Mesh Network-Based Emergency Contact Device And System For Utilizing Such Devices
First Claim
1. A short-range wireless emergency messaging device, comprisinga short-range wireless transmission module including a processor component for storing a unique ID of the emergency message device and configured to format a data packet including the unique ID and related help information;
- a GPS component for receiving and continually updating data defining a location of the emergency messaging device, the GPS component in communication with the short-range wireless transmission module; and
an activation element coupled to the short-range wireless transmission module, wherein upon a user triggering the activation element short-range wireless transmission module broadcasts a help message data packet include the unique ID, GPS data, and a timestamp.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An emergency messaging device and related service is provided that does not rely on traditional communication network connections and may be used by individuals without means or opportunity to possess a conventional smartphone type of device. The emergency messaging device is configured as a simple, rudimentary device requiring only the capability to communicate via a short-range wireless link (e.g., Bluetooth) so as to broadcast its ID and location (using GPS data) when activated. A collection of such messaging devices that are located within range of each other form an ad hoc mesh network to relay the help message until it reaches a network-enabled communication device (such as a smartphone) that has been configured to transmit the message to a network-based emergency services platform servicing an API configured to determine and launch an appropriate response to the message.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A short-range wireless emergency messaging device, comprising
a short-range wireless transmission module including a processor component for storing a unique ID of the emergency message device and configured to format a data packet including the unique ID and related help information; -
a GPS component for receiving and continually updating data defining a location of the emergency messaging device, the GPS component in communication with the short-range wireless transmission module; and an activation element coupled to the short-range wireless transmission module, wherein upon a user triggering the activation element short-range wireless transmission module broadcasts a help message data packet include the unique ID, GPS data, and a timestamp. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 16)
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4. The short-range wireless emergency messaging device as defined in claim 4 wherein the activation element comprises an activation button, with a first number of button presses associated with the first alert signal and a second number of button presses associated with the second alert signal.
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9. A system for providing emergency assistance to a population with limited access to data communications networks, the system comprising
a plurality of short-range wireless emergency messaging devices, each device comprising a short-range wireless transmission module including a processor component for storing a unique ID of the emergency message device and configured to format a data packet including the unique ID and related help information; -
a GPS component for receiving and continually updating data defining a location of the emergency messaging device, the GPS component in communication with the short-range wireless transmission module; and an activation element coupled to the short-range wireless transmission module, wherein upon a user triggering the activation element short-range wireless transmission module broadcasts a help message data packet include the unique ID, GPS data, and a timestamp, wherein the plurality of short-range wireless emergency messaging devices exchange information to form an ad hoc mesh network for relaying a help message data packet created by one of the plurality of messaging devices; and at least one network-enabled communication device within communication range of at least one messaging device, the network-enabled communication device configured to recognize the data packet format of the help message and transmit the help message to an associated network-based emergency services platform implementing an emergency services API. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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14. A method of using a plurality of short-range wireless transmission devices to facilitate a transmission of an emergency message from one such short-range wireless transmission device to an emergency responding authority, the method comprising the steps of:
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activating an initial transmission device to create a short-range wireless help message data packet comprising;
(1) a unique ID of the transmission device;
(2) an alert level of the help message;
(3) GPS data defining the location of the transmission device; and
(4) a current timestamp;broadcasting the help message data packet; relaying the broadcasted help message data packet through an ad hoc mesh network created by the plurality of short-range wireless transmission devices until the help message data packet is received by a network-enabled external relay device (network ERD) configured to recognize the help message format; and forwarding, by the network ERD, the recognized help message to a network-based emergency services platform implementing an API for determining an appropriate response to the help message based on the determined alert level. - View Dependent Claims (15, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification