Method and system for mobile personal emergency response

0001The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/984,083 filed Oct. 31, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/986,290 filed Nov. 8, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/023,763 filed Jan. 25, 2008, the contents of all three of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

0002The invention relates generally to advanced mobile personal emergency response systems (PERS), and more particularly to a mobile PERS for establishing hands-free voice communication from an activator device through a mobile base station to a call center operator to summon assistance.

BACKGROUND

0003Various systems exist for personal emergency response systems in both the medical and security applications. In the medical application, existing systems include medical alert wire line systems and monitoring services. They operate using a “panic button” that can communicate wirelessly with a speakerphone and autodialer at a distance of 200-600 feet. To be heard, the user must stay within the range of the speakerphone. The user summons help by pressing the panic button which transmits an alert signal to the stationary autodialer. The autodialer calls a monitoring facility. The user must remain within signaling distance of the autodialer for the system to work.

0004These systems put several limitations on the user. First, the system cannot be used in mobile or fixed portable fashion so the user's mobility is limited. Next, voice communication between the user and the monitoring facility is only possible when the user is close enough to the speakerphone for the user's voice to carry to the speakerphone and for the user to hear the output of the speakerphone. Also, the only way for the user to test the system is by placing a call to the monitoring service. This ties up valuable operator time, and raises the risk that the user will not test the system to avoid “bothering” the operators. Finally, existing systems do not have the capability to locate a user who wanders out of the range of the speakerphone and autodialer.

0005At least two systems are used in the personal security environment—mobile phones and fixed location alarm buttons. Individuals such as real estate agents who meet unfamiliar people in unfamiliar places often rely on their mobile phone for security. Professionally, these individuals must act with confidence to be successful. If a stranger appears threatening, but has not broken any laws, it may be inappropriate to call the police. Relying on a mobile phone in these potentially threatening circumstances places several limitations on the user. The options when using a mobile phone are to ignore the situation or to risk raising a false alarm. If the stranger is intent on committing a crime, using a mobile phone may escalate the danger. The stranger may remove the mobile phone, leaving the user with no method of communication with the outside world. If the mobile phone is removed from the user, and the stranger abducts the user to a different location, there is no way to trace the user to the new location.

0006With a fixed location personal security alarm system, when a threat occurs the user presses a button to summon a responder. These systems place several limitations on the user. First, there is no voice communication with the responder, who therefore has no information as to the user's situation apart from the fact that there is an alarm. Second, as with the mobile phone, the user's only options are to ignore the situation or risk raising a false alarm. Finally, the system only works when the user is where the alarm is located; it provides no assistance to a user who has been abducted or is not at that particular location. It therefore is of no use to the professional who must meet unfamiliar people in unfamiliar places.

0007While existing devices may be suitable for the purposes they address, they fail to enable users in either a fixed or a non-fixed environment to contact trained operators with the push of a button on a user-accessed device that automatically provides hands-free voice communication and, in the case of a non-fixed environment, location information. Nor are they suitable to provide automatic assurance that the system is operating properly.

0008Therefore, a need exists in the art for providing voice communications and any necessary location information through a mobile device that allows the user to summon assistance with confidence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009The invention provides voice communications and user location information through a user-accessed device operating in conjunction with a mobile base station.

0010The user typically wears or carries an activator in support of an emergency response function. The activator communicates voice and data wirelessly to a portable mobile base station. The portable mobile base station can be remotely located from the user. The activator and mobile base station can complete successful communications without a requirement for the user to be proximate to the base station.

0011In one aspect, both the activator and the mobile base station can interface with an external location system. In another aspect, the mobile base station alone can interface with an external location system. The mobile base station stores in memory the last obtained location coordinates of the activator, the mobile base station, or both. If the user enters an area where neither device can communicate with the external location system, the mobile base station stores the last known good coordinates.

0012The mobile base station relays voice and data information from the activator through a communications network to trained operators at a call center. The operators are provided predetermined emergency response parameters from a call center database for each user based on type of emergency, location and time. The call center can also contain equipment for conducting voice quality tests and recording user voice verification records.

0013The user can initiate an emergency response by signaling the mobile base station through the activator. For one aspect of the invention, the mobile base station assembles location, user ID and type of emergency information and transmits it to the call center. The call is routed to a selected operator along with the predetermined emergency response parameters for the user. The operator then has the ability to conduct either one-way or two-way voice communications with the user throughout the entire emergency response, providing confidence and comfort to the user.

0014For a medical alert, the operator can conduct two-way voice communications with the user. For a security alert where two-way voice communication might endanger the user, the operator and emergency responders can hear what is transpiring at the user's location using one-way voice communication. As an additional check against false alarms, the user can speak a prerecorded signal phrase to verify that a security emergency is in progress.

0015If upon arriving at the location coordinates the emergency responders can locate the mobile base station but not the user, a local beacon function in the mobile base station may be used to locate the activator. Alternatively, an audible signal function may be used to locate the activator as described below.

0016The user can conduct a voice quality self-test through the activator to gain a high degree of confidence that the system is working as required. After initiating the test, the user speaks a specially selected pre-determined phrase into the activator. The phrase input is transmitted wirelessly from the activator to the mobile base station. The mobile base station transmits the phrase over the communications network to the call center. At the call center, the phrase input is recorded and optionally measured using voice quality techniques. The phrase is then transmitted back to the mobile base station over the communications network. The mobile base station then transmits the phrase to the activator for user assessment. As an option, an objective quality score may be transmitted back to the user as well.

0017The user can initiate a session through the activator, the mobile base station, a mobile phone or a landline phone where the user will speak a security phrase that will be used during an actual security emergency for verification purposes. The phrase will be recorded at the call center and will be made a part of the user's information in the call center database. In the event of an actual emergency, the user will remember and speak the phrase. The user information records displayed to the call center operator will include the existence of the security phrase, which the operator can play at any time to match and verify that the security emergency is real.

0018An additional convenience is that either the activator or mobile base station may be used to locate the other device when one is lost (for example, when a user misplaces one of the devices in her car). Pressing a finder button on one device generates an audio alert on the other device.

0019Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram depicting a system for providing a mobile personal emergency response in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram for an activator used in a mobile personal emergency response system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram for a mobile base station used in a mobile personal emergency response system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram for the call center interfaces used in a mobile personal emergency response system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for providing a personal network emergency response in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref><i>a </i>and <b>6</b><i>b </i>are flow charts depicting a method for providing a mobile personal emergency response in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for communicating between the call center operator and an activator user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for locating the activator through a local beacon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for activator voice quality self-test in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for security phrase verification of a security alert in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method for locating one of the activator or mobile base station through a finder function using the other of the activator or mobile base station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

0031The invention supports the valuable function of a mobile personal emergency response by providing voice communications and user location information through a user-accessed device operating in conjunction with a mobile base station.

0032Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail.

0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram depicting a system <b>100</b> for providing a mobile personal emergency response in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. An activator <b>105</b>, described more fully in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> below, communicates bi-directionally with a mobile base station <b>115</b>, described more fully in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> below. Communication from the mobile base station <b>115</b> to the activator <b>105</b> occurs through a short-range forward path <b>108</b>. Communication from the activator <b>105</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b> occurs through a short-range reverse path <b>112</b>. The short-range distance between the activator <b>105</b> and the mobile base station <b>115</b> is typically one kilometer or less. The mobile base station <b>115</b> connects wirelessly with an external location system <b>110</b>. The activator <b>105</b> may connect with the external location system <b>110</b> as well. The mobile base station <b>115</b> communicates bi-directionally through a communications network <b>125</b> to a call center <b>130</b>. Communication from the call center <b>130</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b> occurs through a long-range forward path. Communication from the mobile base station <b>115</b> to the call center <b>130</b> occurs through a long-range reverse path. The long-range distance between the mobile base station and the emergency call center is typically more than one kilometer. The call center <b>130</b> includes state-of-the art call center operator stations <b>135</b> and the capability to test the quality of voice messages <b>140</b>. The external components <b>120</b> are described more fully in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The system <b>100</b> is described below with reference to the methods illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-11</figref>.

0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram illustrating the activator <b>105</b>. The activator <b>105</b> is a small electronics unit, which may be shaped like a pendant designed to be worn around the neck or pinned to the user, or it may be a wristband unit designed to be worn like a watch or attached to a belt or other accessory. In one embodiment, the activator <b>105</b> has enclosure dimensions of approximately 1.25″×1.5″. The activator <b>105</b> contains a microprocessor <b>205</b> controlling the test, location and calling functions. The microprocessor <b>205</b> generates a specific user ID employed in methods <b>530</b>, <b>540</b>, <b>677</b>, <b>688</b>, and <b>752</b>.

0035The activator <b>105</b> will initiate the process of test, location or calling for help by signaling the mobile base station <b>115</b> through the short-range wireless communications transceiver module <b>220</b>. In addition, the activator <b>105</b> contains a microphone <b>210</b> for voice communication with the call center, and a speaker <b>215</b> for two-way voice communication with the call center and for an alert device as described more fully below. In one embodiment, the short-range wireless transceiver module <b>220</b> uses micro circuitry to generate standard ZigBee protocol.

0036The activator <b>105</b> has a self-test button <b>235</b> used to initiate self-test method <b>540</b>. The activator <b>105</b> has an emergency button <b>240</b> used to initiate emergency response method <b>530</b>. The activator <b>105</b> optionally has a Tier 1 security button <b>245</b> used to initiate a Tier 1 security alert. A Tier 1 security alert is a security alert which requires response by an official agency such as the police where verification that the event is not a false alarm is important. The activator <b>105</b> has a finder button <b>250</b> used to initiate finding method <b>1100</b>.

0037When any of buttons <b>235</b>, <b>240</b>, <b>245</b> or <b>250</b> are activated, the microprocessor <b>205</b> causes the transceiver <b>220</b> to signal the mobile base station <b>115</b> to transmit coded messages to the call center <b>130</b> as appropriate. The microprocessor <b>205</b> also controls routing of voice communications with the microphone <b>210</b> and the speaker <b>215</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b> via the transceiver module <b>220</b>. A user access event occurs when the user initiates communication through the activator, either by pressing any of buttons <b>235</b>, <b>240</b>, <b>245</b>, or <b>250</b>, or by speaking into the activator.

0038A battery <b>230</b> will power the activator <b>105</b>. In one embodiment the battery <b>230</b> is a rechargeable battery which can be re-charged in a holder or with an external charger. In another embodiment, the activator battery <b>230</b> is not rechargeable. The activator <b>105</b> may also contain an alarm function to signal when the activator <b>105</b> is out of range from the mobile base station <b>115</b> or when the battery power is depleted. One alarm will be an audible alert from the speaker <b>215</b> that will sound periodically until the activator <b>105</b> re-establishes contact with the mobile base station <b>115</b>. A separate alarm from the speaker <b>215</b> will indicate a low battery condition. The activator <b>105</b> may also contain an LED <b>255</b> that illuminates when at least one of buttons <b>235</b>, <b>240</b><b>245</b> or <b>250</b> has been pressed. The activator <b>105</b> may also contain a display <b>260</b> for display of text or video.

0039The activator <b>105</b> may also contain a location system module <b>265</b> that will provide location and time data for the microprocessor <b>205</b> to route to revolving memory locations in memory <b>225</b>. After processing the location and time information and checking for errors, the microprocessor <b>205</b> will store the data in memory <b>225</b>. If the location data is determined to be corrupt, the last good location data will be saved. Upon program time out, the microprocessor <b>205</b> will assemble the location information in a message request and send the request to the mobile base station <b>115</b> for transmission over the communications network <b>125</b> to the call center <b>130</b>.

0040The activator <b>105</b> may also contain a beacon module <b>270</b> for locating the activator using method <b>688</b>.

0041<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram showing the mobile base station <b>115</b>. In one embodiment, the mobile base station <b>115</b> is a small PDA size device. The control microprocessor <b>305</b> is programmed to handle verification test, external programming, over the air programming, message generation/storage including SMS messages, event timing, and interface to the short-range wireless communications transceiver module <b>310</b> and long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b>. The control microprocessor <b>305</b> may support Network initiated Over-The-Air Parameter Administration (OTAPA) and Over-The-Air Service Provisioning (OTASP) to fine-tune system performance and remote subscriber provisioning. The control microprocessor <b>305</b> also contains independent identification information for the mobile base station <b>115</b>. In one embodiment, the identification information is determined using the ANI (Automatic Number Identification) system.

0042The mobile base station <b>115</b> communicates with the activator <b>105</b> through the short-range wireless communications module <b>310</b> to respond to control, test, find and voice message communications. Short-range wireless communications module <b>310</b> may be a Bluetooth or WiFi device or other advanced short-range broadband communications device. In one embodiment, the mobile base station <b>115</b> communicates with the activator <b>105</b> using the ZigBee protocol. The mobile base station <b>115</b> contains an LED <b>320</b> that illuminates during any communication with the activator <b>105</b>.

0043The mobile base station <b>115</b> communicates with the call center <b>130</b> through the long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b> over the communications network <b>125</b>. In one embodiment, the long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b> is a CDMA or GSM phone with included antennas designed to work with the communications network <b>125</b> and communicate with the call center <b>130</b>. In other embodiments, the long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b> may be a satellite communications unit, WiMAX, WiFi, or other advanced broadband/narrowband communications device. In another embodiment the long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b> may be a software-defined radio with capabilities to adapt to future and existing wireless communications technologies. The long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b> may also be or include a POTS autodialer for applications where wireless does not work or for backup purposes. In one embodiment, the autodial function will be implemented through V.70 equipment to support simultaneous voice and data over POTS.

0044The control button <b>322</b> is used to initiate alarms from the mobile base station <b>115</b> as if they were initiated from the activator <b>105</b>. The Tier I security button <b>323</b> is used to initiate a Tier I security alert described above from the mobile base station <b>115</b>. The emergency button <b>324</b> may be used to initiate emergency response method <b>530</b> from the mobile base station <b>115</b>. The beacon button <b>325</b> is used to initiate location of the activator <b>105</b> through the beacon module <b>370</b> using method <b>688</b>. The finder button <b>328</b> may be used to locate the activator <b>105</b> using finding method <b>1100</b>. The speaker <b>375</b> provides an audible signal used in finding method <b>1100</b> when the user is locating the mobile base station <b>115</b>. In one embodiment, the speaker <b>375</b> and the microphone <b>380</b> are contained in the long-range communications module <b>330</b>. The external programming interface <b>365</b> may be used to provide new program information to the control microprocessor <b>305</b>.

0045The location system module <b>340</b> provides location input used in methods <b>530</b> and <b>540</b>. In one embodiment, the location system module <b>340</b> provides location input using the U.S. Government's GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite system. In another embodiment, the location system module <b>340</b> may provide location input using the network based location services associated with the long-range communications transceiver module <b>330</b>. In another embodiment, when the activator <b>105</b> contains a location system module <b>265</b>, the location system module <b>340</b> may be omitted from the mobile base station <b>115</b>. The mobile base station <b>115</b> retains the latest location coordinate set meeting programmed specifications stored in memory <b>360</b> until a new set of coordinates is acquired. The new set of coordinates is only stored in memory <b>360</b> if they are determined to be of sufficient quality and not corrupted. The latest location coordinates acquired before entry into a building or other environment with inadequate external location system reception are therefore saved and used for location determination.

0046The battery <b>350</b> is internal to the unit. In one embodiment the battery <b>350</b> will be a LiOH battery that can be recharged from standard electrical AC power using the external power supply and charger <b>355</b>. In another embodiment the mobile base station <b>115</b> is operated from a vehicle battery using the cigar lighter accessory connector or other convenient connection. The vehicle power may also be used to charge the battery <b>350</b>. In another embodiment the battery <b>350</b> is a non-rechargeable battery.

0047The memory <b>360</b> is solid state and nonvolatile and stores the program, user ID, location coordinates, and voice test messages and prompts.

0048<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing the external components <b>120</b>, including the communications network <b>125</b> and the call center <b>130</b>. Call center <b>130</b> is a modern functional telecom call center facility equipped with call center operator stations <b>135</b>, processors and databases for receiving emergency and test calls from a plurality of mobile base stations. The call center <b>130</b> also is equipped with voice quality testing capability <b>140</b>. The call center <b>130</b> may have capabilities for any combination of: 1) storing text messages containing location parameters, time, messages from mobile base stations, 2) receiving and recording voice calls from users, 3) routing any received messages to appropriate work stations based on the user ID of the incoming call for further processing and display, and 4) routing voice calls to the corresponding work stations for operator action. The call center <b>130</b> will also have telephone capabilities for placing calls to the user using telco interface <b>480</b> with either a wireline communications service <b>460</b> or a wireless communications service <b>470</b>.

0049The call center computer telephony integration (CTI) device will handle operator scripts and associate the received data with map location and physical addresses. The database will also indicate what emergency district the caller is calling from in order to coordinate responses with emergency and security responders. The call center <b>130</b> receives alert messages from mobile base stations <b>115</b> and routes the response call to the appropriate operator based on prearranged processes keyed to the originating mobile base station. Call center operators will be equipped with software and hardware displays to identify the user and show graphically where the user is located during the emergency call session. The operators may conduct one-way or two-way voice communication with the user via an activator <b>105</b>. All aspects of the emergency and routine calls will be recorded, including the voice records, for legal purposes.

0050In one embodiment, the call center <b>130</b> is a network of call centers with ability to confer and conference events in different geographic areas. In one embodiment, each individual call center has specialized capabilities. The call center <b>130</b> may also have special network provisions for connecting with national emergency databases <b>410</b> such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, or the national poison control center. Information dialogues and database exchanges would be possible through this expanded interface. In one embodiment, the call center <b>130</b> includes the ability to transfer, conference, or hand off calls from the user to an FCC registered Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), Emergency Medical Services, police or 911 services as shown in <b>440</b>. The call center <b>130</b> may communicate with the national emergency databases through the internet <b>420</b> or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) <b>430</b>. In one embodiment, the wireline communications service <b>460</b> and the wireless communications service <b>470</b> are the PSTN <b>430</b>.

0051<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>500</b> for personal emergency response in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The exemplary method <b>500</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>500</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>.

0052In step <b>510</b>, the activator <b>105</b> signals the mobile base station <b>115</b> with a voice and/or data alert request over the short-range reverse path <b>112</b>. In step <b>515</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> acquires and verifies the user ID of the activator <b>105</b>. Verification is important because mobile base stations may communicate with multiple activators. In one embodiment, one mobile base station <b>115</b> supports multiple activators <b>105</b> individually associated with multiple users living in a single dwelling. Activators <b>105</b> can also communicate with multiple mobile base stations <b>115</b>. In one embodiment, mobile base stations <b>115</b> are strategically placed throughout a campus environment and each activator <b>105</b> communicates with the nearest mobile base station <b>115</b>. In step <b>520</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> determines whether the alert signal is for a system test or for an emergency response. If the alert signal is for a system test, method <b>540</b> described below occurs. If the alert signal is for an emergency response, method <b>530</b> described below occurs. After the completion of either method <b>530</b> or method <b>540</b>, the method <b>500</b> for personal emergency response ends.

0053<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref><i>a </i>and <b>6</b><i>b</i>, collectively described as <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, are flow charts depicting a method <b>530</b> for providing a mobile personal emergency response as referred to in step <b>530</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The exemplary method <b>530</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>530</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0054In step <b>610</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> determines whether current coordinates are available from the external location system <b>110</b>. If current coordinates are not available, in step <b>615</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> retries acquiring current coordinates for a predetermined number of times. If that number of times is exceeded, in step <b>620</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> reads the location data that is stored in memory <b>360</b> and proceeds to step <b>635</b> defined below. If current coordinates are available, in step <b>625</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> acquires the current coordinates. In step <b>630</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> stores the current coordinates in memory <b>360</b>.

0055In step <b>635</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> retrieves the stored phone number for the call center <b>130</b>. In step <b>640</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> assembles a message including the current coordinates, the user ID and the nature of the alert. In one embodiment, the message is an SMS message. In step <b>645</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> dials the stored phone number and sends the message to the call center <b>130</b> through the communications network <b>125</b> long-range reverse path.

0056In step <b>650</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> determines whether the call center <b>130</b> has answered the call. If the call center <b>130</b> did not answer, in step <b>655</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> retries the stored phone number for a predetermined number of times. Once that number of times has been exceeded, in step <b>660</b> the mobile base station dials an alternate number stored in memory <b>360</b>. In step <b>663</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> sends an alert to the activator <b>105</b> so that the user is aware the mobile base station <b>115</b> has proceeded to an alternate number. Steps <b>655</b> through <b>663</b> repeat until the call center <b>130</b> answers.

0057In step <b>665</b>, the call is logged into the call center database. In step <b>670</b>, user information is retrieved from the call center database based on the information transmitted in the message from mobile base station <b>115</b>. In step <b>675</b>, user information is transmitted from the call center database to the call center operator. User information may include items such as predetermined rules on which emergency responders to dispatch, additional conditions associated with a particular user, a voice recording made by the user, or other parties to be notified in the event of an emergency. For example, a user may call and leave information to be used in the event of an emergency call such as a real estate agent recording a particular location destination within a high-rise building together with the identity and a description of the person she is planning to meet and that person's vehicle. Users would record information such as who they are meeting, where they are going, when and for how long they intend to be there, and any other information that might be helpful in the event an emergency response is required. In step <b>677</b>, which is described more fully below, the operator communicates with the user through a predetermined script.

0058In step <b>680</b>, the call center operator dispatches the proper emergency response team based on predetermined rules from the call center database, the user location information transmitted in the message from mobile base station <b>115</b>, and the time. In step <b>685</b>, the operator notifies any other parties listed on the user information to be notified in the event of an emergency according to predetermined rules retrieved from the call center database. Notification may be via e-mail, text message, SMS message, voice call, pager, or other communication method.

0059In step <b>686</b>, the call center operator is notified whether the user has been located by the emergency responder. If the user has not been located, the beacon location search is made using method <b>688</b> described more fully below. If the user is located, in step <b>690</b>, the call center <b>130</b> records all voice, message and time data together with any notes entered by the operator into an event record in the call center database. In step <b>695</b>, the operator terminates the call after the emergency response completes. When the emergency response is completed, method <b>530</b> ends.

0060<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>677</b> for communication between a call center operator and an activator user as referred to in step <b>677</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The exemplary method <b>677</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>677</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

0061In step <b>705</b>, a determination is made as to whether the alert is a medical or security alert using information sent from the mobile base station <b>115</b>. If the alert is a medical alert, in step <b>715</b> voice and data communications are transmitted from the call center operator to the mobile base station <b>115</b> through the communications network <b>125</b> on the long-range forward path. In step <b>720</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits the received voice and data communications to the activator <b>105</b> through the short-range forward path <b>108</b>. In step <b>725</b>, the activator <b>105</b> transmits user voice and data communications through the short-range reverse path <b>112</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b>. In step <b>730</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits the user voice and data communications to the call center operator through the communications network <b>125</b> on the long-range reverse path. Steps <b>715</b>-<b>730</b> repeat as required for all communications between the call center operator and the user to complete. In one embodiment voice and data are transmitted simultaneously.

0062If in step <b>705</b> the alert is determined to be a security alert, where two-way voice communication would jeopardize the user's safety, in step <b>740</b> the activator speaker <b>215</b> is disabled. In step <b>745</b>, the activator <b>105</b> transmits voice through the microphone <b>210</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b> using the short-range reverse path <b>112</b>. In step <b>750</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits voice to the call center operator using the communications network <b>125</b> long-range reverse path so the operator and any emergency responders can hear what is occurring at the user's location. In step <b>751</b> the type of security alert is determined using the information sent from the mobile base station <b>115</b>. If the alert is a Tier I security alert, where response is required from authorities such as the police, step <b>752</b> occurs. In step <b>752</b>, described more fully below in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, security phrase verification is used to confirm that the security alert is not a false alarm. If the alert is a Tier II security alert, where response is required from private individuals previously identified by the user, step <b>755</b> occurs. In step <b>755</b>, the call center operator returns data only to mobile base station <b>115</b> through the communications network <b>125</b> on the long-range forward path. In step <b>760</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits data only to the activator <b>105</b> using the short-range forward path <b>108</b>. In one embodiment, the data transmitted would be a signal causing LED <b>255</b> to illuminate so that the user has confidence the call center received the alert. In another embodiment, the data would be a text message shown on display <b>260</b>.

0063Once the communication between the call center operator and the user is completed, the method <b>677</b> continues to step <b>680</b> depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0064<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>688</b> for locating the activator using a local beacon as referred to in step <b>688</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The exemplary method <b>688</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>688</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0065When the emergency response personnel cannot locate the user, but can locate the mobile base station <b>115</b>, in step <b>810</b> the emergency response personnel press beacon button <b>325</b>. In step <b>820</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> signals beacon module <b>270</b> in the activator <b>105</b> to turn on and commands the mobile base station beacon module <b>370</b> to switch to directional mode. In step <b>830</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> indicates the angular direction of and relative distance away from activator <b>105</b>. Two or three measurements from different angles will allow the emergency response personnel to pinpoint the location of the activator <b>105</b>. Exemplary embodiments of indications from the mobile base station <b>115</b> include 1) flashing of LED <b>320</b> to indicate that the beacon has been detected, 2) color and/or intensity indication from LED <b>320</b> to indicate a direction locating null, and/or <b>3</b>) a steady/varying tone from speaker <b>375</b>. In one embodiment, beacon signaling between mobile base station <b>115</b> and activator <b>105</b> is accomplished using the ZigBee protocol. In another embodiment, emergency responders can use a direction finding Yagi antenna and special test equipment to more accurately locate the activator <b>105</b> through beacon module <b>270</b>. Once the activator has been located, method <b>688</b> ends.

0066In one embodiment, automatic location of devices in a building or local area such as an apartment complex, a college or business campus, or a medical center, is accomplished using fixed reference nodes placed in known positions. As an example of a commercially available OEM offering for this capability, the Texas Instruments CC2430/2431 ZigBee system on chip (SOC) may be used to create the reference nodes. Each reference node would be configured with the CC2430/2431 chip and would operate independently of each other node but all the nodes will be in communication with each other thereby forming a mesh network. In one embodiment, the reference nodes are co-located with the Exit signs in a building. Because AC power to the Exit signs will be on emergency power, and because the nodes will be powered from these sources, the beacons will be available even upon loss of normal power. In addition, the batteries in the Exit signs will also be available to provide power to the CC2430/2431 chip based equipment even in the event of loss of emergency power.

0067<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>540</b> for activator voice quality self-test as referred to in step <b>540</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The exemplary method <b>540</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>540</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0068In step <b>905</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> receives a predetermined phrase voice test message spoken by the user from the activator <b>105</b> on the short-range reverse path <b>112</b>. The predetermined phrase is selected to have appropriate characteristics supporting a robust self-test function such as length, to avoid accidental truncation, and particular phonemes that test voice quality. In step <b>910</b>, the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits the voice test message and stored location coordinates through the communications network <b>125</b> on the long-range reverse path to the call center <b>130</b> for processing. In step <b>920</b>, the call center <b>130</b> receives and stores the voice test message and location coordinates in the call center database. This information may be accessed as required for post-test review to correct or optimize the system

0069In step <b>930</b>, the call center <b>130</b> scores the quality of the message using standard voice quality test protocol. In one embodiment, the scoring is done by automated test processors that rate the quality of the user's message from 1 to 5 using a standard test protocol such as PAMS (Perceptual Analysis/Measurement System). In step <b>940</b>, the voice message and quality information are returned from the call center <b>130</b> to the mobile base station <b>115</b> through the communications network <b>125</b> using the long-range forward path. In step <b>950</b> the mobile base station <b>115</b> transmits the voice message back to the activator <b>105</b> over using the short-range forward path <b>108</b> for user assessment. The subjective view of the voice quality together with the objective test performed with the processing power at the call center <b>130</b> provides a robust assessment of the voice performance of the system and helps pinpoint the location of any voice transmission problem to either the long-range or short-range paths. In one embodiment, RSSI values from the sending and receiving ends will be measured and recorded at the call center <b>130</b> for additional information to support the voice test assessment for call center technical review. In one embodiment, the call center also returns a resolved address for the user's location coordinates allowing the user to correct any mismatches between the measured location coordinates and the resolved address.

0070In step <b>960</b>, the user determines whether the quality of the returned message is available. If it was not, in step <b>970</b> troubleshooting of the short-range and long-range paths pinpoints the problem for correction. When the quality of the voice test message is acceptable, method <b>540</b> ends.

0071<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>752</b> for security phrase verification during a Tier I security alert as described above in step <b>752</b>. The exemplary method <b>752</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>752</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0072In step <b>1010</b>, stored security phrase audio spoken by the user is retrieved from the call center database. In step <b>1015</b>, the call center operator compares the stored security phrase audio to the current user output transmitted from the activator <b>105</b> through the microphone <b>215</b>. Comparisons may be made using either objective automatic comparisons or using the subjective judgment of the call center operator. Comparisons may also be made using both objective and subjective tests. In step <b>1020</b>, the operator determines whether the security alert is a false alarm through the comparison of current user output with the stored security phrase. If the security alert is a false alarm, method <b>752</b> terminates. If the security alert is not a false alarm, method <b>752</b> returns to step <b>755</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> discussed above.

0073<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flow chart depicting a method <b>1100</b> for locating one of the activator <b>105</b> or mobile base station <b>115</b> using the other device. The exemplary method <b>1100</b> is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary method <b>1100</b> is described below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.

0074When one of the mobile base station <b>115</b> or activator <b>105</b> is lost, in step <b>1110</b> the known device signals the lost device through either finder button <b>250</b> (when the activator is the known device) or finder button <b>328</b> (when the mobile base station is the known device). In step <b>1120</b>, an audio alert sounds through the speaker on the lost device: speaker <b>375</b> when the mobile base station is the lost device or speaker <b>215</b> when the activator is the lost device. The user may repeat steps <b>1110</b>-<b>1120</b> as required. In step <b>1130</b>, the lost device is located through the audio alert. As an example, if the mobile base station is misplaced in the user's vehicle, the user can locate the device from the sound. Once the lost device is located, method <b>1100</b> ends.

0075It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of the invention overcome the limitations of the prior art. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein and ways of constructing other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to practitioners of the art. Many other modifications, features and embodiments of the invention will become evident to those of skill in the art. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects of the invention were described above by way of example only and are not intended as required or essential elements of the invention unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the invention and that numerous changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.