Combination emergency phone and personal audio device

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic apparatus for providing a user with personal audio entertainment and full duplex wireless communication with one or more emergency response services, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid housing constructed from lightweight materials;

an audio information access device disposed within the housing for accessing audio information from an audio information source, and for producing an electrical audio information signal based on the audio information;

only one large emergency response button disposed on the rigid housing, the emergency response button being the user's sole means for activating the apparatus to initiate wireless communication with the one or more emergency response services, there being no control buttons for initiating wireless communication other than the one emergency response button;

a single emergency response switch disposed within the rigid housing, a state of which is changed by pressing the one large emergency response button;

a controller for monitoring the state of the single emergency response switch and for executing a plurality of emergency operations in response to a change in the state of the emergency response switch, the emergency operations including activating a transmitter to place an emergency telephone call to the one or more emergency response services;

the transmitter disposed within the housing for generating an outgoing communication signal when activated by the controller to communicate with the one or more emergency response services, the outgoing communication signal containing communication information necessary to establish communications with the one or more emergency response services;

a receiver disposed within the housing for receiving an incoming communication signal from the one or more emergency response services, and for generating an audio communication signal based upon the incoming communication signal;

an audio amplifier disposed within the housing for receiving and amplifying the electrical audio information signal and the audio communication signal to produce an amplified electrical audio information signal and an amplified audio communication signal; and

a sound production device electrically connected to the audio amplifier, for converting the amplified electrical audio information signal and the amplified audio communication signal into acoustical sound waves capable of being aurally perceived by the user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the audio information access device further comprises an audio information retrieval device for retrieving audio information stored on an information storage medium, and for generating the electrical audio information signal based upon the audio information retrieved from the information storage medium.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the information storage medium is a digital audio disc, and the information retrieval device further comprises a digital audio disc player.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the information storage medium is magnetic tape, and the information retrieval device further comprises a magnetic tape player.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the audio information access device further comprises a broadcast signal receiver for receiving a broadcast signal that carries audio information from a broadcast signal source, the broadcast signal receiver for accessing the audio information carried by the broadcast signal and for generating the electrical audio information signal based upon the audio information carried by the broadcast signal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the broadcast signal receiver further comprises a frequency modulation (FM) radio receiver.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the broadcast signal receiver further comprises an amplitude modulation (AM) radio receiver.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an audio input switch for receiving the electrical audio information signal from the audio information access device and the audio communication signal from the receiver, and for directing the electrical audio information signal to the audio amplifier when the audio input switch is in a first state, and for directing the audio communication signal to the audio amplifier when the audio input switch is in a second state; and

a controller for determining whether the audio input switch is in the first state or the second state.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein

the transmitter further comprises a radio-frequency cellular telephone transmitter for generating an outgoing cellular telephone signal containing communication information necessary to establish cellular telephone communications with the emergency response service; and

the receiver further comprises a radio-frequency cellular telephone receiver for receiving an incoming cellular telephone signal from the emergency response service, and for generating an audio communication signal based upon the incoming cellular telephone signal.

10. An apparatus for providing a user with personal audio entertainment and wireless communication with an emergency response service, comprising:

a rigid housing constructed from lightweight materials;

an audio information access device disposed within the housing for accessing audio information from an audio information source, and for producing an electrical audio information signal based on the audio information;

a transmitter disposed within the housing for producing outgoing communication signals capable of reaching and being received by a private emergency response service and a public emergency response service, the transmitter, when activated, for producing a first outgoing communication signal containing information for the private emergency response service, and immediately after completion of communication with the private emergency response service, automatically producing a second outgoing communication signal to communicate with the public emergency response service;

a receiver disposed within the housing for receiving an incoming communication signal from the public emergency response service, and for generating an audio communication signal based upon the incoming communication signal;

an audio amplifier disposed within the housing for receiving and amplifying the electrical audio information signal and the audio communication signal to produce an amplified electrical audio information signal and an amplified audio communication signal; and

a sound production device electrically connected to the audio amplifier, for converting the amplified electrical audio information signal and the amplified audio communication signal into acoustical sound waves capable of being aurally perceived by the user.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the transmitter is further operable to produce, as the first outgoing communication signal, a paging signal containing information for identifying and indicating the location of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the transmitter is further operable to transmit the paging signal directly to the private emergency response service.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the transmitter is further operable to transmit the paging signal to a central paging service that forwards the information for identifying and indicating the location of the apparatus to the private emergency response service.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein

the transmitter further comprises a digital signal transmitter for generating an outgoing digitally-modulated signal containing communication information necessary to establish digital communications with the emergency response service; and

the receiver further comprises a digital signal receiver for receiving an incoming digitally-modulated signal from the emergency response service, and for generating an audio communication signal based upon the incoming digitally-modulated signal.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sound production device further comprises an earphone.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the sound production device further comprises a wireless earphone.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a visual alarm for alerting individuals in an area surrounding the apparatus that an emergency situation exists.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a microphone disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the transmitter, the microphone for generating electrical speech audio signals corresponding to vocal communications from the user; and

the transmitter receiving the electrical speech audio signals from the microphone and generating an outgoing communication signal based thereon.

19. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a location determining device for determining the location of the apparatus.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the location determining device includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for determining the location of the apparatus.

21. An electronic apparatus for providing a user access to audio information stored on a digital audio disc, and for providing wireless telephone communication with a public emergency response service and with a private emergency response service, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid housing constructed from lightweight materials;

a digital audio disc player disposed within the housing for accessing the audio information stored on the digital audio disc, and for generating an electrical audio information signal based upon the audio information;

only one large emergency response button disposed on the rigid housing, the emergency response button being the user's sole means for activating the apparatus to initiate wireless telephone communication with the public or private emergency response services, there being no control buttons for activating the apparatus to initiate wireless telephone communication other than the one emergency response button;

a single emergency response switch disposed within the rigid housing, a state of which is changed by pressing the one large emergency response button;

a controller for monitoring the state of the single emergency response switch, and for executing a plurality of emergency operations in response to a change in the state of the emergency response switch, the emergency operations including activating a transmitter to place an emergency telephone call to the one or more emergency response services;

a radio-frequency cellular telephone transmitter which, when activated by the controller, produces outgoing radio cellular signals, including a first outgoing cellular radio signal containing information for the private emergency response service, and immediately after completion of communication with the private emergency response service, automatically producing a second outgoing cellular radio signal to communicate with the public emergency response service,

a radio-frequency cellular telephone receiver disposed within the housing for receiving an incoming cellular telephone signal from the public emergency response service, and for generating an audio communication signal based upon the incoming cellular telephone signal;

an audio amplifier disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the digital audio disc player, for receiving and amplifying the electrical audio information signal and the audio communication signal to produce an amplified electrical audio information and an amplified audio communication signal; and

an earphone for receiving and converting the amplified electrical audio information signal and the amplified audio communication signal into acoustical sound waves capable of being aurally perceived by the user.

Description Submit all comments and votes

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention relates to personal wireless communication devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that combines a single-button emergency cellular telephone with a personal audio device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal audio devices, such as portable compact disc players, cassette tape players, and AM/FM stereo radios, have become increasingly popular with persons wishing to have audio entertainment on the go. Typically, these devices are small and lightweight, and are carried by the user in one hand, or are attached to the user's clothing, or strapped to the user's body. Such devices are frequently used by joggers, bikers, bicyclists, and others who want to combine personal audio entertainment with personal mobility.

Joggers, hikers, and bicyclists usually wish to minimize the weight they must carry so as to minimize the amount of energy expended. Therefore, one common characteristic of these users of personal audio devices is that they tend to travel as lightly as possible. Another common characteristic of these users of personal audio devices is that they tend to travel into areas where hazardous situations are plentiful. For example, hikers may travel into remote wilderness areas where natural hazards abound. Joggers may travel into city parks and through dark streets or alleys where they are susceptible to attack from muggers. All of these travelers need a way to summon help when they are injured or attacked.

Emergency response services, such as the familiar 911 service, provide individuals with a quick and easy way to contact emergency response personnel when an emergency situation arises. By providing a standardized method of contacting emergency personnel, these emergency response services are effective in reducing the amount of time necessary to respond to an emergency. In an emergency, the amount of time required to respond can often mean the difference between life and death.

With the advent of cellular telephone technology, it is now possible for a jogger, hiker, or bicyclist to carry a cellular telephone that allows them to contact an emergency response service from practically anywhere. However, the typical cellular telephone adds further weight, fills another pocket, and further impedes mobility. Another drawback associated with the typical cellular phone is the high cost of cellular service. Most cellular services charge a periodic fee, regardless of whether the user actually makes a cellular call during the service period.

Cellular devices and services have been offered that are limited to emergency use only. These devices have several buttons that allow a variety of emergency services such as fire, medical and police to be summoned. By restricting use of the cellular phone to emergency situations, the user can either avoid or defer some of the costs associated with a full service cellular phone. However, these prior art emergency devices have multiple buttons and functions which may cause confusion in an emergency situation. Because of the stress often associated with emergency situations, an operator of such a complex emergency communication device may fail to properly summon emergency personnel. Furthermore, these devices do not have the capability to summon individuals in the immediate area around the device that may be able to provide assistance.

Thus, both personal audio devices and cellular phones provide desirable benefits to persons on the go. The personal audio device provides entertainment, while the cellular phone provides peace of mind. However, when lightweight travel is a goal, it is undesirable to carry two separate electronic devices to provide these benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a user with personal audio entertainment, while also providing full duplex wireless communication with an emergency response service. The apparatus includes a rigid housing constructed from lightweight materials. Disposed within the housing is an audio information access device, such as a compact disc player, for accessing audio information from an audio information source, and for generating an electrical audio information signal based upon the audio information. The apparatus also includes a transmitter disposed within the housing for generating an outgoing communication signal that is capable of reaching and being received by the emergency response service. This outgoing communication signal contains communication information necessary to establish communications with the emergency response service. A receiver disposed within the housing receives an incoming communication signal from the emergency response service, and generates an audio communication signal based upon the incoming communication signal. An audio amplifier receives and amplifies the electrical audio information signal and the audio communication signal to produce an amplified electrical audio information signal and an amplified audio communication signal. The apparatus also has a sound production device electrically connected to the audio amplifier. The sound production device converts the amplified electrical audio information signal and the amplified audio communication signal into acoustical sound waves capable of being aurally perceived by the user.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a single emergency response switch on the apparatus, which is the user's sole means for activating the transmitter. When pressed, the emergency response switch activates the transmitter to generate the outgoing communication signal to establish communications with the emergency response service.

The apparatus includes an aural alarm such as a siren, and a visual alarm, such as a flashing light, to alert individuals in an area surrounding the apparatus that an emergency situation exists.

Thus, the present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by combining the functions of a personal audio device and the functions of an emergency cellular phone in a single package. The housing, battery, and several electronic components are used by both the personal audio device and the cellular phone, thus significantly reducing weight and volume as compared to having two separate devices.

Further, activation of the emergency cellular phone by use of a single emergency response switch makes contacting an emergency response service exceedingly simple. Thus, even in an extremely stressful situation, the emergency cellular phone is almost impossible to operate incorrectly. Furthermore, the simplicity of the device makes it especially adaptable for use by young children and physically or mentally impaired individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a combination personal audio compact disc player and emergency phone in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a combination personal audio cassette tape player and emergency phone in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a combination personal audio device and emergency phone;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a combination compact disc player and emergency phone in a personal audio mode;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the combination compact disc player and emergency phone in an emergency mode;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the combination compact disc player and emergency phone in an alarm mode;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a combination magnetic cassette tape player and emergency phone in a personal audio mode; and

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a combination AM/FM receiver and emergency phone in a personal audio mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown in FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a player/phone 2, that combines the entertainment of a personal audio device and the help-summoning capability of a "911" emergency phone. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the personal audio device is a compact disc (CD) player for playing digitally-encoded CD's. With the exception of a set of earphones 8, the electronic components of the player/phone 2 are all contained within a common housing 4. In the preferred embodiment of the player/phone 2, the housing 4 is a lightweight and rugged shell molded from high-impact thermoplastic. A user keypad 6, mounted on a surface of the housing 4, provides the user with CD player control functions, such as "play", "fast-forward", "fast-reverse", "eject", and other such functions.

Disposed on the housing 4 is a single large emergency response button 11, preferably red in color, and bearing a label such as "911". By pressing the emergency response button 11, the user closes an emergency response switch that is disposed within the housing 4. As discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the closing of this single switch activates the emergency cellular phone, and causes the phone to dial "911", or to dial any other phone number that is appropriate to contact an emergency response service. Thus, should the user encounter an emergency situation, the user can simply press the emergency response button 11 to summon help. Even if the user is incapacitated to the point where the user cannot see the button 11, the large size and shape of the button 11 make the button 11 easy to find and press.

In the preferred embodiment, once a communication channel is assigned to the player/phone 2 after the user has pressed the emergency response button 11, the player/phone 2 automatically contacts a private emergency response service. Preferably, this private service, to which the caller has previously subscribed, maintains a list of persons to contact when the caller presses the emergency response button 11. When cellular communications have been established between the private service and the player/phone 2, the player/phone 2 transmits information to the private service indicating the identity and location of the caller. The private service then forwards this information to the persons on the contact list, and informs the persons on the list that the caller is involved in an emergency situation in a particular location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the player/phone 2 contacts the private emergency response service by sending a paging message to a central paging service. The paging message contains (1) an identification number that has been assigned to the player/phone 2 from which the emergency call was made, (2) the time that the emergency call was made, (3) the telephone area code from which the emergency call was made, and, in one embodiment of the invention, (4) longitude/latitude coordinates of the location of the player/phone 2. Preferably, the player/phone 2 repeatedly transmits this paging message every five minutes from the time that the emergency response button 11 is pressed. The paging service forwards the paging message to the private emergency response service.

After the player/phone 2 has transmitted the identity/location information to the private emergency response service, the player/phone 2 automatically calls a public emergency response service, such as the familiar 911 service.

Once the player/phone 2 has established communication with the public emergency response service, the user may speak with the public emergency response personnel by speaking into the microphone 18 that is mounted in the housing 4. The user can hear the emergency personnel by way of the earphones 8. Outgoing and incoming cellular telephone signals are transmitted and received by way of an antenna 5 attached to the housing 4.

Also disposed on the housing 4 is an alarm button 13, bearing a label such as "Alarm". By pressing the alarm button 13, the user closes an alarm switch 14 (FIGS. 4-6) that is disposed within the housing 4. As discussed in greater detail below, closing the alarm switch 14 activates a high-volume audible alarm such as a siren-like sound, that emanates from a speaker 15 disposed within the housing 4. Under attack, or threat of attack, the user can press the alarm button 13 to scare away the attacker and summon help from persons who may be within hearing range of the alarm.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the player/phone 2 includes a high-intensity flashing light 16, such as a strobe light, disposed in the housing 4. As discussed in more detail below, the flashing light 16 serves as a visual alarm that is also activated when the user presses the alarm button 13. Thus, when the alarm button 13 is pressed, the player/p