Programmable communicator

• US 7,583,197 B2
• Filed: 01/10/2006
• Issued: 09/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Blackbird Tech LLC
• Original Assignee: Eveline Wesby Van Swaay
• Inventors: Wesby Van Swaay, Eveline
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Nam V
• Application Number:
  US11/329,212
• Publication Number:
  US 20060119468A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,330 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.49, 340/825.44, 340/311.1, 340/573.4, 340/539, 340/693.5, 340/825.32, 455/550.1, 455/552.1, 455/414, 455/458, 455/560, 455/456.1, 455/456.2, 455418-419, 455/425, 379353-355, 379/266.01, 379/88.19, 379/230, 379/142, 379/373, 379/375
• US Class Current: 340/573.4
• 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 programmable communicator device is disclosed having a wireless communications circuit, including an antenna, configured to receive a transmission, and an identity module having a unique identifier. The programmable communicator further includes a processing module including program code configured to determine if the transmission is from an authenticated caller by determining whether a received transmission contains the unique identifier, and memory configured to store telephone numbers or IP addresses received in transmissions from an authenticated caller.

Claims

1. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate over a communications network;

a programmable identity module having a unique identifier that is unique to the programmable communicator device;

a programmable interface connected to at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a processing module configured to receive and authenticate an at least one transmission from a programming transmitter, the at least one transmission including the unique identifier and at least one telephone number or IP address corresponding to the at least one monitoring device, wherein the processing module is configured to authenticate the at least one transmission by determining if the at least one transmission contains the unique identifier; and

a memory module configured to store the at least one telephone number or IP address from the authenticated transmission as one of a plurality of permitted callers if the processing module authenticates the at least one transmission by determining that the at least one transmission includes the unique identifier.

2. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transmission is coded and the processing module is configured to process the coded transmission and permit only transmissions containing a coded number.

3. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the programming transmitter is a portable device connected to the communications network.

4. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a GPS module configured to determine at least one location of the programmable communicator device and store the at least one location into the GPS module'"'"'s memory; and

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive and authenticate a request and transmit the at least one location to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the authenticated request.

5. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a location processing module configured to process a location request received and authenticated by the programmable communicator device and generate at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location according to a remote locating technology,

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmits the at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location to a location determination center in response to the authenticated location request, the location determination center configured to determining the location of the programmable communicator device based on the at least one signal.

6. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a sensor module configured to monitor at least one condition and prompt the programmable communicator device when the at least one condition meets a threshold limit, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send a transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

7. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a back-up communication device located within an attachment, the back-up communication device configured to prompt the programmable communicator device if the attachment is broken or opened or if there is a change in status which crosses a threshold, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send at least one transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

8. A programmable communicator device according to claim 7, wherein the attachment is a wrist strap.

9. A programmable communicator device according to claim 7, wherein the attachment is a smart clothes attachment.

10. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 further comprising:

a secondary power supply configured to provide power to the programmable communicator device if a primary power supply fails or is removed, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit an alarm message including a location of the programmable communicator device if the primary power supply fails or is removed.

11. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1 wherein the programmable communicator device is linked to at least one remote device.

12. A programmable communicator device according to claim 11, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive a command from an authenticated programming transmitter, the command prompting the programmable communicator device to instruct the at least one remote device to read the command, wherein the at least one remote device is configured to perform a task and monitor at least one parameter in response to the command, the at least one remote device further configured to periodically store monitored parameter data to the memory module.

13. A programmable communicator device according to claim 12, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to relay the stored monitored parameter data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

14. A programmable communicator device according to claim 13, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed periodically.

15. A programmable communicator device according to claim 14, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed in response to a request from an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

16. A programmable communicator device according to claim 12, further comprising:

a status report module configured to send a transmission to an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers when the programmable communicator device detects a change in status of the at least one remote devices.

17. A programmable communicator device according to claim 16, further comprising:

an alarm module configured to send an alarm message to the at least one monitoring device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers, the alarm message indicating a current status of the at least one remote device.

18. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to communicate between the at least one monitoring device and at least one interfaced device.

19. A programmable communicator device according to claim 18, wherein the interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

20. A programmable communicator device according to claim 18, wherein the at least one interfaced device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

21. A programmable communicator device according to claim 18, wherein at least one interfaced device is linked to the programmable communicator device via a wireless connection.

22. A programmable communicator device according to claim 21, wherein

the wireless connection comprises a wireless interface, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to gather data from the at least one interfaced device, process the data, and send the processed data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

23. A programmable communicator device according to claim 22, wherein the gathered data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

24. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the programmable communicator device is integrated with a wireless telephone such that the programmable communicator and the wireless telephone form a single device.

25. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transmission can be sent using a messaging protocol such as a mobile telecommunications Short Message Service (SMS) or via a packet switching network such as GPRS within the telecommunications standard of GSM or WCDMA or US-TDMA.

26. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a programming transmitter located in the vicinity of the programmable communicator device, and configured to receive communications over the Internet and programming the programmable communicator using at least one of a wireless communication, infrared light, or a Bluetooth radio link.

27. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein,

the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive data from at least one data monitoring devices and transmit the received data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

28. A programmable communicator device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address may correspond to a central communications point in the telecommunications network.

29. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate between at least one remote monitoring device and at least one interfaced device over a communications network;

a programmable identity module having a unique identifier;

a programmable interface connected to at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a memory module configured to store at least one telephone number or IP address of the at least one remote monitoring device as one of a plurality of permitted callers, the at least one telephone number or IP address received in a first transmission containing the unique identifier; and

a processing module authenticating the first transmission by determining if the transmission includes the unique identifier, the memory module storing the at least one telephone number or IP address of the at least one remote monitoring device if the processing module authenticates the first transmission by determining that the first transmission includes the unique identifier, the processing module communicating with the at least one interfaced device through the wireless communications circuit and configured to receive data from the at least one interfaced device and determine if the received data indicates a change in status of the at least one interfaced devices that crosses a threshold, wherein the processing module is further configured to send a second transmission to the at least one remote monitoring device if the change in status crosses the threshold, the second transmission including the unique identifier.

30. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response to an alarm condition.

31. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response to a request from the programmable communicator.

32. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response a request from the at least one remote monitoring device.

33. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent periodically.

34. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the at least one interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

35. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the at least one interface device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

36. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the received data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in sound thresholds, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

37. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein at least one interfaced devices is linked to the programmable communicator via a wireless connection.

38. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address stored as one of the plurality of permitted callers may be updated when the programmable communicator receives an authenticated transmission from a programming transmitter.

39. A programmable communicator device according to claim 29, wherein the programming transmitter is a device having a web interface.

40. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate over a communications network;

a programmable interface connected to at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a processing module configured to receive and authenticate an at least one transmission from a programming transmitter, the at least one transmission including a coded number and at least one telephone number or IP address corresponding to the at least one monitoring device, wherein the processing module is configured to authenticate the at least one transmission by comparing the coded number with a preset number, the processing module authenticating the at least one transmission if the coded number matches the preset number; and

a memory module configured to store the at least one telephone number or IP address from the authenticated transmission as one of a plurality of permitted callers if the processing module authenticates the at least one transmission by determining that the coded number matches the preset number.

41. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 further comprising:

a GPS module configured to determine at least one location of the programmable communicator device and store the at least one location into the GPS module'"'"'s memory; and

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive and authenticate a request and transmit the at least one location to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the authenticated request.

42. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 further comprising:

a sensor module configured to monitor at least one condition and prompt the programmable communicator device when the at least one condition meets a threshold limit, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send a transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

43. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 further comprising:

a back-up communication device located within an attachment, the back-up communication device configured to prompt the programmable communicator device if the attachment is broken or opened or if there is a change in status which crosses a threshold, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send at least one transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

44. A programmable communicator device according to claim 43, wherein the attachment is a wrist strap.

45. A programmable communicator device according to claim 43, wherein the attachment is a smart clothes attachment.

46. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 wherein the programmable communicator device is linked to at least one remote device.

47. A programmable communicator device according to claim 46, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive a command from an authenticated programming transmitter, the command prompting the programmable communicator device to instruct the at least one remote device to read the command, wherein the at least one remote device is configured to perform a task and monitor at least one parameter in response to the command, the at least one remote device further configured to periodically store monitored parameter data to the memory module.

48. A programmable communicator device according to claim 47, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to relay the stored monitored parameter data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

49. A programmable communicator device according to claim 48, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed periodically.

50. A programmable communicator device according to claim 48, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed in response to a request from an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

51. A programmable communicator device according to claim 47, further comprising:

a status report module configured to send a transmission to an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers when the programmable communicator device detects a change in status of the at least one remote devices.

52. A programmable communicator device according to claim 51, further comprising:

an alarm module configured to send an alarm message to the at least one monitoring device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers, the alarm message indicating a current status of the at least one remote device.

53. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to communicate between the at least one monitoring device and at least one interfaced device.

54. A programmable communicator device according to claim 53, wherein the interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

55. A programmable communicator device according to claim 53, wherein the at least one interfaced device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

56. A programmable communicator device according to claim 53, wherein at least one interfaced device is linked to the programmable communicator device via a wireless connection.

57. A programmable communicator device according to claim 56, wherein

the wireless connection comprises a wireless interface, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to gather data from the at least one interfaced device, process the data, and send the processed data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

58. A programmable communicator device according to claim 57, wherein the gathered data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

59. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein,

the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive data from at least one data monitoring devices and transmit the received data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

60. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address may correspond to a central communications point in the telecommunications network.

61. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the at least one transmission is coded and the processing module is configured to process the coded transmission and permit only transmissions containing a coded number.

62. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the programming transmitter is a portable device connected to the communications network.

63. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 further comprising:

a location processing module configured to process a location request received and authenticated by the programmable communicator device and generate at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location according to a remote locating technology,

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit the at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location to a location determination center in response to the authenticated location request, the location determination center configured to determine the location of the programmable communicator device based on the at least one signal.

64. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40 further comprising:

a secondary power supply configured to provide power to the programmable communicator device if a primary power supply fails or is removed, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit an alarm message including a location of the programmable communicator device if the primary power supply fails or is removed.

65. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the programmable communicator device is integrated with a wireless telephone such that the programmable communicator and the wireless telephone form a single device.

66. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, wherein the at least one transmission can be sent using a messaging protocol such as a mobile telecommunications Short Message Service (SMS) or via a packet switching network such as GPRS within the telecommunications standard of GSM or WCDMA or US-TDMA.

67. A programmable communicator device according to claim 40, further comprising:

a programming transmitter located in the vicinity of the programmable communicator device, and configured to receive communications over the Internet and programming the programmable communicator using at least one of a wireless communication, infrared light, or a Bluetooth radio link.

68. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate between at least one remote monitoring device and at least one interfaced device over a communications network;

a programmable interface connected to the at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a memory module configured to store at least one telephone number or IP address of the at least one remote monitoring device as one of a plurality of permitted callers; and

a processing module authenticating a first transmission containing a coded number, the processing module authenticating the first transmission by comparing the coded number to a preset number, the memory module storing the at least one telephone number or IP address of the at least one remote monitoring device if the coded number matches the preset number, the processing module communicating with the at least one interfaced device through the wireless communications circuit and configured to receive data from the at least one interfaced device and determine if the received data indicates a change in status of the at least one interfaced device that crosses a threshold, wherein the processing module is further configured to send a second transmission to the at least one remote monitoring device if the change in status crosses the threshold.

69. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response to an alarm condition.

70. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response to a request from the programmable communicator.

71. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent in response a request from the at least one remote monitoring device.

72. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the data received from the at least one interfaced device is sent periodically.

73. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the at least one interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

74. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the at least one interface device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

75. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the received data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in sound thresholds, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

76. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein at least one interfaced devices is linked to the programmable communicator via a wireless connection.

77. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address stored as one of the plurality of permitted callers may be updated when the programmable communicator receives an authenticated transmission from a programming transmitter.

78. A programmable communicator device according to claim 68, wherein the programming transmitter is a device having a web interface.

79. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate over a communications network;

a programmable identity module having a unique identifier that is unique to the programmable communicator device;

a programmable interface connected to at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a processing module configured to receive and authenticate an at least one transmission from a programming transmitter, the at least one transmission including a coded number and at least one telephone number or IP address corresponding to the at least one monitoring device, wherein the processing module is configured to authenticate the at least one transmission by comparing the coded number with a preset number, the processing module authenticating the at least one transmission if the coded number matches the preset number; and

a memory module configured to store the at least one telephone number or IP address from the authenticated transmission as one of a plurality of permitted callers if the processing module authenticates the at least one transmission by determining that the coded number matches the preset number.

80. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the at least one transmission is coded and the processing module is configured to process the coded transmission and permit only transmissions containing a coded number.

81. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the programming transmitter is a portable device connected to the communications network.

82. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 further comprising:

a GPS module configured to determine at least one location of the programmable communicator device and store the at least one location into the GPS module'"'"'s memory; and

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive and authenticate a request and transmit the at least one location to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the authenticated request.

83. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 further comprising:

a location processing module configured to process a location request received and authenticated by the programmable communicator device and generate at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location according to a remote locating technology,

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit the at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location to a location determination center in response to the authenticated location request, the location determination center configured to determine the location of the programmable communicator device based on the at least one signal.

84. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 further comprising:

a sensor module configured to monitor at least one condition and prompt the programmable communicator device when the at least one condition meets a threshold limit, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send a transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

85. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 further comprising:

a back-up communication device located within an attachment, the back-up communication device configured to prompt the programmable communicator device if the attachment is broken or opened or if there is a change in status which crosses a threshold, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send at least one transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

86. A programmable communicator device according to claim 85, wherein the attachment is a wrist strap.

87. A programmable communicator device according to claim 85, wherein the attachment is a smart clothes attachment.

88. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 further comprising:

a secondary power supply configured to provide power to the programmable communicator device if a primary power supply fails or is removed, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit an alarm message including a location of the programmable communicator device if the primary power supply fails or is removed.

89. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79 wherein the programmable communicator device is linked to at least one remote device.

90. A programmable communicator device according to claim 89, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive a command from an authenticated programming transmitter, the command prompting the programmable communicator device to instruct the at least one remote device to read the command, wherein the at least one remote device is configured to perform a task and monitor at least one parameter in response to the command, the at least one remote device further configured to periodically store monitored parameter data to the memory module.

91. A programmable communicator device according to claim 90, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to relay the stored monitored parameter data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

92. A programmable communicator device according to claim 91, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed periodically.

93. A programmable communicator device according to claim 91, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed in response to a request from an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

94. A programmable communicator device according to claim 89, further comprising:

a status report module configured to send a transmission to an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers when the programmable communicator device detects a change in status of the at least one remote devices.

95. A programmable communicator device according to claim 94, further comprising:

an alarm module configured to send an alarm message to the at least one monitoring device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers, the alarm message indicating a current status of the at least one remote device.

96. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to communicate between the at least one monitoring device and at least one interfaced device.

97. A programmable communicator device according to claim 96, wherein the interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

98. A programmable communicator device according to claim 96, wherein the at least one interfaced device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

99. A programmable communicator device according to claim 96, wherein at least one interfaced device is linked to the programmable communicator device via a wireless connection.

100. A programmable communicator device according to claim 99, wherein

the wireless connection comprises a wireless interface, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to gather data from the at least one interfaced device, process the data, and send the processed data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

101. A programmable communicator device according to claim 100, wherein the gathered data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

102. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the programmable communicator device is integrated with a wireless telephone such that the programmable communicator and the wireless telephone form a single device.

103. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the at least one transmission can be sent using a messaging protocol such as a mobile telecommunications Short Message Service (SMS) or via a packet switching network such as GPRS within the telecommunications standard of GSM or WCDMA or US-TDMA.

104. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, further comprising:

a programming transmitter located in the vicinity of the programmable communicator device, and configured to receive communications over the Internet and programming the programmable communicator using at least one of a wireless communication, infrared light, or a Bluetooth radio link.

105. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein,

the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive data from at least one data monitoring devices and transmit the received data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

106. A programmable communicator device according to claim 79, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address may correspond to a central communications point in the telecommunications network.

107. A programmable communicator device comprising:

a wireless communications circuit having an antenna and configured to communicate over a communications network;

a programmable identity module having a unique identifier that is unique to the programmable communicator device;

a programmable interface connected to at least one wired or wirelessly attached monitoring device;

a processing module configured to receive and authenticate an at least one transmission from a programming transmitter, the at least one transmission including a coded number and at least one telephone number or IP address corresponding to the at least one monitoring device, wherein the processing module is configured to authenticate the at least one transmission by determining if the at least one transmission contains the coded number, the processing module authenticating the at least one transmission if the transmission includes the coded number; and

a memory module configured to store the at least one telephone number or IP address from the authenticated transmission as one of a plurality of permitted callers if the processing module authenticates the at least one transmission by determining that the at least one transmission includes the coded number.

108. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the at least one transmission is coded and the processing module is configured to process the coded transmission and permit only transmissions containing a coded number.

109. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the programming transmitter is a portable device connected to the communications network.

110. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 further comprising:

a GPS module configured to determine at least one location of the programmable communicator device and store the at least one location into the GPS module'"'"'s memory; and

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive and authenticate a request and transmit the at least one location to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the authenticated request.

111. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 further comprising:

a location processing module configured to process a location request received and authenticated by the programmable communicator device and generate at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location according to a remote locating technology,

wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit the at least one signal representative of the programmable communicator device'"'"'s location to a location determination center in response to the authenticated location request, the location determination center configured to determine the location of the programmable communicator device based on the at least one signal.

112. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 further comprising:

a sensor module configured to monitor at least one condition and prompt the programmable communicator device when the at least one condition meets a threshold limit, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send a transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

113. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 further comprising:

a back-up communication device located within an attachment, the back-up communication device configured to prompt the programmable communicator device if the attachment is broken or opened or if there is a change in status which crosses a threshold, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to send at least one transmission to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers in response to the prompt.

114. A programmable communicator device according to claim 113, wherein the attachment is a wrist strap.

115. A programmable communicator device according to claim 113, wherein the attachment is a smart clothes attachment.

116. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 further comprising:

a secondary power supply configured to provide power to the programmable communicator device if a primary power supply fails or is removed, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to transmit an alarm message including a location of the programmable communicator device if the primary power supply fails or is removed.

117. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107 wherein the programmable communicator device is linked to at least one remote device.

118. A programmable communicator device according to claim 117, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive a command from an authenticated programming transmitter, the command prompting the programmable communicator device to instruct the at least one remote device to read the command, wherein the at least one remote device is configured to perform a task and monitor at least one parameter in response to the command, the at least one remote device further configured to periodically store monitored parameter data to the memory module.

119. A programmable communicator device according to claim 118, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to relay the stored monitored parameter data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

120. A programmable communicator device according to claim 119, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed periodically.

121. A programmable communicator device according to claim 119, wherein the stored monitored parameter data is relayed in response to a request from an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

122. A programmable communicator device according to claim 118, further comprising:

a status report module configured to send a transmission to an external device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers when the programmable communicator device detects a change in status of the at least one remote devices.

123. A programmable communicator device according to claim 122, further comprising:

an alarm module configured to send an alarm message to the at least one monitoring device associated with at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers, the alarm message indicating a current status of the at least one remote device.

124. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to communicate between the at least one monitoring device and at least one interfaced device.

125. A programmable communicator device according to claim 124, wherein the interfaced device is a medical device configured to monitor at least one from the group consisting of body temperature, blood pressure, periodic or continuous electrocardiogram heart rhythm, blood glucose concentration, blood electrolyte concentration, kidney function, liver function, and labor contractions.

126. A programmable communicator device according to claim 124, wherein the at least one interfaced device is at least one of a domestic appliance, a vending machine, a door status monitoring device, a window monitoring device, a bicycle monitoring device, a life vest monitoring device, a ski jacket monitoring device, a pressure monitoring device, a proximity detector, and a fire alarm.

127. A programmable communicator device according to claim 124, wherein at least one interfaced device is linked to the programmable communicator device via a wireless connection.

128. A programmable communicator device according to claim 127, wherein

the wireless connection comprises a wireless interface, wherein the programmable communicator device is further configured to gather data from the at least one interfaced device, process the data, and send the processed data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

129. A programmable communicator device according to claim 128, wherein the gathered data includes data relating to at least one of movement of the interfaced device, breakage of the interfaced device, changes in pressure of the interfaced device, changes in temperature of the interfaced device, variations in detectible human skin characteristics, changes in status of the interfaced device, motion changes, changes in infra red radiation, changes in sound levels, changes in humidity, changes in pressure, voice capture and recognition, and changes in sound thresholds.

130. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the programmable communicator device is integrated with a wireless telephone such that the programmable communicator and the wireless telephone form a single device.

131. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the at least one transmission can be sent using a messaging protocol such as a mobile telecommunications Short Message Service (SMS) or via a packet switching network such as GPRS within the telecommunications standard of GSM or WCDMA or US-TDMA.

132. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, further comprising:

a programming transmitter located in the vicinity of the programmable communicator device, and configured to receive communications over the Internet and programming the programmable communicator using at least one of a wireless communication, infrared light, or a Bluetooth radio link.

133. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein,

the programmable communicator device is further configured to receive data from at least one data monitoring devices and transmit the received data to at least one of the plurality of stored permitted callers.

134. A programmable communicator device according to claim 107, wherein the at least one telephone number or IP address may correspond to a central communications point in the telecommunications network.