Alarm method and system
AssigneeGreenwich Technology Associates
InventorCarl M. Elam
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electronic device unit for detection of emergency calls initiated (emanating) from cell phone or other personal wireless communication handheld units, wherein the electronic device unit for detection of emergency calls is installed and integrated as a component detector of a fire alarm system, intrusion alarm system, surveillance system, access control system, SCADA system or other building and facility monitoring systems. A cell phone and other personal wireless devices that transmit special signals that are received by an electronic device unit for detection of emergency calls. A cell phone and other personal wireless devices that performs two way data communications with an electronic device unit for detection of emergency calls.
Claims19
A system comprising:
- a plurality of monitoring circuits,
- wherein each monitoring circuit is configured to receive a distress signal transmitted from a personal wireless communication device automatically in response to an emergency call being initiated by the personal wireless communication device,
- wherein the plurality of monitoring circuits are located at known locations throughout a building interior,
- wherein the emergency call is initiated to a cell tower external to the building, and
- wherein the distress signal is distinct and separate from the emergency call;
- a plurality of data modems,
- wherein each data modem is associated with a corresponding monitoring circuit,
- wherein, in response to the corresponding monitoring circuit receiving the distress signal, each data modem is configured to send a data signal indicative of the location of the respective monitoring circuit to a control panel in a fire alarm system or a main processor in a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), access control, or building monitoring system.
A personal wireless communication device comprising:
- a processor to initiate emergency calls via a cellular network in response to receiving input from a user;
- and
- a transmitter configured to:
- communicate with a cell tower to initiate an emergency call, in response to input from the user, via a cellular network,
- transmit a distress signal, automatically in response to initiation of the emergency call, to one or more of a plurality of monitoring circuits, wherein the plurality of monitoring circuits are distributed throughout a building interior,
- wherein the distress signal is in addition to the emergency call initiated via the cellular network;
- and
- a receiver to receive an information signal from one or more of the monitoring circuits,
- wherein the information signal includes information indicative of location of the personal wireless communication device, and
- wherein the information signal is distinct and separate from to communications with the cell tower for the emergency call via the cellular network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.