Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20010028711?dq=5636223
Timestamp: 2015-03-04 09:38:16
Document Index: 392620123

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9']

Patent US20010028711 - System and method for accessing personal information relating to a caller in ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA telecommunication system for accessing personal information relating to a caller having a home network and being engaged in a call with a call taker in a remote network distal from the home network includes: (a) an internetwork communication system coupling a plurality of networks that includes the...http://www.google.com/patents/US20010028711?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20010028711 - System and method for accessing personal information relating to a caller in a remote telecommunication networkAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20010028711 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 09/798,206Publication dateOct 11, 2001Filing dateMar 2, 2001Priority dateMar 4, 2000Also published asUS6993118Publication number09798206, 798206, US 2001/0028711 A1, US 2001/028711 A1, US 20010028711 A1, US 20010028711A1, US 2001028711 A1, US 2001028711A1, US-A1-20010028711, US-A1-2001028711, US2001/0028711A1, US2001/028711A1, US20010028711 A1, US20010028711A1, US2001028711 A1, US2001028711A1InventorsJames Antonucci, Brian BarnierOriginal AssigneeAntonucci James T., Barnier Brian GlenExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (23), Classifications (19), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSystem and method for accessing personal information relating to a caller in a remote telecommunication network
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0055]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating selected elements of a prior art abbreviated number telecommunication system, manifested in a 9-1-1 system. In FIG. 1, a prior art 9-1-1 telecommunication system 10 includes a 9-1-1 tandem 12 connected with a selective router 14 and an ALI database 16. A plurality of service providers 18 are connected with 9-1-1 tandem 12. Service providers 18 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as representatively including an incumbent local exchange carrier #1 (ILEC1) 20, an incumbent local exchange carrier #2 (ILEC2) 22, an independent local exchange carrier (IndepLEC) 24, a wireless service provider (WSP) 26, a multi-services operator (MSO) 28, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) 30, and a private branch exchange (PBX) 32. Service providers 18 may also include other entities, as represented by a service provider �OTHER� 34 in FIG. 1. Service providers 18 provide telecommunication services to users (not shown in FIG. 1) including, as one communication service, a connection with a 9-1-1 emergency call service. System 10 is representative of a prior art 9-1-1 system in a large metropolitan area having several political jurisdictions. Thus, 9-1-1 tandem 12 serves a plurality of public safety answering positions (PSAPs) 36, such as PSAPI, PSAP2, PSAP3, PSAP4, PSAP5, and PSAPn. The term �PSAP� may also be used to refer to �public safety answering points�. [0056] Other emergency call entities 38 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as not connected with 9-1-1 tandem 12. Such entities are typically not included within a 9-1-1 system, yet often may find it advantageous to employ a system such as 9-1-1 system 10. Other entities 38 are representatively (yet, not exhaustively) illustrated in FIG. 1 as including college campuses 40, poison control centers 42, animal control agencies 44, private alarm companies 46, language translation providers 48, private roadside assistance agencies 50, federal agencies 52 and relay entities 54. [0057] The architecture of prior art 9-1-1 system 10 is centralized primarily around incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), such as ILECI 20 and ILEC2 22, and secondarily around political jurisdictions (not shown in FIG. 1). There are some cooperative agreements in effect, but they are another aspect of the �patchwork� nature of the prior art 9-1-1 systems represented by FIG. 1. The result is that prior art 9-1-1 systems, such as 9-1-1 system 10, are compartmentalized in structure, and cross-jurisdictional cooperation is not easily effected unless a group of jurisdictions�e.g., municipalities within a county-arrange to �hard wire� the connections necessary to accomplish cooperative structure. Sometimes a group of related PSAPs may make other special arrangements with a LEC (Local Exchange Carrier). Interconnection between carriers (i.e., service providers 18 in FIG. 1) or between wireline carriers and wireless carriers are cumbersome. One result is that such ad hoc cooperative system arrangements too often result in a fragile system susceptible to service interruption during disaster situations. It is in such disaster situations that such emergency service systems will be needed most, yet such systems are presently configured in manners lacking robust redundant and diverse route paths to existing 9-1-1 tandems from the service provider offices (e.g., service providers 18 in FIG. 1), or from PSAPs 36 (FIG. 1). [0058] Also of significant importance is the lack of connectivity between other entities 38 and 9-1-1 tandem 12 in prior art system 10. Such a lack of connectivity means that other entities 38 effect connection with a PSAP 36 via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), not shown in FIG. 1, like any other call made between subscribers. [0059] Another significant shortcoming of prior art 9-1-1 system 10 is difficulty in rerouting of calls to an appropriate PSAP 36 geographically proximate to a caller when a PSAP receives a misrouted 9-1-1 call, that is the caller is located not in an area served by the receiving PSAP 36. If a caller reveals his location to a human operator located within system 10 (most likely in association with operation of 9-1-1 tandem 12), the human operator can manually reroute the call to connect the call to a PSAP 36 most proximate to the caller's location. Selective router 14 identifies which PSAP is appropriate for handling a particular emergency based upon location information regarding the caller. Using information from selective router 14, a human operator may effect connection with the indicated appropriate PSAP; selective router 14 does not have a straightforward robust rerouting capability as is contemplated by the present invention. Selective router 14 may present a display on a screen to a human operator for selecting an appropriate PSAP for the call being considered. The human operator selects a PSAP from the display on the screen and presses a button to complete the call. In essence, the call completion is effected as a conference call. Such a call destination selection and completion arrangement is fraught with opportunities for human error, and ties up communication resources unnecessarily. [0060] ALI database 16 is just that�a data base. ALI database 16 cooperates with selective router 14 to facilitate the identification of an appropriate PSAP by selective router 14. However, no straightforward robust rerouting of calls to PSAPs proximate to a caller's locus is effected using ALI data base 16, selective router 14, or any combination of those devices. [0061]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating selected elements of the preferred embodiment of the abbreviated number telecommunication system of the present invention, manifested in a 9-1-1 system. In FIG. 2, an improved 9-1-1 system 60 includes a first emergency service complex (ESC1) 62 and a second emergency service complex (ESC2) 64. Preferably emergency service complexes ESC1 62 and ESC2 64 are substantially the same in structure and are arranged for parallel backup operational support for users of improved system 60. In order to simplify explanation of improved system 60, this description will focus upon connections and arrangements involving emergency service complex ESC1 62, with the understanding that parallel connections and arrangements are in place regarding emergency service complex ESC2 64. [0062] Emergency service complex ESC1 62 serves a plurality of service providers 66. As will be appreciated in greater detail in connection with FIG. 4, emergency service complex ESC1 62 is connected via a public telecommunication network (not shown in FIG. 2) with a significantly wider range of service providers 66 than were served by prior art 9-1-1 system 10 (FIG. 1). Thus, emergency service complex ESC1 62 serves service providers 66 including an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) 68, a wireless service provider (WSP) 70, an Internet service provider (ISP) 72, and other service providers 66 not specifically identified in FIG. 2. In fact, emergency service complex ESC1 62 may be connected via a public network, such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (not shown in FIG. 2) with any of the service providers 18 (FIG. 1), with any or all of the other entities 38 (FIG. 1), and with additional service providers not even contemplated for connection with prior art 9-1-1 system 10. Such additional service providers may include, by way of example, Internet service provider ISP 72 (FIG. 2). [0063] Service providers 66 provide telecommunication services of various milieux to callers, or users 74. The various telecommunication milieux contemplated by system 60 of the present invention includes any electronic transmission of information including, for example, voice, data and video communications, whether delivered via systems employing digital, analog, ISDN, optical, wireline, wireless, or other delivery technologies. Also included within the contemplated technological applicability of the present invention are voice, data or video signals delivered over the Internet, via satellite communications, or via other delivery media. [0064] A similarly broad array of communication milieux are also available to connect emergency service complex ESC1 62 with a plurality of public safety answering positions (PSAPs) 76, such as PSAP1, PSAP2, PSAP3, PSAP4, PSAP5, PSAP6, and PSAPn. Similar parallel communication capability is also available between emergency service complex ESC2 64 and service providers 66 and PSAPs 76. The connections relating to emergency service complex ESC2 64 are not fully displayed in FIG. 2 in order to keep the drawing simple for purposes of explaining the present invention. [0065] Emergency service complex ESC1 62 is configured much like a digital switching node in a public telecommunication network to include a network manager device 78 and a data communication manager device 80. Improved system 60 further includes a selective call router 82 and an ALI/enhanced ALI data base 84. Network manager device 78, data communication manager device 80 and selective call router 82 cooperate to effect location-based call routing, monitor system maintenance needs and carry out other administrative functions. ALI/enhanced ALI data base 84 is substantially similar to such data bases used in present enhanced 9-1-1 systems, and provides additional information relating to callers using the 9-1-1 system, such as special medical needs, handicaps, medication needs and similar information that can be provided by subscribers, or callers, for use in case of an emergency. [0066] Preferably emergency service complex ESC1 62 also includes a reporting data base and utility 86 for ascertaining certain operational characteristics regarding emergency service complex ESC1 62 and improved system 60. For example, reporting data base and utility 86 may be configured to allow managers of improved system 60 to determine how many calls are not reaching an appropriate PSAP 76 within a prescribed time, whether changes in routing criteria might be useful in balancing loads on PSAPs 76, and similar information. [0067] A preferred embodiment of emergency service complex ESC1 62 further includes a mapping capability 88 capable of interpreting geographical information received relating to callers and displaying an indication of such geographic information on a map at emergency service complex ESC1 62, selected PSAPs 76 or elsewhere as an aid to human operators or others. A preferred embodiment of emergency service complex ESC1 62 also includes an automatic call distributor (ACD) 90. ACD 90 effects routing of calls to appropriate PSAPs 76 based upon information provided by selective call router 82. It must be emphasized here that selective call router 14 of prior art system 10 (FIG. 1) relates only street address information with PSAPs, and is not configured for or capable of comprehensive global geographic location determination as is contemplated with the present invention. The configuration of emergency service complex ESC1 62 with a telecommunication switch capability appropriate for operation within a PSTN (including virtual private networks, private networks and other limited access network configurations) as a �full participant� station operating as a telecommunication system node, as contemplated by the present invention, means that selective router 82 of improved system 60 may identify and effect routing to any PSAP reachable by the PSTN. [0068] The present invention contemplates improved system 60 being configured for full participation in a global telecommunication network (not shown in FIG. 2) as a substantially fully cognizant telecommunication switching capability. As a consequence of the fully capable network configuration of the present invention, improved system 60 can receive calls from any user connected with a global telecommunication network through service providers connected to the global network. Thus, geographic information relating to callers' loci will be received relating to a plurality of communication milieux: plain old telephone system (POTS), wireless telephones, satellite telephones, Internet connections, and data delivered by any of those conveyances. Being connected with the global network as a fully capable entity, improved system 60 may interpret geographic information received relating to callers' loci on a global basis. Further, because of the global access available to improved system 60 via the global network, connection to PSAPs may be effected worldwide depending upon the geographic information received. [0069] Thus, for example, a caller located in Arizona placing an emergency service call to a private roadside assistance agency situated in Michigan may be serviced by a local action agency (e.g., police, fire, emergency medical service or towing company) because the Michigan roadside assistance agency routed the call to a Michigan emergency service complex (ESC) along with geographic information embedded in call set up data identifying the caller's location in Arizona. The ESC in Michigan can recognize the geographic relevance of the embedded information to route the call (via the global network through its network manager capability) to the appropriate PSAP most proximate to the caller's locus in Arizona. [0070] Such geographic information may indicate location of a switch or service provider (e.g., ILEC, ALEC, WSP) handling the abbreviated number call. The geographic information may be derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) information, or triangulated information from a plurality of wireless service towers to estimate position of a wireless caller. Another type of geographic information may relate to the Internet service provider access point used by the caller to send a message, or any other geographic information appropriate to estimate the locus of the caller placing the abbreviated number call. [0071] The present invention also contemplates that an emergency service complex, such as emergency service complex ESC1 62 (FIG. 2) will have an Internet connected capability. Using such a capability, for example, an operator at emergency service complex ESC1 62 could click on an appropriate button on a tool bar display on a computer screen to effect desired connections, including Internet communications connections. One embodiment of this novel capability is to establish an emergency services �chat window� to facilitate exchange of information between an operator associated with ESC1 62 and a caller accessing the emergency service system via the Internet. [0072]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art employment of an abbreviated number system in a telecommunication network, manifested in a 9-1-1 system. In FIG. 3, a �country� 100 includes �states� 102, 104, 106, 108. State 104 includes two �counties� 110, 112. Country 100 is served by a telecommunication network 114. [0073] State 102 has an emergency service tandem T1. Tandem T1 is connected with public safety answering position (PSAP) P1; PSAP P1 has communication links with local police (P), fire (F) and emergency medical (E) agencies. Tandem T1 is also connected with central office CO1, the local telephonic service provider for state 102. Central office CO1 supports and is connected with wireline users U1a, U1b, U1c, U1d. Central office CO1 is connected with network 114. [0074] State 104 has two counties 110, 112. County 110 has two emergency service tandems T21, T22, both of which tandems T21, T22 are connected with a PSAP P2; PSAP P2 has communication links with local police (P), fire (F) and emergency medical (E) agencies. Tandem T21 is connected with central offices CO211, CO212. Central office CO211 supports and is connected with wireline users U212a, U212b. Central Office CO212 supports and is connected with wireline users U212a, U212b. Central offices CO211, CO212 are each connected with network 114. Tandem T22 is connected with central offices CO221, CO222. Central office CO221 supports and is connected with wireline users U221a, U221b, U221c. Central Office CO222 supports and is connected with wireline users U222a, U222b, U222c. Central offices CO221, CO222 are each connected with network 114. County 112 has an emergency service tandem T3 connected with a PSAP P3. Tandem T3 is connected with a central office CO3. Central office CO3 supports and is connected with wireline users U3a, U3b. Central office CO3 is connected with network 114. [0075] State 106 has an emergency service tandem T4. Tandem T4 is connected with public safety answering position (PSAP) P4; PSAP P4 has communication links with local police (P), fire (F) and emergency medical (E) agencies (not shown in FIG. 3). Tandem T4 is also connected with central offices CO41, CO42 . Central office CO41 supports and is connected with wireline users U41a, U41b. Central office CO42 supports and is connected with wireline users U42a, U42b. Central offices CO41, CO42 are connected with network 114. [0076] State 108 has an emergency service tandem T5. Tandem T5 is connected with public safety answering position (PSAP) P5; PSAP P5 has communication links with local police (P), fire (F) and emergency medical (E) agencies (not shown in FIG. 3). Tandem T5 is also connected with central offices CO51, CO52 . Central office CO51 supports and is connected with wireline users U51a, U51b, U51c. Central office CO52 supports and is connected with wireline users U52a, U52b. Tandem T5 may also be connected with wireless service provider (WSP) WSP5 and Internet service provider (ISP) ISP5. The dotted lines connecting WSP5 and ISP5 with tandem T5 are intended to indicate that such a direct connection is not always established; wireless service providers and Internet service providers often communicate with 9-1-1 systems only via the PSTN. In FIG. 3, wireless service provider WSP5 supports mobile users MU5a, MU5b, MU5c, MU5d, MU5e. Internet service provider ISP5 supports Internet users (not shown in FIG. 3). Central offices CO51, CO52 are connected with network 114. [0077] It is important to note in connection with the prior art arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 the lack of direct connection between any tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 with network 114. Thus, the only connection of any tandem with network 114 is via a respective central office. [0078]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating employment of an abbreviated number system in a telecommunication network, manifested in a 9-1-1 system, according to the present invention. In the interest of avoiding prolixity and keeping the explanation of the present invention straightforward and simple, a detailed description of FIG. 4 repeating aspects of FIG. 4 that are the same as were illustrated in FIG. 3 will not be undertaken. The tandems, central offices, users, wireless service provider and Internet service provider are all in the same locations and labeled using the same terminology in FIG. 4 as they are in FIG. 3. An important difference in FIG. 4 is that all connections between a tandem and a central office, a wireless service provider, or an Internet service provider have been removed. Also, each tandem is directly connected with network 114. Thus, in state 102, tandem T1 remains connected with PSAP P1, but is not connected with central office CO1. In state 104, Tandem T21 remains connected with PSAP P2, but is not connected with central offices CO21, CO22. Similarly, tandem T22 remains connected with PSAP P2, but is not connected with central offices CO221, CO222. Tandem T3 remains connected with PSAP P3, but is not connected with central office CO3. In state 108, tandem T5 remains connected with PSAP P5, but is not connected with central offices CO51, CO52, not connected with wireless service provider WSP5, and not connected with Internet service provider ISP5. [0079] In fact, direct connections between tandems and PSAPs are not strictly required by the present invention; all connections with tandems may be effected via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), such as network 114 in FIG. 4. Direct connection with a service provider such as a central office, a wireless service provider or an Internet provider may be established, if desired. However, such direct connections are not required to advantageously employ the structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0080] All tandems T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 are connected with network 114. Connection with network 114 is the only connection that any tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 needs to have with any service provider, with any other tandem, or with any PSAP. Of importance is the fact that connection with network 114 effects connection between each tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 and any PSAP P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 in state 100. [0081] Providing each tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 with network switching and management capabilities, as by including selective call router 82, automatic call distributor 90, network manager device 78 and data manager device 80 (FIG. 2), ensures that each tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5 can fully employ geographic information accompanying a call to effect routing of the call to the most proximate PSAP P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 to the caller's locus for providing assistance. Further, the network connection simplifies such routing to a proximate PSAP whatever the communication milieu employed to convey the call; all of the calls eventually are conveyed over network 114 to a tandem T1, T21, T22, T3, T4, T5, and all calls for dispatching assistance are likewise conveyed over network 114. [0082] The desired pairing of emergency service complexes (ESC) for redundancy in case of disaster can be easily established using known network design and planning techniques, thereby avoiding installation of expensive hard wiring to effect desired parallelism. Further, using network management techniques backup capabilities may be established �on the fly� in case both a primary and a backup ESC are incapacitated. No hard wiring among tandems is necessary to establish redundancy or robustness in the system. All that is required is rerouting of calls within network 114 to create redundancy and back up arrangements, a network management software exercise. [0083] Reference has been made earlier to geographic information accompanying calls. Such geographic information may include routing information within a network identifying the portal at which the call entered the network. For Internet communications (voice or data), the local access number employed to initiate the Internet service may provide a geographic indication of a caller's locus. Global Positioning System (GPS) information, or some other multi-dimensional coordinate locating system, may be employed for locating callers using wireless or satellite communication means. Other sorts of geographic information may as well be employed in connection with practicing the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. [0084]FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, manifested in a 9-1-1 system. In FIG. 5, the method is intended for use for handling abbreviated calls in a telecommunication network including an array of switches, junctions, communication channels, customer-operated communication devices and telecommunication service providing stations connected to facilitate electronic communication among a plurality of stations using a plurality of communication milieux (not shown in FIG. 5). The method 170 begins with the step of routing the abbreviated number call via the telecommunication network to an abbreviated number call processing center, as indicated by a block 172. The illustrative embodiment employed for explaining the invention in FIG. 5 is a 9-1-1 emergency services call in the United States. Thus, block 172 is labeled to indicate that the abbreviated number call is a 9-1-1 call routed to an emergency service complex (ESC) via a public switched telephone network (PSTN). [0085] The method continues with evaluating geographic information received with the abbreviated number call to ascertain the locus of the caller originating the abbreviated number call, as indicated by a block 174. Such geographic information may indicate location of a switch or service provider (e.g., ILEC, ALEC, WSP, ISP) handling the abbreviated number call. The geographic information may be derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) information, or triangulated information from a plurality of wireless service towers to estimate position of a wireless caller, or any other geographic information appropriate to estimate the locus of the caller placing the abbreviated number call. [0086] The method continues with selecting at least one abbreviated number call answering station (e.g., a public safety answering position�PSAP), as indicated by a block 176. The abbreviated number call is then routed to at least one abbreviated number call answering station, as indicated by a block 178. The at least one abbreviated number call answering station receiving the abbreviated call evaluates the content or nature of the call to ascertain the service required by the caller, as indicated by a block 180. Based upon the evaluation conducted according to block 180, the at least one abbreviated number call answering station chooses an abbreviated number action agency for response to the abbreviated number call, as indicated by a block 182. The selected action agency is notified of the action required by the abbreviated number call, as representatively indicated by a block 184 (in which case the response required may be provided by a police agency), a block 186 (in which case the response required may be provided by a fire agency), and a block 188 (in which case the response required may be provided by an emergency medical service agency). [0087] A further step of the method, not shown in FIG. 5, may involve actually routing the abbreviated number call to the action agency for handling directly with the caller. Even further, the abbreviated number call may be routed to the responding unit dispatched by the action agency to the scene, such as a police patrol car or an ambulance. [0088] It is desirable to be able to provide additional, or supplemental information beyond merely providing a caller's phone number and street address to a special number answering station, such as a public safety answering station (PSAP) in an emergency services system. In an emergency services system, for example, useful supplemental information may include language requirements, handicapped person status, oxygen tanks on premises, blood type or other special medical information, or other details of interest to emergency service personnel responding to calls. It is advantageous for such supplemental information to be provided to a PSAP coincident with the routing of an emergency service 9-1-1 voice call to the PSAP for action and response. [0089] It is also desirable that additional notification be possible for special number call systems, such as emergency service systems. For example, it may be desirable for one to receive notification that a 9-1-1 -call has been placed from a particular residence. Further, notification may be advantageously sent to a destination medical facility for emergency service personnel responding to a service request. Such a notification may advantageously include some of the supplemental information described above. In such manner, a medical facility may be forewarned of special circumstances involving a patient who is expected to arrive soon. [0090] Earlier architectures to provide expanded notification capabilities for emergency service systems have contemplated establishing a private network for effecting the desired additional notifications. Such an approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,670 issued Sep. 8, 1998, to Pons, et al, for �Private Notification System for Communicating 9-1-1 Information�. While such private networks accomplish notification, they are expensive to install, require separate maintenance and sometimes require special maintenance. [0091] It would be advantageous to provide a system for providing supplemental data, or information, in a special number system, such as a 9-1-1 emergency service system, that exists within existing public switched telephone networks (PSTNs). In this context, the PSTN is regarded as including any publicly accessible phone network, including wireless service networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), satellite telephone networks, paging networks and the like. [0092] Thus, the protocol by which a PSAP and a telephone central office operate and cooperate for emergency service calls is configured to enable queries directly from a PSAP to a notification database or a supplemental information database resident in the PSTN. Similar improvements to the system operating protocol enable updates to be made to the databases by the PSAP. One embodiment of the present invention provides that expanded service may be subscribed to by customers in order to receive additional notification. For example, a customer may subscribe to the expanded service to be notified whenever a 9-1-1 call is placed from his home. Notification may be effected to a cellular phone, an office phone, a pager, an Internet address, or another receiving station, or a combination of receiving stations. [0093] Maintaining supplemental information and notification information in separate databases from operational PSTN equipment serves to avoid unnecessary loading of operational equipment that may otherwise slow routine operations. [0094] Thus, a notification bridge, or other communication junction device, may be located in a licensed exchange carrier's (LEC's), or other telecommunication service provider's, automatic location identification (ALI) system to operate as a gateway between a public service answering station (PSAP) and the notification database and supplemental information database (the additional data bases) in order to exchange data between the PSAP and one or both of the additional data bases. The additional databases may be located at a different site than the telecommunication service provider, such as at a notification facility. The invention is preferably embodied in a new two-way end-to-end emergency service supplemental data and notification (ESSDN) protocol between a computer aided dispatch system at a PSAP and one or both of the additional data bases, preferably situated in association with a notification bridge arrangement. The present invention effects communications between the computer aided dispatch system (preferably at the PSAP) and the notification bridge (preferably in the Automatic Location Indication (ALI) system at the telecommunication service provider), and effects communications between the notification bridge and one or both of the additional data bases. [0095] This system arrangement embodying the present invention provides advantages. During the processing of an ALI query from the PSAP, the ALI system may determine that the request has supplemental data associated with it. In such a case, the notification bridge poses a query to the communication bridge, or other communication junction device, which passes it to the notification database at a notification facility. Notification may be effected by paging, call center activity, cellular phone, wireline phone, Internet communications, satellite communications or another telecommunication milieux. [0096] Supplemental data is returned from the notification database to the PSAP through the communication bridge via the PSTN to the notification bridge in the ALI system. The ALI system then passes the information to the computer aided dispatch system (at the PSAP) on the existing ALI link to the PSAP. Depending upon details of the implementation of the system, the response by the ALI system to an ALI query from the PSAP may be suspended until the supplemental data is retrieved. Alternatively, an initial ALI response may be sent to the PSAP immediately and the supplemental data sent at a later time when it is received from the notification database. [0097] The computer aided dispatch system may make a request for supplemental data. An example of this is a manual request by a call taker to get supplemental data for a current or previous emergency service caller. In the case of a manual request the computer aided dispatch system may pass the request with appropriate parameters to the notification bridge in the ALI system. The notification bridge will recognize the request and forward it to an appropriate notification database, if there is more than one notification database. The notification database returns the supplemental data to the notification bridge in the ALI system. The ALI system passes the information to the computer aided dispatch subsystem at the PSAP. [0098] The computer aided dispatch subsystem may request that the supplemental data be forwarded to another agency. This may occur simultaneously with the transfer of the voice call or independent from any voice call. The request for forwarding will be sent, along with the supplemental data to be forwarded, from the computer aided dispatch subsystem to the notification bridge subsystem. The notification bridge subsystem will preferably have intelligence regarding where to transfer the information, or it will query the notification database for the required transfer information. [0099] The invention is exercised as a two-way end-to-end query/response message base protocol between the computer aided (preferably at the PSAP) and the notification database subsystem, traversing the notification bridge subsystem in the ALI system. The invention passes requests from the PSAP to the notification database. The notification database contains emergency care information and notification information regarding a subscriber to the service. The PSAP will query for this information by sending, at a minimum, the telephone number and PSAP position requesting the information. The notification database will return the subscriber information in a form to be displayed or printed (or both) at the PSAP. [0100]FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a prior art system for providing emergency service communication in a telecommunication network. In FIG. 6, an emergency service system 200 includes an automatic location information (ALI) system 210 and a notification system 212. ALI system 210 includes at least one ALI manager unit 214, 216 and an ALI Database 218 located at a telecommunication service provider 220. More than one ALI database may be employed. ALI system 210 also includes a public safety answering position (PSAP) 222. PSAP 222 includes at least one call taker station 224, 226. Call taker stations 224, 226 are connected with ALI manager units 214, 216, and are also connected with a common server 228 and computer workstations 230, 232. Further included in PSAP 222 are communication junctions 234, 236. Communication junctions 234, 236 are appropriate communication interface devices to effect communication with a private communication network 238 establishing communications between PSAP 222 and notification system 212. Communication junctions 234, 236 may be such devices as routers, modems, or other appropriate devices to establish and maintain communications through private communication network 238. [0101] Notification system 212 includes a notification data center 240 and a notification interface center 242. Notification data center 240 includes a notification database 244, a field bridge 246 and a communication junction device 248. Notification database 244, field bridge 246 and communication junction device 248 are in communicative connection via a communication bridge 250. [0102] Notification interface center 242 includes at least one call taker station 252, 254. Call taker stations 252, 254 are connected with an automatic call distributor device 256. Call taker stations 253, 254 are also connected with communication bridge 250 and, therefore, are communicatively connected with notification database 244, field bridge 246 and communication junction device 248. Private communication network 238 is also connected with communication bridge 250. Thus, private network 238 communicatively connects PSAP 222 with all elements of notification system 212 via communication bridge 250. [0103] Communication junction device 248 is configured for providing communication interface with Internet communication networks or facilities, for example via Internet 260 with an end user/subscriber 262. Field bridge 246 is configured for providing notice to wireless notice recipients 264 using wireless technologies such as pagers, cellular phones, satellite phones, wireless Internet communications, or other wireless communication protocols. [0104] Call taker stations 252, 254 are inbound/outbound communication contact points for notification system 212. As inbound communication contact points, call taker stations 252, 254 receive calls from subscribers who are calling notification system 212 in response to a 9-1-1 notification event. Another finction of call taker stations 252, 254 acting as inbound communication contact points may be to receive administrative calls from subscribers and from others seeking to subscribe. Administrative details, such as altering instructions regarding circumstances under which notification is to be effected, are fielded by call taker stations 252, 254. As outbound communication contact points, call taker stations 252, 254 may be employed for calling a subscriber-identified phone number or a call list to be notified in case of a 9-1-1 notification event. During slack periods, call taker stations 252, 254 may be employed to solicit new subscribers for notification system 212. [0105] In operation, emergency service system 200 may receive a 9-1-1 call that is routed to PSAP 222 (routing is not shown in FIG. 6). A call taker station 224, 226 receives caller-related information from an automatic location indicator (ALI) manager unit 214, 216 working in conjunction with ALI database 218. Included in the information provided to call taker station 224, 226 is an indication that supplemental information is available for the caller presently engaged with PSAP 222. That is, ALI manager unit 214, 216 identifies the extant caller as a subscriber for expanded information service, or for 9-1-1 notification service or for both services. In prior art emergency service system 200 of FIG. 6, PSAP call taker station 224, 226 communicates with notification system 212 via a communication junction 234, 236, private communication network 238 and communication bridge 250 to receive supplemental information and, if applicable, to advise notification system 212 that a notification subscriber is on line. Notification system 212 will pick appropriate supplemental information from notification database 244 and pass the information to PSAP 222 via communication bridge 250 and private communication network 238. If the caller is a notification service subscriber, notification system 212 will also pick appropriate notification information from notification database 244 and, via communication bridge 250, effect notification using a communication milieu as directed by the subscriber�either wirelessly via field bridge 246, via the Internet through communication junction device 248, or via wireline phone through a call taker station 252, 254 and automatic call distributor 256. Notification arrangements with the calling subscriber may involve more than one milieu for notification. [0106]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a system for providing emergency service communication in a telecommunication network. In FIG. 7, an emergency service system 270 includes an emergency service request acquisition subsystem 272 and a notification facility 274. [0107] Acquisition subsystem 272 includes at least one ALI manager unit 276, 278 and an ALI Database 280 located at a telecommunication service provider 282. More than one ALI database may be employed. Telecommunication service provider 282 also includes at least one communication junction device 279, 281. Communication junction devices 279, 281 are appropriate communication interface devices to effect communication via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), represented in FIG. 7 by network connections 283, 285. Thus, emergency service acquisition subsystem 272 establishes communications with notification facility 274 using communication junction devices 283, 285 and the PSTN. In this context, the PSTN is regarded as including any publicly accessible phone network, including wireless service networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), satellite telephone networks, paging networks and the like. Communication junction devices 279, 281 may be such devices as routers, modems, or other appropriate devices to establish and maintain communications through the PSTN. [0108] Acquisition subsystem 272 also includes a dispatch facility embodied in a public safety answering position (PSAP) 284. PSAP 284 includes at least one call taker station 286, 288. Call taker stations 286, 288 are connected with ALI manager units 276, 278, and are also connected with a common server 290 and computer workstations 292, 294. [0109] Notification facility 274 includes a notification data center 296 and a notification interface center 298. Notification data center 296 includes at least one notification database 300, 302; at least one supplemental database 304; an automatic notification unit 306; at least one communication junction device 308, 310, 312; and an order entry call station 314. Notification databases 300, 302; supplemental database 304; automatic notification unit 306; communication junction device 312; and order entry call station 314 are in communicative connection via a communication bridge 320. [0110] Communication junction devices 308, 310 are appropriate communication interface devices to effect communication via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), represented in FIG. 7 by network connections 283, 285. Thus, communication junction devices 308, 310 participate in the establishment of communications between notification facility 274 and emergency service acquisition subsystem 272 using communication junction devices 283, 285 and the PSTN. Communication junction devices 308, 310 may be such devices as routers, modems, or other appropriate devices to establish and maintain communications through the PSTN. [0111] Communication junction devices 308, 310 are illustrated in FIG. 7 as being connected with notification databases 300, 302. In an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, communication junction devices 308, 310 may be connected with communication bridge 320. Using such an alternate arrangement, ALI manager units 276, 278 and their associated ALI database 280 are in communication with notification databases 300, 302; supplemental database 304; automatic notification unit 306; communication junction device 312; and order entry call station 314 via the PSTN and communication bridge 320 using communication junction devices 279, 281, 308, 310. [0112] Notification interface center 298 includes at least one call taker station 322, 324. Call taker stations 322, 324 are connected with an automatic call distributor device 326. Call taker stations 322, 324 are also connected with communication bridge 320 and, therefore, are communicatively connected with notification databases 300, 302; supplemental database 304; automatic notification unit 306; communication junction device 312; and order entry call station 314. Call taker stations 322, 324 may also be in communication with emergency service request acquisition subsystem 272 when using the alternate embodiment described above by which communication junction devices 308, 310 are connected with communication bridge 320. [0113] Communication junction device 312 is configured for providing communication interface with Internet communication networks or facilities, for example via Internet 328 with an end user/subscriber 330. Automatic notification unit 306 is configured for providing notice to wireless notice recipients 332 using wireless technologies such as pagers, cellular phones, satellite phones, wireless Internet communications, or other wireless communication protocols. [0114] Call taker stations 322, 324 are inbound/outbound communication contact points for notification facility 274. As inbound communication contact points, call taker stations 322, 324 receive calls from subscribers who are calling notification facility 274 in response to a 9-1-1 notification event. Another function of call taker stations 322, 324 acting as inbound communication contact points may be to receive administrative calls from subscribers and from others seeking to subscribe. Administrative details, such as altering instructions regarding circumstances under which notification is to be effected, are fielded by call taker 322, 324. Order entry call station 314 may perform similar incoming communication contact point functions, especially when call taker stations 322, 324 are busy with outbound communication contact point functions. As outbound communication contact points, call taker stations 322, 324 may be employed for calling a subscriber-identified phone number or a call list to be notified in case of a 9-1-1 notification event. [0115] In operation, emergency service system 270 may receive a 9-1-1 call that is routed to PSAP 284 (routing is not shown in FIG. 7). A call taker station 286, 288 receives caller-related information from an automatic location indicator (ALI) manager unit 276, 278 working in conjunction with ALI database 280. Included in the information provided to call taker station 286, 288 is an indication that supplemental information is available for the caller presently engaged with PSAP 284. That is, ALI manager unit 276, 278 identifies the extant caller as a subscriber for expanded information service, or for 9-1-1 notification service or for both services. PSAP call taker station 286, 288 communicates with notification facility 274 via phone connections with telecommunication service provider 282. That is, call taker station 276, 278 communicates via the PSTN using communication junction devices 279, 281, 308, 310 to receive supplemental information and, if applicable, to advise notification facility 274 that a notification subscriber is on line. Notification facility 274 will pick appropriate supplemental information from notification database 300, 302 or supplemental database 304 and pass the information via communication junction devices 308, 310, 279, 281 and the PSTN to telecommunication service provider 282 for further transfer to PSAP 284. If the caller is a notification service subscriber, notification facility 274 will also pick appropriate notification information from notification database 300, 302 or supplemental database 304 and, via communication bridge 320, effect notification using a communication milieu as directed by the subscriber -either wirelessly via automatic notification unit 306, via the Internet through communication junction device 312, or via wireline phone through a call taker station 322, 324 and automatic call distributor 326. Notification arrangements with the calling subscriber may involve more than one milieu for notification. [0116] PSAP call taker station 286, 288 may also communicate with notification facility 274 via a router 400 connecting with a public service intranet 402. Public service intranet 402 may be connected with communication bridge 320 via communication junction device 312, or via another dedicated communication junction device (not shown in FIG. 7). Public service intranet 402 affords additional communications capability to call taker stations 286, 288. Such additional communication capability may be used advantageously, for example, for after-call activities, such as data transfer relating to the hospital to which a person has been taken for treatment, or to convey similar information. [0117]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method related to the present invention. In FIG. 8, the method is intended for use in providing expanded emergency service communication in a telecommunication network including an array of switches, junctions, communication channels, user-operated communication devices and telecommunication service providing stations connected to facilitate electronic communication among a plurality of stations using a plurality of communication milieux (not shown in FIG. 8). The method 350 begins with the step of providing, in no particular order, as indicated by a block 352: [0118] 1. A service request acquisition subsystem for receiving emergency service requests from a requesting a caller via at least one of the user-operated communication devices, as indicated by a block 354. An example of such a service request acquisition subsystem is emergency service request acquisition subsystem 272 (FIG. 7). [0119] 2. An information store for storing pertinent information relating to selected of the requesting callers, as indicated by a block 356. An example of such an information store is supplemental data base 304 (FIG. 7). Pertinent information includes expanded emergency service information relating to callers who have subscribed to the service contemplated as being provided pursuant to the practice of the method of the invention. [0120] 3. A notification facility for storing information relating to arrangements for notifying selected expanded service subscribers pursuant to predetermined criteria, as indicated by a block 358. An example of such a notification facility is notification facility 274 (FIG. 7). Predetermined criteria may be established by subscribers to the service contemplated as being provided pursuant to the practice of the method of the invention, such as under what circumstances a subscriber wishes to be notified of a 9-1-1 event. [0121] 4. A dispatch facility for receiving at least some of the pertinent information relating to affected requesting callers associated with an extant emergency service request, as indicated by a block 360. [0122] The method continues with the step of effecting transfer of at least some of the pertinent information to the dispatch facility based upon emergency request information acquired by the acquisition subsystem relating to the extant emergency service request, as indicated by a block 362. For example information in ALI database 280 (FIG. 7) may be flagged for callers who have subscribed to an expanded information service, or to a notification service or to both services. Such flagged records will alert a call taker station 286, 288 at PSAP 284 to request expanded information from notification facility 274 via telecommunication service provider 282 using the PSTN, all as described in detail in connection with FIG. 7. [0123] The method may include the additional step of effecting notification of selected expanded services subscribers based upon emergency service request information relating to the extant emergency service request, as indicated by a block 364. It is not required that the steps represented by blocks 362, 364 be performed in any particular order, nor is it required that both steps be performed. That is, subscribers may subscribe to one service (expanded information and notification) or they may subscribe to only one service. Further, for subscribers who subscribe to both services, the method does not require that one of the services be rendered before the other service; the provision of the two services�expanded information and notification�are independent of each other. [0124] Current implementations of enhanced automatic location indication (ALI) information systems are confined to specific emergency response agencies or local exchange carriers (LECs). As wireless telephone units and traffic increase as a proportion of total phone sets in use, both in North America and around the world, the need for tracking and transmission of enhanced ALI information by wireless users will also increase. Enhanced ALI information includes such information as medical condition, doctor contacts, treatment requirements, emergency contacts, travel schedule and other information. [0125] What is needed is a globally accessible enhanced ALI database available to all public safety answering positions (PSAPs) accessing information stored by various wireless carriers or third-party enhanced ALI service providers, such as airlines or travel/auto clubs. The required database may be implemented in a variety of physical configurations depending upon the required capacity of a specific system, geographic coverage relative to transport needs and costs, proportions of local queries versus long distance queries to the database, and redundancy and reliability requirements. It is useful to have enhanced ALI information available regarding both the individual placing a call as well as regarding contact parties to be notified. [0126] A useful implementation for enhanced ALI information handling involves interaction between specifically equipped call handling equipment that directs the enhanced ALI information to more narrowly defined data fields in computer / telephony interface call handling equipment rather than providing all information in a long string text variable. Such data manipulation enables call handling equipment to present the information to a call taker in a more useful format as well as enables launching of various program sub-routines in response to the information. Examples include programming a button with a listed doctor's or other contact's telephone number, accessing emergency response protocol information based on medical condition, or other data handling and display arrangements. [0127] Because multiple parties with varying enhanced ALI information could make use of a single telephone, and because information is stored by telephone number, it is useful to provide a system that accommodates personal identification devices that would electronically, and without direct physical contact, identify a caller to the telephone device/terminal equipment being used to access the emergency services call system. Telephones or terminal devices may be configured to relay personal identification information to an enhanced ALI system for relay to the PSAP. Such personal identification devices are preferably small�on the order of the size of a personal medallion�with a transmit range of a few feet to a receiving device in a telephone or other terminal equipment. The terminal equipment receives the signal, decodes the signal to an identification code to be transmitted with the dialed digits to the emergency services complex (ESC). At the ESC the call may be analyzed and routed to the appropriate PSAP with appropriate enhanced ALI information attached. Voice print technology may also be advantageously employed in effecting personal identification for use with the invention. Such an improved system for providing enhanced ALI information has the advantage of accommodating wireless callers to the emergency services call system, in addition to the wireline callers served by earlier systems. [0128] In contemporary emergency service call systems, emergency callers speaking a non-official language are placed on hold by a call taker in the public safety answering position (PSAP). The call taker then carries out several steps to dial a translation center, to provide the PSAP's identification number to the translation center, and to execute a conference call to connect the emergency caller with the translation center. There is a need for a simpler, more efficient way to bring an emergency services caller in contact with a translator for handling calls in a non-official language. For purposes of this application, an official language is a language for which an emergency services call facility (such as a PSAP) regularly staffs for translation. A non-official language is a language for which there is not regular staffing at the PSAP, but for which a translator may be made available by phone. An improved system for bringing an emergency caller in contact with a translator contemplates providing a one-button (or otherwise easily activated) bridged connection to a translation center, the emergency services caller, the PSAP call taker, and the action agency responding to the extant emergency. The improved system further provides automatic transmission of the PSAP's identification number to the translation center. [0129] The improved system may be embodied partly in the emergency response telephony network, partly in call centers/PSAPs and partly at the translation center. By way of example, the emergency response telephony network provides the bridging components and capability. The call centers/PSAPs provide a computer-telephone interface (CTI) one-button �click� capability to set up the required communication bridge. Similarly simple CTI commands may be established to retrieve enhanced ALI information based upon the phone number of the emergency service caller that indicates the presence of a non-official language speaker. The translation center provides a CTI interface to retrieve the PSAP's identification number. An alternative to sending the PSAP's identification number as part of the voice link is to send the information on a data link triggered by the PSAP's voice bridging set-up event. [0130] Such an improved bridging system would find usefulness in other aspects of PSAP operations. It provides added speed in connecting concerned parties, such as a caller and a translator. Such bridging arrangements also reduce the risk of disconnected calls in place of the conferencing approach now employed. Still further, by providing a bridge, the PSAP call taker has the flexibility to exit the call if necessary. Conferencing requires the conferencing party (i.e., the PSAP call taker, in this situation) to remain connected in order to keep the call connected. [0131]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art implementation of a personal information access system. In FIG. 9, a geographic area 900 includes city 902 (other cities are not illustrated in detail in FIG. 9 in order to keep FIG. 9 uncomplicated). Geographic area 900 is served by a plurality of public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) PSTN1, PSTN2, PSTN3, PSTNn. There is usually at least one PSTN associated with each city, e.g., city 902. In this context, a PSTN is regarded as including any publicly accessible phone network, including wireless service networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), satellite telephone networks, paging networks and the like. A network 920 communicatingly couples PSTN1, PSTN2, PSTN3, PSTNn. [0132] Special number systems are representatively illustrated in this disclosure using the example of an emergency services system, commonly referred to as a 9-1-1 system because callers dial the digits 9-1-1 to contact the system. In FIG. 9, respective networks PSTNn are served by at least one public safety answering position (PSAP). Accordingly, in geographic area 900, PSTN1 is serviced by a PSAP1 for city 902. Similarly, PSTN2 (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 9) is serviced by two PSAPs: PSAP2 and PSAP3. PSTN3 (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 9) is serviced by PSAP4. PSTNn (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 9) is serviced by PSAPn. Each PSAPN has an associated information store. Accordingly, PSAP1 has an associated information store 910. PSAP2 has an associated information store 912. PSAP3 has an associated information store 914. PSAP4 has an associated information store 916. PSAPN has an associated information store 918. [0133] PSTN2 includes an associated wireless network 904. Other PSTNs may also include associated wireless networks, but such detail is not included here in order to avoid unnecessary complexity in describing the present invention. A caller 906 is traveling from his home city 902; his home wireless network is associated with PSTN1. As a consequence, when caller 906 places a special number call in a city served by wireless network 904, caller 906 is connected with PSAP2 or PSAP3 via PSTN2. PSAP2 has Automatic Location Identification (ALI) information available from information store 912. PSAP3 has ALI information available from information store 914. However, since caller 906 is from city 902, caller 906 home network is PSTN1, and caller 906 ALI information is stored in information store 910. [0134] Thus, in the prior art system illustrated in FIG. 9, a call taker associated with PSTN2 (i.e., a call taker situated at PSAP2 or at PSAP3) has no access to ALI information relating to a traveling caller 906 when caller 906 dials 9-1-1 using wireless network 904. [0135]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a personal information access system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a geographic area 1000 includes city 1002 (other cities are not illustrated in detail in FIG. 10 in order to keep FIG. 10 uncomplicated). Geographic area 1000 is served by a plurality of public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) PSTN1, PSTN2, PSTN3, PSTNn. There is usually at least one PSTN associated with each city, e.g., city 1002. In this context, a PSTN is regarded as including any publicly accessible phone network, including wireless service networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), satellite telephone networks, paging networks and the like. [0136] Each PSAPN may have an associated information store. Accordingly, PSAP1 has an associated information store 1010. PSAP2 has an associated information store 1012. PSAP3 has an associated information store 1014. PSAP4 has an associated information store 1016. PSAPn has an associated information store 1018. A network 1020 communicatingly couples PSTN1, PSTN2, PSTN3, PSTNn. [0137] Special number systems are representatively illustrated in this disclosure using the example of an emergency services system, commonly referred to as a 9-1-1 system because callers dial the digits 9-1-1 to contact the system. In FIG. 10, respective networks PSTNn are served by at least one public safety answering position (PSAP). Accordingly, in geographic area 1000, PSTN1 is serviced by a PSAP1 for city 1002. Similarly, PSTN2 (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 10) is serviced by two PSAPs: PSAP2 and PSAP3. PSTN3 (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 10) is serviced by PSAP4. PSTNn (and its associated city or cities, not shown in FIG. 10) is serviced by PSAPn. [0138] Network 1020 includes a central information store 1030 that is accessible by all public switched telephone networks PSTNn communicatingly coupled with network 1020. Central information store 1030 receiving information contributions from PSTNn for storage for later accessibility by PSTNn communicatingly coupled with network 1020. Certain PSAPn may be directly in contact, as indicated by a direct connection 1036 between PSAP2, PSAP3 in FIG. 10. [0139] The present invention contemplates the exemplary PSAPs illustrated in FIG. 10 as also representing the capability of the present invention for providing a globally accessible enhanced ALI database that is available to all public safety answering positions (PSAPs) for accessing information stored by various wireless carriers or other third party enhanced ALI information providers. Access to such ALI information by third parties is also within the scope of the present invention. Examples of such other third parties include airlines, travel clubs, and auto clubs. [0140] PSTN2 includes an associated wireless network 1004. Other PSTNs may also include associated wireless networks, but such detail is not included here in order to avoid unnecessary complexity in describing the present invention. A caller 1006 is traveling. Caller 1006 is from city 1002, so his home network is associated with PSTN1. As a consequence, when caller 1006 places a special number call in a city served by wireless network 1004, caller 1006 is connected with PSAP2 or PSAP3 via PSTN2. PSAP2 has Automatic Location Identification (ALI) information available from information store 1012. PSAP3 has ALI information available from information store 1014. However, since caller 1006 is from city 1002, neither PSAP2 nor PSAP3 has information relating to caller 1006 in information stores 1012, 1014. According to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 10, central information store 1030 has received information relating to caller 1006 from caller 1006 home network is PSTN1 via network 1020 so that caller 1006 ALI information is stored in and accessible from central information store 1030. [0141] It may be that more than one caller has access to use of the mobile phone employed by caller 1006 in making his wireless calls. In such circumstances, ALI information provided by central information store 1030 may be customized to indicate information solely for caller 1006 according to encoded directions contained in a personal identifying indicium 1032 carried by caller 1006. By way of example, personal identifying indicium 1032 may be embodied in a token or medallion worn by caller 1006. Alternatively, personal identifying indicium 1032 ma be embodied in a coded card carried by caller 1006. Other exemplary embodiments for identifying indicium 1032 include incorporation of an encoding device in the battery for the wireless phone used in making calls, a bracelet or other jewelry worn by caller 106, or a coded device adhesively or otherwise affixed to the wireless phone used in making calls or to caller 1006. [0142] Identifying indicium 1032 may be coded to transmit a coded sequence of information via network 1020 to central information store 1030 to enable, or order central information store 1030 to �release� specified information via network 1030 to a requesting PSAPn, such as PSAP2 or PSAP3, as appropriate. As an alternative, identifying indicium 1032 may be encoded to directly provide personal information relating to a respective caller 1006 to a PSAPn, thereby �filling in the blanks� of information relating specifically to caller 1006 among other information common to other users of the phone. Such other members may include family members, company coworkers, or other persons having common access to use the phone. [0143] Such personal information, whether entirely received from central information store 1030 or whether supplemented by a personal identifying indicium 1032, may be directly provided to an answering station 1034 at, for example, PSAP3 for display to a call taker there engaged in conversation with caller 1006. Provision of information may be effected in a predetermined format in its display at answering station 1034. Such predetermined format display facilitates rapid familiarization with information by a call taker, an especially useful advantage in special number call situations such as emergency service calls. [0144]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a personal information access system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, a geographic area 1100 includes cities 1102, 1105, 1106, 1108. Geographic area 1100 is served by a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In this context, a PSTN is regarded as including any publicly accessible phone network, including wireless service networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), satellite telephone networks, paging networks and the like. [0145] Special number systems are representatively illustrated in this disclosure using the example of an emergency services system, commonly referred to as a 9-1-1 system because callers dial the digits 9-1-1 to contact the system. In FIG. 1, respective cities 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 are each served by at least one public safety answering position (PSAP). Accordingly, in geographic area 1100, PSAP1 serves city 1102. Similarly, two PSAPs- PSAP2 and PSAP3- serve city 1104. PSAP4 serves city 1106 and PSAPn serves city 1108. [0146] The present invention contemplates the exemplary PSAPs illustrated in FIG. 11 as also representing the capability of the present invention for providing a globally accessible enhanced ALI database that is available to all public safety answering positions (PSAPs) for accessing information stored by various wireless carriers or other third party enhanced ALI information providers. Access to such ALI information by third parties is also within the scope of the present invention. Examples of such other third parties include airlines, travel clubs, and auto clubs. [0147] The PSTN is connected with each of PSAP1, PSAP2, PSAP3, PSAP3, PSAPn and with a central information store 1130 that is accessible by all public safety answering positions PSAPn via public switched telephone networks PSTN. Central information store 130 receives information contributions from each PSAPn via public switched telephone networks PSTN for storage for later accessibility by any PSAPn communicatingly coupled with the PSTN. Certain PSAPn may be directly in contact, as indicated by a direct connection 1136 between PSAP2, PSAP3 in FIG. 11. Certain PSAPn may be directly in contact with central information store 1130, as indicated by a direct connection 1138 between PSAP3 and central information store 1130 in FIG. 11. [0148] Geographic area 1100 includes an associated wireless network 1104. Geographic area 1100 may also include other wireless networks, but such detail is not included here in order to avoid unnecessary complexity in describing the present invention. A caller 1106 is traveling. Caller 1106 is from city 1102, so his home network is associated with PSAP1. When caller 1106 places a special number call in a city remote from city 1102 that is served by wireless network 1104 (e.g., city 1105), caller 1106 is connected with PSAP2 or PSAP3 via the PSTN. PSAP3 (for example) may obtain Automatic Location Identification (ALI) information from central information store 1130 via the PSTN, and there is no need for PSAP3 to maintain a local information store (e.g., see information store 1014, FIG. 10). Thus, even though caller 1106 is from city 1102, either PSAP2 or PSAP3 may obtain information relating to caller 1106 from central information store 1130 via the PSTN. According to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 11, central information store 1130 receives information relating to caller 1106 from caller 1106 home PSAP1 via the PSTN so that caller 1106 ALI information is stored in and accessible from central information store 1130 via the PSTN. [0149] It may be that more than one caller has access to use of the mobile phone employed by caller 1106 in making his wireless calls. In such circumstances, ALI information provided by central information store 1130 may be customized to indicate information solely for caller 1106′ according to encoded directions contained in a personal identifying indicium 1132 carried by caller 1106. By way of example, personal identifying indicium 1132 may be embodied in a token or medallion worn by caller 1106, or embodied in a coded card carried by caller 1106. Other exemplary embodiments for identifying indicium 1132 include incorporation of an encoding device in the battery for the wireless phone used in making calls, a bracelet or other jewelry worn by caller 1106, or a coded device adhesively or otherwise affixed to the wireless phone used in making calls or to caller 1106. [0150] Identifying indicium 1132 may be coded to transmit a coded sequence of information via the PSTN to central information store 1130 to enable, or order central information store 1130 to �release� specified information via the PSTN to a requesting PSAPn, such as PSAP2 or PSAP3, as appropriate. As an alternative, identifying indicium 1132 may be encoded to directly provide personal information relating to a respective caller 1106 to a PSAPn, thereby �filling in the blanks� of information relating specifically to caller 1106 among other information common to other users of the phone. Such other members may include family members, company coworkers, or other persons having common access to use the phone. [0151] Such personal information, whether entirely received from central information store 1130 or whether supplemented by a personal identifying indicium 1132, may be directly provided to an answering station 1134 at, for example, PSAP3 for display to a call taker there engaged in conversation with caller 1106. Provision of information may be effected in a predetermined format in its display at answering station 1134. Such predetermined format display facilitates rapid familiarization with information by a call taker, an especially useful advantage in special number call situations such as emergency service calls. [0152]FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a method 1200 is for accessing personal information relating to a caller in a telecommunication system who has a home network in a plurality of networks, the caller being involved in a call with a call taker in a remote network distal from the home network. Method 1200 begins with a step of providing (as indicated by a block 1202) in no particular order: (1) an internetwork communication system coupling the plurality of networks (as indicated by a block 1204); (2) an information store coupled with the internetwork communication system, the internetwork communication system receiving information contributions from the plurality of networks (as indicated by a block 1206); and (3) an identification device for introducing identification information into the internetwork communication system, the identification device identifying the caller to the information store (as indicated by a block 1208). Method 1200 continues with the step of configuring the information store for using the identification information when responding to an inquiry by the call taker to provide the personal information to the call taker (as indicated by a block 1210). [0153] It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specific examples given describe preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for the purpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of the invention are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined by the following claims: Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6529722 *Jun 18, 1999Mar 4, 2003MicrodataSystem and method for enhanced 9-1-1 address development, maintenance and call routing using road access zonesUS6856618Mar 7, 2002Feb 15, 2005Intel CorporationApparatus and method for computer telephone integration in packet switched telephone networksUS6876633May 15, 2002Apr 5, 2005Intel CorporationApparatus and method for computer telephone integration in packet switched telephone networksUS6901068Nov 28, 2000May 31, 2005Intel CorporationApparatus and method for computer controlled call processing applications in packet switched telephone networksUS7068648Feb 6, 2002Jun 27, 2006Intel CorporationApparatus and method for computer controlled call processing and information provisionUS7072308Mar 13, 2001Jul 4, 2006Intel CorporationApparatus and method for computer controlled call processing applications in packet switched telephone networksUS7126942Feb 6, 2002Oct 24, 2006Intel CorporationApparatus and method for integrated computer controlled call processing in packet switched telephone networksUS7133499 *Apr 27, 2004Nov 7, 2006Qwest Communications International, Inc.Systems and methods for processing emergency calls through a public switched telephone networkUS7274784 *Nov 4, 2003Sep 25, 2007At&T Bls Intellectual Property, Inc.Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing calls based on the originating networkUS7529352 *Jul 19, 2006May 5, 2009Intrado Inc.System and method to provide local service for all emergency services numbers and to provide language assistance for calls to such numbersUS8040875 *Jul 30, 2005Oct 18, 2011Alcatel LucentNetwork support for caller ID verificationUS8180039Sep 5, 2007May 15, 2012At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing calls based on the originating networkUS8565384 *Jan 28, 2008Oct 22, 2013The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New YorkSystems, methods, and media for connecting emergency communicationsUS8868028 *Dec 19, 2011Oct 21, 2014Calvin L. KaltsukisNetwork server emergency information accessing methodUS8913982 *Sep 3, 2009Dec 16, 2014West CorporationSystem and method for effecting special treatment of emergency calls originating from a temporarily designated regionUS20100296634 *Jan 28, 2008Nov 25, 2010The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City OfSystems, Methods, and Media for Connecting Emergency CommunicationsUS20110053551 *Sep 3, 2009Mar 3, 2011West CorporationSystem and method for effecting special treatment of emergency calls originating from a temporarily designated regionEP1367807A1 *May 20, 2003Dec 3, 2003Siemens AktiengesellschaftMethod for location based routing of communicationsEP1536623A1 *Oct 8, 2004Jun 1, 2005Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaService selection in voice over IP networks providing geographic location informationWO2003067866A1 *Jan 15, 2003Aug 14, 2003Intel CorpApparatus and method for computer controlled call processing and information provisionWO2005052717A2 *Nov 25, 2004Jun 9, 2005Bryan SiddersInformation systemWO2007038139A2 *Sep 20, 2006Apr 5, 2007Intrado IncSystem and method to provide local service for all emergency services numbers and to provide language assistance for calls to such numbersWO2008092148A1 *Jan 28, 2008Jul 31, 2008Univ ColumbiaSystems, methods. and for connecting emergency communications* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification379/245, 379/201.01International ClassificationH04M3/42, H04M3/51, H04M7/00Cooperative ClassificationH04M3/42068, H04M3/42, H04M3/4211, H04M3/42059, H04M2242/22, H04M3/5116, H04M3/42042, H04M2242/04, H04M3/4228, H04M2203/2061, H04M7/006European ClassificationH04M7/00M, H04M3/42, H04M3/42NLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionMar 12, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Jul 29, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Oct 25, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER, INC., NEW YORKFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERCALL, INC;INTRADO INC;WEST CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018433/0233Effective date: 20061024Owner name: LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER, INC.,NEW YORKFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERCALL, INC;INTRADO INC;WEST CORPORATION AND OTHERS;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100216;REEL/FRAME:18433/233Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERCALL, INC;INTRADO INC;WEST CORPORATION AND OTHERS;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100420;REEL/FRAME:18433/233Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERCALL, INC;INTRADO INC;WEST CORPORATION AND OTHERS;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100518;REEL/FRAME:18433/233Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERCALL, INC;INTRADO INC;WEST CORPORATION AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:18433/233Sep 28, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: INTRADO INC., COLORADOFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:015189/0813Effective date: 20040908Apr 27, 2001ASAssignmentOwner name: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC., NEW JERSEYFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ANTONUCCI, JAMES T.;BARNIER, BRIAN GLEN;REEL/FRAME:011753/0804;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010305 TO 20010309RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services