Programmable communicator

• US 20040046637A1
• Filed: 01/21/2003
• Published: 03/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
• Original Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
• Inventors: Wesby Van Swaay, Eveline
• Application Number:
  US10/296,571
• Publication Number:
  US 20040046637A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/24 for communication between two or more posts wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/275 implemented by means of portable electronic directories
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/663 Preventing unauthorised calls to a telephone set
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/677 Preventing the dialling or sending of predetermined telephone numbers or selected types of telephone numbers, e.g. long distance numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6775 by providing access to preprogrammed keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72421 with automatic activation of emergency service functions, e.g. upon sensing an alarm
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/002 with telemetering systems telemetering in general G08C
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 Service provisioning or reconfiguring
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/04 : Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks

Abstract

A system and method for a programmable communicator is described which can provide an improved child communication device, a telecommunications platform for a smart clothes application, as well as a programmable remote data communicator to report the status of a technical apparatus such as a vending machine. The programmable communicator can be programmed remotely by a mobile phone or any Personal Data Assistant (PDA) type device using any data transmission technology such as BlueTooth, Infra red light or any wireless radio communication either directly at close range, or via a mobile telecommunications network connection from a hand-held device or computer terminal connected to a data or IP transmission network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A method for programming a programmable communicator device comprising a digital mobile telephone circuit, a rechargeable battery, a compact antenna, a remotely pre-programmable identity module, said programmable communicator device being remotely pre-programmed by a programming transmitter being a first mobile or fixed device with at least one second mobile or fixed device to which said programmable communicator device is to be linked, said method being characterised by the steps of:

said programmable communicator device receiving a first message comprising a coded number in order to determine the authenticity of said programming transmitter,

comparing said coded number with a preset number;

when said coded number and preset number coincide, allowing said programming transmitter to proceed,

when said coded number and preset number do not coincide, cutting the communication.

2. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claim 1 wherein said coded number is a unique ID number associated with the remotely pre-programmable identity module such as the PUK number, in the case of GSM, of said programmable communicator device.

3. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a memory, where said step of said programming transmitter to proceed further comprising the steps of:

sending one or a plurality of telephone numbers to be called by said programmable communicator device, and to store said plurality of telephone numbers in said memory, and

sending one or plurality of telephone numbers said programmable communicator device is to call, and to store said plurality of telephone numbers in said memory.

4. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claim 3 wherein said one or plurality of telephone numbers said programmable communicator device is to call are prioritised.

5. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claims 1-4 wherein said programming transmitter and said programmable communicator device communicate via an IP network (such as the Internet) and that one or a plurality of IP addresses are received and stored in said memory.

6. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claim 5 wherein said programmable communicator device sends data messages such as e-mails and receives digital data.

7. A method for programming a programmable communicator device in use for monitoring emergency calls according to claims 5 or 6 further comprising the steps of:

prompting said programmable communicator device by a specific sensing means when said specific sensing means state passes a threshold,

repeatedly calling one or more of said stored telephone numbers until an alarm is successfully sent.

8. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claims 7 in use for monitoring emergency calls further comprising the steps of:

prompting said programmable communicator device with a specific sensing means when said specific sensing means state passes a threshold condition with a digital signal,

storing said digital signal corresponding to said specific sensing means

sending said digital signal in the form of a data message such as an e-mail to one or a plurality of stored IP addresses each associated with a remote digital device or an internet web page, and

repeatedly calling one or more of said stored telephone numbers until an alarm is successfully sent.

9. A method for programming a programmable communicator device according to claims 5 or 6 in use for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote devices further comprising the steps of:

said programming transmitter sending one or a plurality of codes to said programmable communicator device

prompting said programmable communicator device to initiate one or a plurality of remote devices to be monitored.

10. A method for programming a programmable communicator device in use for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote devices according to claims 9 wherein said remote device is a medical device.

11. A method for programming a programmable communicator device in use for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote devices according to claims 9 or 10 further comprising the steps of:

said programming transmitter sending one or a plurality of digital commands to said programmable communicator device,

prompting said remote device to read said one or a plurality of digital commands to initiate itself to execute a task and to periodically write measured physical data or process status in a digital form and/or its position and/or date and time of one or a plurality of bytes into said programmable communicator device memory.

12. A method for programming a programmable communicator device in use for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote devices according to claims 11 further comprising the step of:

either periodically calling said programmable communicator device by a surveillance mobile or fixed device, sending one of said codes as required to authenticate itself in order to prompt said programmable communicator device to send its stored digital data and to flush its memory,

or said programmable communicator device periodically calling one or a plurality of stored telephone numbers in order to send its stored digital data and to flush its memory,

or said programmable communicator device periodically sending a data message such as an e-mail to one or more of said stored IP addresses each associated with one or more remote digital devices or an internet web page in order to send its stored digital data and to flush its memory.

13. A method for programming a programmable communicator device in use for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote devices according to claims 12 further comprising the step of:

analysing said sent digital data to survey the evolution of a health state of a surveyed person or of an evolving process in order to take further action according to the degree of emergency of said surveyed person or process, and

if necessary, said further action also comprising the step of reprogramming said programmable communicator device in order to re-initiate said remote device according to said analysis to execute said task with other digital data comprising other parameters sent to said programmable communicator device.

14. A programmable communicator device comprising a digital mobile telephone circuit, a rechargeable battery, a compact antenna, a remotely pre-programmable identity module, said programmable communicator device being remotely pre-programmed by a programming transmitter being a first mobile or fixed device with at least one second mobile or fixed device to which said programmable communicator device is to be linked, said programmable communicator device being characterised by:

processing means for decoding a coded transmission in the form of a first message comprising a coded number, which determines the authenticity of said programming transmitter allowing it to program said programmable communicator device.

15. A programmable communicator device according to claim 14 further characterised in that:

said authenticated transmitter transmits a second message comprising one or a plurality of codes of one or a plurality of mobile or fixed authorised devices by which said programmable communicator device is to be called to pre-program said identity module.

16. A programmable communicator device according to claim 14 or 15 further characterised in that it further comprises:

a ringing tone generator, a basic two-way microphone device, and a digital processing device for monitoring emergency calls.

17. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 16 wherein said authenticated programming transmitter transmits codes of one or a plurality of mobile or fixed authorised devices by which said programmable communicator device is to be called to pre-program said identity module.

18. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 wherein said authenticated programming transmitter transmits the telephone numbers of one or a plurality of mobile or fixed devices to which said programmable communicator device is to call to pre-program said identity module.

19. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programming transmitter is a portable device or a computer terminal connected to a data or to an IP transmission network (such as the Internet).

20. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a pressure sensitive means in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when a specific condition is met.

21. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a proximity detector in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when a specific condition is met.

22. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a heat sensor in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when a specific condition is met.

23. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises an infrared heat detector in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when a specific condition is met.

24. A programmable communicator device comprising a heat sensor according to claim 22 or 23 wherein said programmable communicator comprises an intelligent fire alarm which can communicate that a fire is in progress to an emergency fire centre and/or to devices associated with other emergency personnel.

25. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a sound detector in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when a specific condition is met.

26. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 17 or 18 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a back-up communication device within a wrist strap or a smart clothes attachment comprising a tag in order to prompt said programmable communicator device when said strap or attachment is broken or undone.

27. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claims 17-25 wherein said specific condition is a threshold and when prompted said programmable communicator device will call one or more of said pre-programmed numbers or transmit data to one or more IP addresses each associated with one or more remote digital devices in order to trigger an alarm and/or send a digital message.

28. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 26 or 27 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises means for continually emitting a call as a beacon in order to allow said programmable communicator device to be located.

29. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 26 or 27 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises means to send a message comprising a byte or a series of bytes in the form of a data message such as an E-mail to said one or to said plurality of pre-programmed numbers or IP addresses each associated with one or more remote digital devices or internet web page.

30. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 26 or 27 wherein said programmable communicator device allows a person under medical surveillance, to call said one or more of said pre-programmed numbers in order to trigger an alarm when said person under medical surveillance requires help.

31. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 26 or 27 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a continuous retry feature such that the attempts to call said one or more of said pre-programmed numbers to trigger said alarm or to send said digital signal is continued until said alarm or said digital signal is successfully sent.

32. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to any of claims 14-31 wherein said programmable communicator device is further characterised that it comprises a unique button protruding to call and receive calls, and no keypad or display.

33. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claims 14-32 wherein said programmable communicator device is further characterised in that it comprises an auto answer facility.

34. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 32 or 33 for use in a life vest of canoe or boat sportsmen in order to alert a central control point to go to their rescue.

35. A programmable communicator device for monitoring emergency calls according to claim 32 or 33 for use in the clothing of skiers in order to alert a central control point to go to their rescue when in danger on or below the snow.

36. A programmable communicator device according to claim 14 further characterised in that it further comprises an auto answer module and a digital processing device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices.

37. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 36 wherein said authenticated transmitter transmits one or a plurality of telephone numbers of one or a plurality of mobile or fixed devices which said programmable communicator device is to call to pre-program said identity module.

38. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 36 or 37 wherein said programming transmitter is a portable device or a computer terminal connected to a data or to an IP transmission network (such as the Internet) and said programmable communicator device stores IP addresses instead of numbers into its memory.

39. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 36 to 38 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a pressure measuring means in order to monitor a process and to convert one or a plurality of measured pressures into a digital signal representing the status and to store said status and the date and/or time of said one or said plurality of measured remote technical devices.

40. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 36 or 37 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a locating system in order to monitor the location of said remote technical device and means to store one or a plurality of measured locations in the form of a digital signal representing a location or a series of locations and to store said measured locations and the date and/or time of said one or said plurality of measured locations of said remote technical devices.

41. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claims 40 for use in a theme park environment for monitoring the location of children and/or of people under medical surveillance.

42. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 40 wherein said locating system comprises a satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) circuit.

43. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 40 or 41 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a heat sensor means in order to monitor the temperature of said remote technical device and means to store one or a plurality of measured temperatures in the form of a digital signal representing a temperature or a series of temperatures and to store said measured temperatures and the date and/or time of said one or said plurality of measured temperature of said remote technical device.

44. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 43 wherein said heat sensor system comprises an infrared heat detector.

45. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 37 or 38 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises means to detect the state of a vending machine and means to store said state in the form of a digital message representing said state using one or more bytes.

46. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 45 wherein said states are user programmable.

47. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 46 wherein said states are EMPTY and NEARLY-EMPTY for one or a plurality of products.

48. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 37 or 38 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a voice recognition means and means to store a sound message as one or a plurality of sound bytes.

49. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 37 or 38 wherein said programmable communicator device further comprises a medical device to monitor the health of a physically disabled person, and means to store one or a plurality of status data.

50. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm monitoring device.

51. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a blood glucose concentration-monitoring device.

52. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a blood electrolyte concentration-monitoring device.

53. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a kidney function and/or liver function monitoring device.

54. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a blood clotting factor monitoring device.

55. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 49 wherein said medical device is a labour contraction-monitoring device.

56. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 39-55 wherein said monitoring device is remotely polled by authorised callers with one or a plurality of different commands in order to send a different set of stored data each of said different set of stored data corresponding to said one or said plurality of different commands.

57. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 39-55 wherein said monitoring device periodically send messages comprising said stored data to pre-programmed numbers at said fixed or mobile device in order to allow them to gather the evolving states of said technical remote devices for analysis and further actions to be taken.

58. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 57 wherein said actions to be taken includes reprogramming said programmable communicator device.

59. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 56 or 57 wherein said fixed or mobile device communicates via an IP network such as the Internet and said programmable communicator device sends said stored data in the form of a data message such as an e-mail to one or more IP addresses each associated with a remote digital device or internet web page.

60. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claims 36 or 37 wherein said transmitting device is an infrared light.

61. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 57 for use in the home network environment for monitoring domestic appliances.

62. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to claim 36 wherein said coded number is the unique ID number associated with the remotely pre-programmable identity module such as the PUK number in the case of GSM.

63. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to any of claims 14 and claims 36 to 62 wherein said programming transmitter uses a Blue tooth radio module and said programmable communicator device comprises also a Blue tooth radio module.

64. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to any of claims 14 and claims 36 to 62 wherein said programming transmitter communicates with said programmable communicator device using the short message service (SMS) circuit-switched service of the GSM telecommunications standard.

65. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to any of claims 14 and claims 36 to 62 wherein said programming transmitter communicates with said programmable communicator device via the CDMA or the WCDMA telecommunications standard.

66. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to any of claims 14 and claims 36 to 62 wherein said programming transmitter communicates with said programmable communicator device via the US-TDMA telecommunications standard.

67. A programmable communicator device for monitoring the status of one or a plurality of remote technical devices according to any of claims 14 and claims 36 to 62 wherein said programming transmitter communicates with said programmable communicator device using the GSM GPRS packet switching telecommunications standard.