-level audio speaker 36c. Next, in step 806, the CPU 60 communicates a command to the peripheral device controller 70, via bus 74, instructing the peripheral device controller 70 to stop flashing the high intensity strobe light 36d and the diode. low intensity light emitter 36e. The peripheral device controller 70, in response, ceases the generation and supply of signals on the signal lines 104, 106, thereby stopping the flashing of the high intensity strobe 36d and the low intensity light emitting diode 36e. . After stopping the generation of all the flashes of light, the CPU 60, in step 808, resumes execution according to the main portion 210 of the computer software program 200.

The term "PCS" as used herein is understood to refer to any short-range, geographically distributed broadcast system similar to those commonly used in PCS cellular or mobile telecommunications networks and the like. It is also understood that the scope of the present invention includes alerting devices that operate with other digital wireless telecommunications networks and that receive broadcast messages that are formatted and transmitted using different formats, protocols, geographic identifiers, and indicators of severity. of those defined by the Short Message Diffusion System or by the EAS AM & FM Manual.

Fig. 14 depicts an alerting device 20 ', in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment apparatus of the present invention, for use in installations where audible tones and flashing light must be delivered to persons located remotely from the site of the device. of alerts 20 '. Alert device 20 'is substantially similar to alert device 20 of the preferred embodiment except that alert device 20' further comprises an external peripheral interface 75 'that connects to peripheral device controller 70' and pluralities of devices. remote peripherals 37a ', 37b', 37c '(see Fig. 15). Each plurality of remote peripheral devices 37 'comprises a remotely located liquid crystal display 36aa', a remotely located high-level audio speaker 36bb ', a remotely located low-level audio speaker 36cc', a high-intensity strobe located remotely 36dd ', a remotely located low intensity light emitting diode 36ee', and a remotely located reset button 36ff 'that connect to the external peripheral interface 75' through signal lines 99 ', 101', 103 ', 105', 107 ', 111'.

In accordance with the alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of the alternate preferred embodiment, depicted in Figs. 14 and 15, operates in accordance with a method of the alternative preferred embodiment that is substantially similar to the method of the preferred embodiment, except that when tones, flashing lights, and text display are produced on the screen by the plurality of peripheral devices 36 'located within or protruding from the housing 22' of the alert device 20 ', the tones, flashing lights and text displays are also produced simultaneously from all of the peripheral devices of the plurality of remote peripheral devices 37a ', 37b', 37c 'in response to signals produced on signal lines 109' by the device controller peripherals 70 'and communicated by the external peripheral interface 75' to the

ES 2 322 912 T3 pluralities of remote peripheral devices 37 ', 37b', 37c '. Similarly, when the termination of tones, flashing lights, and display of text information produced by the plurality of peripheral devices 36 'located within or protruding from the housing 22' of the alert device 20 'occurs, termination of tones, flashing lights, and display of text information occurs simultaneously with respect to pluralities of remote peripheral devices 37a ', 37b', 37c 'in response to signals produced on signal lines 109' by peripheral device controller 70 'and communicated by external peripheral interface 75 to the pluralities of remote peripheral devices 37a', 37b ', 37c'.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to its most preferred embodiments, it is understood that variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention, as described herein and defined in the appended claims. The corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all means or steps plus the elements of function, if any, in the claims that follow are intended to include any structure, materials or actions to perform the functions in combination with other elements of claim as specifically claimed.