Remotely actuated two-way speakerphone for use with call-for-help systems
First Claim
1. A method for processing emergency calls made by a person to a central location with an attendant, the method comprising the steps ofproviding a pendent to the person, the pendent comprising a wireless transmitter responsively sending a signal directed to the central location when the pendent is activated by the person, the signal containing an identifier for the person;
- providing the person with a speakerphone system having a telephone number, a telephone receiver, a speaker, and a control module, the speakerphone system installed in the general proximity of the person, the speakerphone system responsive to a specified caller identification received on a telephone channel;
activating the pendent by the person to send the signal;
receiving the signal at the central location;
determining at the central location, in response to the identifier contained in the signal, the telephone number of the speakerphone system;
initiating a telephone call to the speakerphone system from a telephone channel having the specified caller identification;
receiving the telephone call with the specified caller identification by the speakerphone system;
examining the caller identification of the telephone call by the speakerphone system;
if the caller identification is equal to the specified caller identification, then in response;
placing offhook the telephone receiver of the speakerphone system, anddirecting the telephone call to a speaker, wherein a two-way, audible voice path between the speaker of the speakerphone system and the attendant is established;
otherwise,allowing the telephone receiver of the speakerphone system to ring until the person manually places the telephone receiver offhook.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for providing a call-for-help capability is provided by the invention. The system comprises a central location having a dedicated telephone line having a specified caller identification known to a speakerphone system located in the general location of a person who uses the system for emergency signaling. The person is provided with the speakerphone system and a pendent for generating an emergency signal containing the person'"'"'s identifier. When received at the central location, a telephone number of the speakerphone system corresponding to the identifier is determined and a telephone call is made on a telephone channel having the specified caller identification. When any call is received by the speakerphone system, its caller identification is examined to determine if the caller identification of the telephone call is the same as the specified caller identification. If so, the telephone line is automatically made to go offhook and the call is directed to a speaker associated with the speakerphone system for hands-free operation. If not, the telephone receiver associated with the speakerphone system is allowed to ring-in in the normal way for manual activation by the person.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for processing emergency calls made by a person to a central location with an attendant, the method comprising the steps of
providing a pendent to the person, the pendent comprising a wireless transmitter responsively sending a signal directed to the central location when the pendent is activated by the person, the signal containing an identifier for the person; -
providing the person with a speakerphone system having a telephone number, a telephone receiver, a speaker, and a control module, the speakerphone system installed in the general proximity of the person, the speakerphone system responsive to a specified caller identification received on a telephone channel; activating the pendent by the person to send the signal; receiving the signal at the central location; determining at the central location, in response to the identifier contained in the signal, the telephone number of the speakerphone system; initiating a telephone call to the speakerphone system from a telephone channel having the specified caller identification; receiving the telephone call with the specified caller identification by the speakerphone system; examining the caller identification of the telephone call by the speakerphone system; if the caller identification is equal to the specified caller identification, then in response; placing offhook the telephone receiver of the speakerphone system, and directing the telephone call to a speaker, wherein a two-way, audible voice path between the speaker of the speakerphone system and the attendant is established; otherwise, allowing the telephone receiver of the speakerphone system to ring until the person manually places the telephone receiver offhook. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for providing a call-for-help capability for a person having a need for assistance, the system comprising
a pendant sized to be carried by the person, the pendant having a means to generate in response to a manual activation action by the person a signal containing an identifier, the identifier being associated with the person; -
a specified caller telephone number having a caller identification; a speakerphone system located in proximity to the person, the speakerphone system having a speakerphone telephone number, the speakerphone system comprising; a telephone receiver providing the person a capability to place telephone calls from the speakerphone system; a speaker supporting two-way, hands-free communication between the person and a third party; and a control module responding to a telephone call containing the specified caller identification; a list associating the identifier with a speakerphone telephone number of the speakerphone; and a central location having a means to receive the signal and, in response, to; obtain the identifier from the signal; obtain the speakerphone telephone number associated with the identifier from the list; and initiate a telephone call to the speakerphone telephone number from the specified caller telephone number.
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Specification