Mobile data device and method of locating mobile data device

• US 6,868,074 B1
• Filed: 03/30/2000
• Issued: 03/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: MCI Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Hanson, Joel
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HANH N
• Application Number:
  US09/539,803
• Time in Patent Office: 1,811 Days
• Field of Search: 370/320, 370/328, 370/335, 370/338, 370/342, 370/441, 370/479, 370/316, 370/410, 370/351, 370/312, 455/457, 455/456.1, 455/456.3, 455/456.5, 709/219
• US Class Current: 370/328
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/17 Emergency applications
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/016 Personal emergency signalling and security systems emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm activators G08B25/12
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/50 for emergency connections

Abstract

A method including providing a PDA having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a GPS receiver coupled to the processor and a RF transponder capable of communicating using Internet Protocol; storing user identification information in the memory; storing medical history information in the memory; determining location using the GPS receiver; transmitting the determined location to a service using the RF transponder; and in response to a request of emergency service by a user of the PDA, contacting the service and transmitting an emergency request to the service using the RF transponder. A PDA comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a GPS receiver coupled to the processor; and a wireless transponder capable of communicating using Internet Protocol, the PDA being configured to store user identification information in the memory, store medical history information in the memory, determine location using the GPS receiver, transmit the determined location to a service using the wireless transponder, and, in response to a request of emergency service by a user of the PDA, contact the service and transmit an emergency request to the service using the wireless transponder.

Claims

1. A method of locating a user of a mobile data device, the method comprising:

registering the identity of the mobile data device with a locator service, the mobile data device determining location of the user using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver of the mobile data device;

the mobile data device transmitting the determined location to the locator service using a wireless transponder of the mobile data device;

in response to an inquiry as to the location of the user of the mobile data device, the locator service responding with the determined location; and

configuring an answering machine to communicate with the locator service and to pass the determined location of the mobile data device received from the locator service to a caller who calls the answering machine.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the answering machine is Internet-ready.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the caller calls from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, and further, wherein the answering machine supports data communication in addition to voice communication.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the locator service supports a find me/follow me service for the mobile data device.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the locator service supports a paging service for the mobile data device.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising generating an inquiry as to the location of the user of the mobile data device in response to an incomplete attempt to call the user with a telephone.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising generating an inquiry as to the location of the user of the mobile data device in response to an incomplete attempt to call the user with a telephone, the method further comprising passing information identifying the location of the user to the telephone.

9. A method in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising generating an inquiry as to the location of the user of the mobile data device in response to an incomplete attempt to call the user with a telephone, the method further comprising passing information identifying the location of the user to the telephone if the telephone is associated with a number on a list of predetermined telephone numbers to which location information can be provided.

10. A method in accordance with claim 9 wherein the list of predetermined telephones is defined by the user using the locator service, the method further comprising determining if the telephone is on the list using caller ID.

11. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a nearest assistance provider is determined based on a threshold.

12. A mobile data device for communicating with a locator service, the device comprising:

a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to determine location of the user;

a wireless transponder configured to transmit the determined location to the locator service, wherein the mobile data device is registered with the locator service;

a database configured to store data on a plurality of assistance providers, wherein a nearest one of the assistance providers is determined based on the determined location and compatibility of communication protocol supported by the wireless transponder and the assistance providers; and

a processor configured to establish communication with the nearest assistance provider using the corresponding communication protocol via the wireless transponder,

wherein an answering machine is configured to communicate with the locator service and to pass the determined location of the mobile data device received from the locator service to a caller who calls the answering machine.

13. A mobile data device in accordance with claim 12 wherein the location is continually transmitted to the locator service.

14. A mobile data device in accordance with claim 12, further comprising:

a panic button for initiating a request for emergency assistance.

15. A mobile device in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising an A/D converter having a digital output coupled to the processor and having an analog input configured to be coupled to a vital signs detector, the mobile data device being configured to transmit a request for emergency assistance, using the transponder, in response to detection of a change in the signal from the vital signs detector indicative of an emergency condition.