First responder communications system
First Claim
1. A communications system, comprising:
- a plurality of mobile devices that each include a network subsystem and a positioning subsystem, the network subsystem automatically assembling a wireless network among the mobile devices using at least one of a plurality of channels for information transfer and automatically assigning at least one unique identification number to each mobile device, wherein the network subsystem uses a primary channel of the plurality of channels and automatically switches to use an alternative channel of the plurality of channels in response to a failure of the primary channel, the positioning subsystem automatically generating position information of each mobile device; and
at least one control system coupled for information transfer with the plurality of mobile devices, the control system tracking and mapping individual positions of each mobile device using the position information and identifying each mobile device on the map using the identification number.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also referred to as an Automated Incident Control System, is provided that supports inter-agency and intra-agency communications among first responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency medical service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also increases situational awareness of personnel by automatically providing position information as well as other sensor information. The FRCS also provides position and time information via Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or other positioning systems, and data from deployed and/or personal sensors to provide enhanced communications, command and control capabilities to the first responders and incident command. The FRCS includes a heads up display (HUD) including one or more LEDs or LCDs and a signal receiver that attaches to a faceshield or windshield (shield) to receive/display instructions via an electromagnetic or sonic signal via a transmitter coupled to a computer or other source.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A communications system, comprising:
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a plurality of mobile devices that each include a network subsystem and a positioning subsystem, the network subsystem automatically assembling a wireless network among the mobile devices using at least one of a plurality of channels for information transfer and automatically assigning at least one unique identification number to each mobile device, wherein the network subsystem uses a primary channel of the plurality of channels and automatically switches to use an alternative channel of the plurality of channels in response to a failure of the primary channel, the positioning subsystem automatically generating position information of each mobile device; and at least one control system coupled for information transfer with the plurality of mobile devices, the control system tracking and mapping individual positions of each mobile device using the position information and identifying each mobile device on the map using the identification number. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A portable communication device, comprising:
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a network system that automatically assembles a wireless network among other portable communication devices and control devices in an area and automatically reads a unique preassigned identification number from each portable communication device; a communication system that receives and transmits voice and data communications over the wireless network using at least one of High Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave communications, cellular communications, satellite communications, and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) communications; and
a positioning system that includes Global Positioning System (GPS) components and at least one location sensor, the positioning system automatically determining a position of the device periodically and automatically transferring the position to at least one of the control devices via the wireless network.
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9. A method for automatically tracking and communicating among mobile devices, comprising:
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automatically assembling a wireless network among a plurality of mobile devices and control systems in an area, wherein assembling includes adding mobile devices and control systems to the wireless network as they arrive in the area and removing mobile devices and control systems from the wireless network as they depart the area; automatically activating a portable processing device in response to vehicle start, wherein the portable processing device is a radio frequency base unit and the vehicle is an emergency response vehicle; receiving voice and data communications at the portable processing device from each of the mobile devices of the wireless network in response to the automatic activating, wherein the data communications include position and identification information of each mobile device of the wireless network relative to a position of the portable processing device; tracking a position and status of a mobile device using the position and identification information; and generating a map of an engagement and displaying individual positions and identifications of each mobile device of the wireless network using the position and identification information, wherein at least one area of the map can be selected in order to focus on a portion of an incident area and at least one responder team. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A portable device, comprising:
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a network system that automatically assembles a wireless network among other portable devices and control devices in a geographical area; an identification system that automatically reads a unique identification number from the portable communication device; a communication system that receives and transmits data over the wireless network via at least one of the other portable devices and control devices using at least one of High Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, Super High Frequency (SHF) communications, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave communications, cellular communications, and satellite communications; and a positioning system that includes Global Positioning System (GPS) components and at least one location sensor, the positioning system automatically determining a position of the device periodically and automatically transferring the position to at least one of the control devices via the wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for automatically communicating among mobile devices, comprising:
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automatically assembling a wireless network among a plurality of mobile devices and control systems in an area, wherein assembling includes adding mobile devices and control systems to the wireless network as they arrive in the area and removing mobile devices and control systems from the wireless network as they depart the area; automatically transferring data communications among the mobile devices and the control systems, wherein the data communications include packetized data of position and identification information of each mobile device of the wireless network; tracking a position and status of a mobile device using the position and identification information; and generating a display that includes a map displaying individual positions, position tracks, and identifications of each mobile device using the position and identification information. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification