Apparatus and method for a cellular freeway emergency telephone service

An emergency roadside call box comprising:

• a controller means for receiving remotely originated information;
• a remotely programmable cellular transceiver coupled to and controlled by said controller, operation of said cellular transceiver being initiated at least in part by said remotely originated information received by said controller;
• a battery for powering said controller coupled to said controller and transceiver;
• and
• means coupled to said controller for recharging said battery.

A method in an emergency roadside call box, said call box being battery powered and coupled through a radio-telecommunication link to a cellular telecommunication system and communication applications processor, said method comprising the steps of:

• reading a plurality of call box status parameters at a plurality of call boxes;
• sending information from said communication application processor or cellular telecommunication system to selectively perform a remedial routine in response to said step of reading said plurality of status parameters dependent upon the condition of each corresponding parameter in order to render said call box operational;
• selectively receiving said information at said plurality of call boxes;
• selectively entering an emergency call routine wherein a cellular telecommunications transceiver within said call box is powered up and bidirectional voice communication is established through said cellular telecommunication system to said communication applications processor,
• whereby remotely powered emergency call boxes in radiotelecommunication with said communication applications processor are operationally maintained.

An apparatus in combination with a cellular radiotelephone for generating information compatible with said cellular radiotelephone in an emergency call box comprising:

• first means for determining a plurality of status conditions relating to said emergency call box;
• second means for controlling power usage of said emerency call box to minimized power usage;
• and
• third means for processing said status conditions determined by said first means and responsive to at least said second means, said third means for selectively bidirectionally communicating cellular radiotelephone compatible signals, said third means being coupled to said first and second means and to said cellular radiotelephone, said third means being remotely programmable to selectively process said status conditions and to selectively communicate said cellular radiotelephone compatible signals and selectively communicate said cellular radiotelephone compatible signals and selectively operate said apparatus in response thereto.