Patent Document

[0001]    This application is a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/817,000, filed Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,242 which is a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/753,163, filed Jan. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,096 and also claims priority to provisional application 60/950,571, filed Jul. 18, 2007 referenced herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to locator systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Numerous types of combination vehicle alarm and locator systems are known in the field. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,742,233, 5,838,237, 5,884,199, 5,899,855, 5,913,827, 5,929,761, 5,959,529, 5,963,130, 6,028,514 and 6,094,140. 
         [0004]    These cited prior art documents, as well as other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,233 to Hoffman et al. (Apr. 21, 1998) teaches a signaling system that comprises a portable signaling unit, a remote alarm switch device, a central dispatch station, a wireless communication system such as a cellular or telephone system, etc., and a GPS or like system. The portable signaling unit and the remote alarm switch can be adapted to be worn at different locations on the person&#39;s body. The remote alarm switch can be concealed in the form of a wristband or in the form of any other object such as a broach, pendant, or key chain. When the person in distress activates the remote alarm switch or when the remote alarm switch is removed from the individual by a forceful or unauthorized action or when the signaling unit is removed from the proximity of the remote alarm switch, the portable signaling unit sends a data transmission which includes its location to the central dispatch station. The portable signaling unit also has manual alarm trigger capabilities so it can be used without the remote alarm switch unit. The central dispatch station receives the data transmission and accurately displays the user identification, stored personal information, and nature of the alarm. In addition, the location of the portable signaling unit is superimposed on a digitized map at a position corresponding to the location of the person wearing the portable signaling unit. The portable signaling unit can be remotely activated from a central dispatch station to determine and monitor the location of the portable signaling unit. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,237 to Revell et al., (Nov. 17, 1998) teaches a self-contained personal alarm device capable of signaling its location to a remote site such as a security station. The personal alarm device includes a housing enclosing a controller, an antenna, a cellular transmitter and a cellular receiver. The controller is coupled to the transmitter and receiver, which are in turn coupled to the antenna. The controller controls the transmitter and the receiver to receive position location signals such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, establish a cellular connection with a remote site, and transmit device location data to the remote site on the cellular connection, wherein the device location data indicates the location of the device. The cellular connection is established via a cellular telecommunication network that includes an array of cell base stations. The GPS signals are transmitted to the device over the cellular network by providing each cell base station with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver. Using the DGPS receivers, GPS signals are repeated over the cellular network. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,199 to Maki (Mar. 16, 1999) teaches a portable wireless receiver that has a position locating function through reception of GPS satellite radio waves. The portable wireless receiver has a speaker/microphone unit including a GPS antenna, a speaker, and a microphone built into the unit. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,855 to Brown (May 4, 1999) teaches insertion of an internal housing frame into a pre-existing housing box provided for telephone line access. The frame accommodates a removable cover plate with custom cut holes designed for both lock (cam lock) and plunger switch (i.e. tamper switch). The original exterior cover plate is placed over the front of the inserted device so as to hold the plunger switch down in position, ready for alarm activation. The installation of the above device prevents or deters a would-be burglar from cutting or damaging telephone lines after removal of the exterior cover plate. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,827 to Gonnan (Jun. 22, 1999) teaches a personal monitor for monitoring a biomedical condition, such as a heart rate. A sensor provides a signal related to the biomedical condition and the signal is encoded for repeated wireless transmission to a receiver. An encoded identification signal is also repeatedly sent to the receiver to identify the transmitter to the receiver, to thereby prevent the adverse effects of interference that occur if signals other than those from the transmitter are received. The monitor detects deviations (errors) from an expected pattern and recovers from these deviations (error correction) to display an accurate value of the biomedical condition. If too many errors are present due to interference, faulty transmission and/or reception, etc., the frequency over which wireless transmission occurs can be changed. In one embodiment, the value of the biomedical condition is wirelessly sent to the receiver. In another embodiment, the value of the biomedical condition is determined in the receiver based on the encoded signal that is received. The receiver rejects all signals that are not from the transmitter. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,761 to Van der Laan et al. (Jul. 27, 1999) teaches an alarm system comprising: a carrier unit; a base unit having an in-output for coupling to a communication network; an alarm monitoring station coupled to that network; wherein the carrier unit comprises a transmitter and an alarm switch coupled to an alarm input of the transmitter. By operating the alarm switch, the base unit is wirelessly activated by the carrier unit. Accordingly, the base unit makes connection with the communication network, and selects the access number of the alarm monitoring station. In accordance with Van der Laan&#39;s invention, the transmitter comprises a microphone input coupled to a microphone. Speech signals from the user are wirelessly transmitted by the transmitter to the base unit, which transmits these speech signals via the communication network to the alarm monitoring station. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,529 to Kail (Sep. 28, 1999) teaches an automated, real-time, reprogrammable monitoring and control system for portable, remote sensors and subjects including one or more portable monitoring units, each of the portable monitoring units having a sensor, a location-determining device, and a sensor interface unit. Each sensor interface unit is separately configured to monitor its sensor and to transmit that sensor&#39;s data, via a digital wireless communications network, to a central monitoring device. The portable unit is carried or worn by a person or animal, or affixed to an inanimate subject. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,130 to Schlager et al. (Oct. 5, 1999) teaches a self-locating remote monitoring system including a supervising base station and one or more remote monitoring units. A remote unit includes a navigational receiver operating with an existing navigational system for providing a remote unit location and includes a transmitter for communicating the location to the base station for display. The remote unit includes one or more physiological/environmental sensors for monitoring at the remote location. In a specific embodiment a change in sensor status results in the status and the location being transmitted to the base station. The base station includes alarms and displays responsive to the change in status. One embodiment defines a man-over-board system, which combines water immersion and distance from the base station to trigger an alarm and begin location tracking. Another embodiment defines an invisible fence system which uses location and time to define boundaries for containment and exclusion. Another embodiment includes a weather surveillance radar receiver providing weather parameters within a weather region and defines a remote weather alarm system. The weather alarm system uses the weather receiver to monitor weather within a defined region and to provide the base station with location and weather parameters if the parameters fall outside defined limits. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,514 to Lemelson et al. (Feb. 22, 2000) teaches a comprehensive system and method for monitoring a geographic person location, periodically warning a person of emergency situations in the geographic location, and transmitting requests for assistance in emergency situations. The system comprises a warning unit that is carried by the person or that is located in mobile units or in buildings or houses. The warning unit includes a geographic satellite receiver, a receiver circuit that receives broadcast warning signals defining dangerous situations and geographic locations of the situations, a computer controller including a processor and a memory, an alarm indicator that indicates when the person is in danger, and a transmission circuit that generates and transmits signals requesting assistance and signals warning of the dangerous situations in a vicinity of the person carrying the portable warning unit, along with the current geographic location of the person. The system further comprises a command center. The command center includes a database computer having a database storage unit, a transmitter for broadcasting signals to the unit(s), a receiver for receiving signals, a transmitter for transmitting signals to emergency response units and centers, and other such communication devices. The system uses the unit(s) to monitor and communicate with the person using it. The unit(s) interface with the command center through signals indicative of a dangerous situation and a geographic situation location, transmitted from the command center to the unit(s). The geographic person location is compared with the geographic situation location indicated in the received signal from the command center. Expert system rules are used to determine the dangerous situation and a degree(s) of danger index for the person(s) near or at the geographic situation location. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,140 to Parente (Jul. 25, 2000) teaches a portable locator system for alerting a central station of an emergency. The portable alarm system includes a central unit for monitoring a desired area and a remote panic device for activating and signaling the central unit. The central unit includes a detector for detecting an emergency situation and generating a signal in response thereto, a processor for receiving the detection signal and generating an alarm signal in response thereto, a receiver for receiving an emergency signal and providing the emergency signal to the processor and an alarm for alerting the central station upon receipt of one of the alarm signal and emergency signal. The remote panic device includes a device for generating the emergency signal upon receipt of a user generated command and a transmitter for transmitting the emergency signal to the receiver of the central unit. The detection device is a motion detector for detecting motion in an area surrounding the central unit and the remote panic device includes an activation button for generating a signal for activating the motion detector. The remote control unit further includes a button for generating a medical emergency signal and a panic signal for transmission to the central unit. The transmitter includes at least one of a modem for connecting to and transmitting the alarm signal to the central station via telephone lines and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the alarm signal to the central station. 
         [0015]    Thus, there is still a need for a panic device that can be used in conjunction with a local device external to the panic device to send location information to a dispatch station. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention provides apparatus and methods in which a panic device, operable in conjunction with a local device external to the panic device, can be used to unlock a locking mechanism. 
         [0017]    In contemplated embodiments the panic device can utilize any suitable form factor, including for example, a proximity responder, such as a key fob having electronics operable to unlock the locking mechanism, a key shaft operable to unlock the locking mechanism, or a holder (e.g., a key case, key ring retainer, key chain, etc.) sized and dimensioned to receive a physical key. Contemplated keys can fit locks in all manner of locked spaces, including for example, transportation vehicles (generically referred to herein as cars or automobiles, but also including trucks, motorcycles, mobile homes and so forth), as well as non-vehicular applications, including for example houses and apartments. 
         [0018]    Further embodiments contemplate a first trigger that triggers a local alarm. The local alarm can be on-board the panic device (for example using a speaker) or off-board the panic device (for example using a horn or speaker in a local motor vehicle). In a device with an on-board speaker, speaker can advantageously emit a loud noise to frighten an attacker and alert potential bystanders of the user&#39;s need for help. 
         [0019]    In preferred embodiments a panic device comprises an alarm circuitry that provides position information to a distant dispatch station. The alarm circuitry utilizes a local device to either determine the position information or transmit a signal to the dispatch station. Thus, for example, the panic device could receive position information from a nearby local device such as a cell phone or PDA, or from a GPS in a local motor vehicle. In other contemplated embodiments the local device can both determine the position information and transmit a signal to the dispatch station. Use of a local device external to the panic device has the advantage that the circuitry used by the local device to determine position information and transmit a signal is not drawing power from the panic device. 
         [0020]    A preferred method contemplates any suitable manner of determining the position information. For example, a panic device can be used in conjunction with a local device that has a GPS-aware circuitry to determine the position information. In other contemplated methods a panic device can be used in conjunction with a local device that does not have a GPS-aware circuitry to determine the position information. In such methods the position information could be determined by triangulation of cell phone signals emitted by the local device. 
         [0021]    A preferred method also contemplates any suitable means for transmitting a signal to a dispatch station. The signal can be sent to the dispatch station directly from the panic device (such as through a cell phone facility housed in the device), or indirectly through a nearby telephony or WIFI communication device (such as a cell phone, PDA, computer, or even through a communication device of a transportation vehicle that emits the local alarm). Contemplated signals can contain any information relevant to the dispatch of aid to the user, including for example position information and identification information. 
         [0022]    Still other contemplated embodiments include a second trigger that activates the alarm circuitry. The second trigger can comprise a button, a plurality of buttons, a slider, or any other suitable interface, including for example an audio interface that includes a microphone and recognizes a voice command. 
         [0023]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a person utilizing a vehicle alarm feature of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a person utilizing a locator feature of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial view of an operation of an embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a lost child utilizing a locator feature of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of an alternative operation of an embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged top perspective view of a panic device of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a back view of the panic device of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of the panic device of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating the components of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10A  is a first portion of a flow diagram describing a contemplated operation of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10B  is a continuation of the flow diagram of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter, processor and activator disposed in an electronic card, which is shown as extending from a side pocket of a key holder. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12A  is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter, processor and activator disposed in a key fob. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12B  is vertical cross-section of the key fob of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter, processor and activator disposed in a housing of a key ring. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a schematic of a system in which a panic device contains an on-board GPS-aware circuit, and communicates with a distal dispatch station either directly through a cellular network or indirectly through a local relay (e.g., cell phone or automobile). 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a schematic of an alternative system in which a panic device has no on-board GPS-aware circuit, and communicates with a distal dispatch station either directly through a cellular network or indirectly through a local relay (e.g., cell phone or automobile). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    In  FIG. 1  a user  12  is standing outside a vehicle  14  with a panic device  20  of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10 . Positioned on the panic device  20  is a first trigger  22  for activating the vehicle alarm function of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10 . When the first trigger  22  is activated, the panic device  20  generates and transmits a signal  16  to the vehicle  14 . The signal  16  is received by the alarm system of the vehicle  14  and acts to either activate or deactivate the alarm system. The vehicle alarm system preferably generates an audible signal when either the system is activated or an attempt is made to circumvent the system. The audible signal generated by the alarm system is represented by the arced lines labeled with the numeral  18 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  illustrates the panic device  20  being used by a user  12  lost in a wooded area  24 . The user  12  is shown with the panic device  20  in hand and utilizing the locator function of the system  10  to obtain assistance in finding his way. Also shown is another person  26  attempting to find his way using a map  28 . This view illustrates the contrast between use of conventional methods for finding one&#39;s way and the use of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10  according to an aspect of the present invention. The combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10  receives GPS or other location signals, and wirelessly transmits location information as indicated by the arced lines labeled with the numeral  30 . 
         [0043]    The location information, and likely user identification eventually get to an operations/ground dispatch station (referred to generically herein as a dispatch station), such as station  29  in  FIG. 3 . Upon activation of a second trigger  32  of the panic device  20 , an alarm signal is generated and transmitted along with the location signal  30 . This alarm signal alerts the dispatch station that the user  12  is in need of assistance. Upon receipt of the signal, the dispatch station can dispatch assistance to the user  12  at the identified location. In embodiments where the location signal  30  is constantly transmitted to the dispatch station, the dispatch station can locate the panic device  20  at any time irrespective of whether the second trigger  32  was activated. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts some of the contemplated transmitting and receiving relations between a combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10  held by the user  12 , an orbiting satellite  31  and a dispatch station  29 . A plurality of dispatch stations  29  can advantageously be positioned throughout the world, as indicated by the plurality of black points. 
         [0045]    Panic device  20  can transmit a location signal continuously, intermittently, or upon demand as discussed above. When a user  12  is lost or injured at a particular location and requires assistance, the user  12  activates a second trigger  32  on the panic device  20 . Upon activation of the second trigger  32 , an alarm signal is generated and transmitted along with a location signal  30  to the cellular tower  15 , as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  21 . The cellular tower then transmits the information to one or more of the dispatch stations  29 , by satellite, cable, telephone line, or in any other suitable manner. Relay  19  can be used to assist in locating the user  12 . 
         [0046]    Alternatively, the panic device  20  can transmit to the dispatch station  29  directly, or through some relay other than cellular tower  15 , such as through vehicle  14  or through some other ground based relay. The transmission of the signal through the vehicle  14  is shown by the dotted line labeled with numeral  16 . 
         [0047]    In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a lost child  33  is carrying the panic device  20  within a pocket  35  of an item of clothing  37 . The panic device  20  provides location information to the dispatch station  29  either directly, or indirectly through some relay such as cellular tower  15 , vehicle  14 , or some other ground based relay. The transmission of the signal through the vehicle  14  is shown by the dotted lines  16  and  17 . The location information can be derived from GPS data, cell phone triangulation or from any other suitable data. When the parent  39  contacts an operator  43  at the dispatch station  29 , the operator  43  can advantageously utilize computer system  45  to help to identify the child and its location. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 6 , panic device  20  generally includes a housing  42  having a face side  44 , second trigger  32  and a visual indicator  48 . A cover  50  provides selective access to the second trigger  32  thereby decreasing the possibility of accidental activation of the locator function of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10 . Activation of the second trigger  32  causes a signal to be generated and transmitted. Also extending through the face side  44  of the housing  42  is the first trigger  22 , which includes a first button  25  for activating the vehicle alarm system and a second button  27  for deactivating the vehicle alarm system. The visual indicator  48  includes a first LED  52  for indicating that the battery is low, a second LED  54  for indicating that the device is operating properly and a third LED  56  for indicating that the second trigger  32  has been activated. Activation of the second trigger  32  causes the third LED  56  to illuminate as indicated by the dotted lines labeled with the numeral  68 . The third LED  56  can also be made to flash and thereby provide a more visible indication that the second trigger  32  has been activated. Positioned on a side of the housing  42  is an antenna  58  through which the signal is transmitted to the dispatch station. A key ring  60  is connected to an end of the housing  42  by a key ring retainer  62 . The key ring retainer  62  is releasably connected to the side of the housing  42  and is optionally removable from the panic device  20 . A battery  64  is slidably positioned into a recess in the housing  42 . Cover  66  on a side of the housing  42  covers infrared LEDs that are used to transmit a signal upon activation of the first trigger  22 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  depicts a view of the back side of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10 . As can be seen from this view, positioned on a back side of the panic device  20  is a clip  70  for attaching the panic device  20  to an article of clothing or accessory of the user. The clip  70  aids the user in retaining the panic device  20  in a non-obtrusive manner. Also positioned on the back side  68  is a speaker  72  through which audible signals  73  can be generated. The generation of audile signals can optionally occur upon activation of the first trigger  22  or the second trigger  32 . The audible signals  73  are preferably in the form of a screeching sound for the purpose of frightening away attackers. Extending from a side of the housing is the removable key ring retainer  62  and key ring  60 . The removable key ring retainer  62  is selectively removable from its position connected to the panic device  20 . Extending from another side of the housing is the antenna  58 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of the panic device  20  of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system  10 . As can be seen from this view, the housing  42  includes a top section  74  and a bottom section  76 . Positioned between the top and bottom sections  74  and  76  is the internal circuitry  78  of the first trigger  22  for vehicle alarm system  10 . The top section  74  includes a first recess  80  through which the second trigger  32  extends, second recesses  82  for receiving the visual indicators  48  and a third recess  84  for receiving the first trigger  22  for the vehicle alarm system. Selectively extending from a side of the housing between the top section  74  and the bottom section  76  is the key ring holder  62 . The key ring  60  is connected to the key ring holder  62 . On a side of the housing  42  opposite the key ring holder  62  is the cover  66 . Positioned within the housing and aligned with the cover  66  is an infrared LED  86  for transmitting an infrared signal to a vehicle upon activation of the first trigger  22 . Positioned on the bottom section  76  of the housing  42  is a clip retainer  88 . The clip retainer  88  releasably secures the clip  70  to the bottom section  76 . Positioned on the bottom side but not shown in this Figure is the speaker for generating the audible signal upon activation of the first trigger  22  or the second trigger  32 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic diagram of the panic device  20 . As can be seen from the Figure, the panic device includes a first location section  89  and a second vehicle alarm section  90 . Within the first section  89  is a processor  92 . The processor  92  is connected to the power source  64 . The power source  64  is monitored by a sensor  94  which determines the power level of the power source  64 . Upon determining that the power level is below a threshold value, the sensor  94  will activate the low power level LED  52  of the visual indicator  48 . A memory  96  is connected to the processor  92  for storing identification information concerning the panic device  20  to be transmitted upon activation of the second trigger  32 . The operation LED  54  and the alert LED  56  are also connected to the processor  92 . The second trigger  32  is also connected to the processor  92 . A transmitter  98  is connected between the processor  92  and the antenna  58  for transmitting a signal including the identification information concerning the panic device  20  upon activation of the second trigger  32 . 
         [0052]    The second section  90  is provided for activating and deactivating a vehicle alarm system. The second section  90  includes a processor  100  positioned therein. The processor  100  is connected to the power source  64 . Alternatively, the second section  90  can include another power source. Connected to the processor  100  are the alarm activate button  25  and the alarm deactivate button  27 . A transmitter  102  is also connected to the processor  100 . The transmitter  102  is preferably an infrared LED for generating and transmitting an infrared signal to the vehicle alarm system. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10A  depicts a contemplated operation of a locator function. This function is beneficial when the user suffers an injury or is lost as discussed in step S 2 . Upon determining that the user is lost or injured, the user activates the second trigger  32  as stated in step S 4 . Upon activation of the second trigger  32 , the transmitter  102  retrieves the identification information stored in memory  96  as described in step S 6 . The user can optionally activate the speaker to generate an audible signal which can be heard by persons in the area of the user as discussed in step S 8 . The user can also optionally activate the first trigger, thereby transmitting a signal to a nearby vehicle and causing the vehicle to sound an alarm as shown in step S 10 . The processor  92  activates the alarm circuitry to utilize a local device, such as a cell phone, for determining position information as shown in step S 12 . The processor  92  then activates the transmitter  102  to transmit a signal including the position and identification information and an alarm indication to a dispatch station through a cellular tower, vehicle, or other relay as stated in step S 14 . The dispatch station  29  receives the signal from the cellular tower or other relay and utilizes a computer system to determine the identity and location of the user as described in step S 16 . The dispatch station  29  can then contact authorities in a location near the user to send aid to the user as indicated in step S 18 . 
         [0054]    To minimize on-board power requirements of panic device  20 , panic device  20  can be adapted to communicate to the dispatch station  29  via a local relay such as vehicle  14 , a radio relay station, a cell phone cell, a WAN access point or the like that is able to communicate with dispatch station  29 . 
         [0055]    A user is thus able to contact assistance when needed and also activate a vehicle alarm system using a single handheld panic device  20 . The panic device  20  also can be used to retain keys thereon. The panic device  20  can also be clipped to an article of clothing worn by the user using the clip  70  on the back side and thus is unobtrusive to the user. 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 11  a panic device  200  generally has a housing  210  with an array of key retaining loops  212 , a zipper closure  214 , and a removable electronic card  220 , which is shown as extending from a side pocket  216  of the housing  210 . The card  220  includes a transmitter  222 , a processor  223  and an activator  224 , a microphone  225  and a speaker  226 , other user button  227 , and an optional GPS circuitry  228 . The panic device can also be an electronic keyless responder or a proximity responder, such as a keyless fob. 
         [0057]    In  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B an alternative panic device  300  generally includes a housing  310  shaped as a key fob with a channel  312  to receive a key (shown in phantom). The device  300  also includes a transmitter  322 , a processor  323  and an activator  324 , other user buttons  327 , and an optional GPS circuitry  328 . 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 13  an alternative panic device  400  generally includes a housing  410  and a wire  412  sized and dimensioned to act as a key ring. The device  400  also includes transmitter  422 , a processor  423  and an activator slider  424 , other user buttons  427 , and an optional GPS circuitry  428 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 14  a system  500  generally includes a panic device  510  and one or more of: a portable electronic device  505  (e.g. a cell phone), a communication network  520  (euphemistically represented here as a cell tower), a dispatcher  530 , and a local alarm-equipped apparatus  540  (euphemistically represented here as an automobile or truck). Panic device  510  should be interpreted generically, and especially to include any of devices  200 ,  300 , or  400 . 
         [0060]    In this configuration the panic device  510  includes a transmitter  512 , an activator  514 , a processor  515 , a GPS circuitry  516 , and associated electronics and power supply (not shown). When the activator  514  is pressed or otherwise operated, the panic device  510  sends a signal to the local alarm-equipped apparatus  540  to sound an alarm. Another signal, which includes position information, is sent through the network  520  to the dispatcher  530 , with or without the intervention of the portable electronic device  505 . 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 15  an alternative system  600  generally includes a panic device  610  and one or more of: a portable electronic device  605  (e.g. a cell phone) having a GPS circuitry  606 , a communication network  620  (euphemistically represented here as a cell tower), a dispatcher  630 , and a local alarm-equipped apparatus  640  (euphemistically represented here as an automobile or truck). Panic device  610  should also be interpreted generically, and especially including any of devices  200 ,  300 , or  400 . 
         [0062]    In this configuration the panic device  610  includes a transmitter  612 , an activator  614 , and associated electronics and power supply (not shown). When the activator  614  is pressed or otherwise operated, the panic device  610  sends a signal to the local alarm-equipped apparatus  640  to sound an alarm, and another signal that includes position information, through the network  620  to the dispatcher  630 , with or without the intervention of the portable electronic device  605 . Position information is obtained from the GPS  606  in the portable electronic device  605  or from the GPS  607  in the apparatus  640 . 
         [0063]    The types of alarms that might be triggered are not limited in any way. As such, they can be of any type that can be sensed by hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste, and equilibrium, or can be a type that cannot be readily sensed such as a communication with another device. Moreover, alarms can be currently triggered, can be currently triggered only if current conditions are appropriate, can be time delayed, or can even be delayed and made contingent on the occurrence of one or more other events and/or conditions. 
         [0064]    Contemplated devices can comprise inputs consisting only of those needed to trigger the local and remote alarms, or can comprise any additional inputs that don&#39;t interfere with the function of the device. Such inputs can be of any type including but not necessarily limited to buttons, touch pads, microphones, and motion detectors. In some instances a single input can be used to trigger both local and remote alarms. The same or additional inputs can also be used to deactivate any triggered alarms. 
         [0065]    Determining the position of the device can be accomplished by the device itself, by a vehicle or other apparatus in proximity to the device or by an apparatus that is not in proximity to the device. If determined by the device, position information can be transmitted by the device as part of a remote alarm trigger. If determined by another apparatus in proximity to the device, such as an apparatus located in a vehicle, position information can be added to the signal passed on by the proximate apparatus. Position is preferably determined using a satellite based global positioning system, such as the GPS system popular today, possibly in conjunction with one or more ground based systems to improve accuracy. However, alternative embodiments can utilize another form of radio navigation system or some other type of positioning system. 
         [0066]    Contemplated devices can comprise features other than those necessary to trigger alarms, sense local conditions, and/or communicate with other devices. Such features can include but are not limited to: one or more connectors for coupling a key to the device or coupling the device to another object such as a belt; one or more power connectors to allow power to be transmitted to and/or from the device; one or more data connectors to allow data to be transferred to and/or from the device; and one or more non-alarm related output devices such as a visual display. 
       EXAMPLE #1 
       [0067]    A protection system comprising a plurality of trigger devices and at least one dispatch station, where each of the trigger devices is adapted to determine its current location, to accept inputs, to generate an alarm, and to transmit signals directly to the dispatch station. In this example, a person can carry the device and use it to trigger an alarm that would be emitted by the device itself, and/or to send a signal to the dispatch station. Since the device is able to determine its current location, the signal sent to the dispatch station includes position information. 
       EXAMPLE #2 
       [0068]    In this case at least one of the trigger devices can send a signal to a local relay apparatus (typically located in a nearby vehicle) which in turn sends a signal to the dispatch station. It should be noted that the transmission between the relay apparatus and the dispatch station can itself involve multiple links and/or relays. As an example, a person could carry an alarm device that also functions as a key ring, use it to trigger a remote alarm by signaling the person&#39;s vehicle and having the vehicle relay the signal and/or its content to the dispatch station, possibly via a cellular telephone network. 
       EXAMPLE #3 
       [0069]    In this case at least one of the trigger devices can send a signal to the dispatch station (either directly or indirectly), and can also send a signal to a local vehicle to activate an alarm in that vehicle. 
       EXAMPLE #4 
       [0070]    In this case at least one of the trigger devices has no on-board GPS circuitry (or such circuitry is inoperable), and the location information sent to the dispatch station is derived from some local device such as a cell phone, PDA, or perhaps a local vehicle. Here, the signal transmitted to the dispatch station could come from the trigger device, but would more likely be generated and sent by the local device. The trigger device would therefore simply be instructing the local device to determine position, and send the location information to the dispatch station. 
         [0071]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Technology Category: g