KR20120073332A - Methods and apparatus for use in processing disconnected emergency calls and other communications involving mobile communication devices and the remote monitoring thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for use in handling disconnected emergency calls and other communications associated with mobile communication devices, as well as remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices, are disclosed. In one illustrative example, an emergency call to a public safety answering point entity is established by the mobile communication device over the wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such an incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from generating an audible alarm, and does not detect any manual response signal through its user interface and automatically transmits subsequent emergency calls from the public safety answering point entity ≪ / RTI > In one particular approach, the mobile device automatically responds to a call if the incoming call message is received within a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken and indicates that the message is for an emergency call or an auto-answer followed by a data indication of the incoming call message do. Alternatively, if the incoming call message is received over a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken, or if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response followed by the incoming call message, And refrain from automatically responding to the associated call.

Description

[0001] METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN PROCESSING DISCONNECTED EMERGENCY CALLS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS INVOLVING [0002] MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND THE REMOTE MONITORING THEREOF [0003]

This disclosure relates generally to the handling of emergency calls and other communications associated with a mobile communication device operating in a wireless communication network as well as remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices.

(E-911; Enhanced 911) in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to find the exact location of the mobile device associated with the emergency call technology that is expected to improve location-finding capabilities is being developed by wireless service providers.

The FCC is phasing out E-911. Phase 0 is a basic 911 process in which a wireless emergency call is sent to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP). The wireless service provider should ensure that the caller sends the call to the PSAP even if the caller is not a subscriber to their service. In step 1, the FCC requires that the phone number of the mobile device be displayed with each wireless emergency call so that the PSAP operator can reconnect the call if the connection is broken. In step 2 (final step), the FCC requires the mobile device to have GPS functionality to deliver more specific latitude and longitude information during a wireless emergency call. The location information should be accurate to within 50-300 meters.

What is needed is a method and apparatus for handling disconnected emergency calls and other communications of mobile communication devices, as well as remote monitoring of such devices, in order to facilitate these and other enhancements in the wireless communication network.

Methods and apparatus for use in handling disconnected emergency calls and other communications of a mobile communication device, and remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices are described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, an emergency call with a public safety answering point entity is established by the mobile communication device over the wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such an incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from generating an audible alert, and does not detect any manual response signal through its user interface, Respond automatically to emergency calls. In one particular approach, if the mobile device indicates that an incoming call message is received within a predetermined period of time after the connection is disconnected and is indicative of an emergency call or an automatic response followed by a message in the data indication of the incoming call message, To the call. Alternatively, if the incoming call message is received over a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken, or if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response followed by the incoming call message, And refrain from automatically responding to the associated call.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide for the handling of disconnected emergency calls and other communications associated with mobile communication devices operating in a wireless communication network, as well as remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices.

1 is a block diagram of a communication system including a mobile communication device for communicating over a wireless communication network.
2 is a more detailed example of a mobile communication device used in the wireless network of FIG.
Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method for use by a mobile communication device, such as the mobile communication device described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, for handling emergency calls and other communications.
4 is a flow diagram of a method for use in a wireless communication network, such as the wireless communication network of FIG. 1, in processing emergency communications for a mobile communication device, such as the mobile communication device described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2;
5 is an exemplary illustration of an incoming call message that may have a data indication in one or more data fields to indicate whether the incoming call message is for a subsequent emergency call or an automatic response by the mobile communication device.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart for setting an audible alarm response mode or a silent response mode for an incoming call to a mobile communication device and / or for setting a manual response mode or an autoresponse mode for an incoming call to a mobile communication device. Is an exemplary illustration of a memory of a mobile communication device that may have a programmable data representation stored therein.
7 is a functional block diagram of a mobile communication device that illustrates the handset talk mode and the functionality associated with the speakerphone talk mode of a mobile communication device that may be controlled based on data indication in one or more data fields of an incoming call message.
8A and 8B are side views of one type of mobile communication device having an open (FIG. 8A) and a closed (FIG. 8B) state that can be utilized in the techniques of this disclosure.
9 is a call flow diagram for illustrating an instant connection feature that may be used in the emergency call processing of the present disclosure for a GSM / GPRS network;

Methods and apparatus for use in handling disconnected emergency calls and other communications associated with mobile communication devices as well as remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices are described herein. In one illustrative example, an emergency call to a public safety answering point entity is established by the mobile communication device over the wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such an incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from generating an audible alarm and automatically detects a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity without detecting any manual response signal through its user interface Reply. In one particular approach, the mobile device automatically responds to a call if the incoming call message is received within a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken and indicates that the message is for an emergency call or an auto-answer followed by a data indication of the incoming call message do. Alternatively, if the incoming call message is received over a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken, or if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response followed by the incoming call message, And refrain from automatically responding to the associated call.

To illustrate the basic network architecture that may be used, Figure 1 illustrates a communication system 102 that includes a mobile station (MS) 102 (an example of a mobile communication device) that communicates through a wireless communication network 104 0.0 > 100 < / RTI > The mobile station 102 preferably includes a visual display 112, a keyboard 114 and possibly one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, each of which is connected to a controller 106. The controller 106 is also coupled to a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 108 and an antenna 110. Typically, the controller 106 is implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) that executes operating system software on a memory component (not shown). The controller 106 will typically control the overall operation of the mobile station 102 and the signal processing operations associated with the communication functions are typically performed in the RF transceiver circuit 108. The controller 106 interfaces with the device display 112 to display received information, stored information, user input, and the like. The keyboard 114, which may be a telephone type keypad or a full alphanumeric keyboard, typically includes data for storage at the mobile station 102, information for transmission to the wireless network 104, And possibly other or other user inputs, to be executed on the computer 102, if desired.

The mobile station 102 sends a communication signal over the wireless link 104 to the wireless network 104 via the antenna 110 and receives a communication signal from the wireless network 104. The RF transceiver circuit 108 performs functions similar to those of the base station controller 128 of the wireless network 104 (described below), including, for example, modulation / demodulation and possibly encoding / decoding and encryption / . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the RF transceiver circuit 108 will adapt to the particular wireless network or networks in which the mobile station 102 is intended to operate. If the mobile station 102 is fully operational, the RF transmitter of the RF transceiver circuit 108 is typically turned on only while it is transmitting to the network, otherwise it is turned off to conserve resources. Likewise, the RF receiver of the RF transceiver circuit 108 is typically off periodically to save power until it is needed to receive a signal or information for a specified period of time (if any).

The mobile station 102 includes a battery interface 122 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 124. The battery 124 provides electrical power to the electrical circuitry of the mobile station 102 and the battery interface 122 provides mechanical and electrical connection to the battery 124. The battery interface 122 is coupled to a regulator 126 that regulates power to the device. The mobile station 102 may also include a memory module (not shown) such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) that is connected to or inserted into the mobile station 102 at the interface 118 120). In this embodiment, the memory module 120 is a SIM. The SIM 120 is used, among other things, to identify the end user (or subscriber) of the mobile station 102 and to personalize the device. Without the SIM 120, the mobile station is not fully operational for communication over the wireless network 104. By inserting the SIM 120 into the mobile station 102, the end user may have access to some and all of his or her subscribed services. The SIM 120 generally includes a memory and a processor for storing information. Since the SIM 120 is connected to the SIM interface 118, it is connected to the controller 106 via the communication line 144. To identify a subscriber, the SIM 120 includes some user parameters, such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using the SIM 120 is that the end user is not necessarily bound to any single physical mobile station. SIM 120 may also store additional user information for the mobile station, including schedule (or calendar) information and recent call information. As an alternative to SIM or R-UIM, the mobile station 102 may operate based on configuration data programmed by the service provider into the non-volatile memory of the mobile station 102.

The mobile station 102 may be a single unit, such as a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multifunctional communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) . Preferably, the mobile station 102 is a small portable handheld telephone unit having a housing (e. G., A small plastic housing) that contains or carries electrical circuitry and components described herein. Alternatively, mobile station 102 may be a multiple modular unit that includes a plurality of discrete components including, but not limited to, a computer or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the mobile station block diagram of FIG. 1, the RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 may be implemented as a wireless modem unit that may be inserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptop computer will include a display 112, a keyboard 114, and one or more auxiliary UIs 116. The controller 106 is implemented as a separate CPU in the CPU or modem unit of the computer. It is also contemplated that a computer or other device for which wireless communication is usually not possible may be adapted to effectively assume control of the RF transceiver circuit 108 and antenna 110 of a single unit device such as one of those described above, It is also possible to think that it is. It is noted that mobile station 102 may have more specific implementations as described later in relation to mobile station 202 of FIG.

The mobile station 102 communicates over the wireless network 104 in a wireless network 104, which may be, for example, a cellular communication network. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wireless network 104 is configured according to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and GSM (Global Systems for Mobile) technologies. In the case where the wireless network 104 is configured according to the GSM / GPRS technology, the network and the terminal may further operate according to EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) or EGPRS (Enhanced GPRS). However, any suitable type of network architecture and communication protocol may be used. For example, the wireless network 104 may be configured according to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. As another example, the network may be based on an Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network (iDEN), which is a high capacity digital trunked radio system (TRS) that provides integrated voice and data services.

In this GSM / GPRS environment, the wireless network 104 includes a base station controller (BSC) 128 having a plurality of associated tower stations (one of which is shown in FIG. 1) A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 130, a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network 140, a Home Location Register (HLR) 138, an IP network 134, a RADIUS A Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 131, and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 132. The GPRS Support Node (GPRS) The MSC 130 is connected to the BSC 128 and to the land line network 142, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The SGSN 131 is connected to the BSC 128 and to the GGSN 132 and the GGSN 132 is then connected to a public or private data network 144 (such as the Internet). The HLR 138 is connected to the MSC 130, the SGSN 131, and the GGSN 132. SS7 network 140 may be used to connect mobile station 102 to other call parties or emergency call center 152, such as a call party 150 (e. G., Land line telephone or other mobile station) And is connected to the ground line network 142 so as to be communicable. On the other hand, the IP network 134 is communicatively coupled to the Internet 144. The RADIUS server 136 is responsible for performing functions related to authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) of the packet data service, which may be referred to as an AAA server.

BSC 128 and its tower station may be referred to as (fixed) transceiver devices. The transceiver device provides wireless network coverage for a specific coverage area, commonly referred to as a "cell ". The transceiver device transmits a communication signal to and receives a communication signal from the mobile station through a tower station. The transceiver device performs functions such as modulation and possibly encoding and / or encryption of the signal to be transmitted to the mobile station in accordance with a particular predetermined communication protocol and parameters generally under the control of its controller. The transceiver device similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decodes, if necessary, any communication signals received from the mobile station 102 in its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between the various networks. For example, one network may operate at a different frequency employing a different modulation scheme than another network.

The wireless link depicted in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 represents one or more various channels, typically various radio frequency (RF) channels, and the associated protocol used between wireless network 104 and mobile station 102. The RF channel is typically a limited resource to be conserved due to the limitations of the overall bandwidth and the limited battery power of the mobile station 102. As is well known in the art, a wireless network in an actual implementation may include millions of cells, each supported by a tower station (i.e., a station sector), according to the desired overall wide network coverage You will know that you can. All appropriate components may be connected by a number of switches and routers (not shown) controlled by a number of network controllers.

Temporary data (such as the current location of the mobile station 102) as well as permanent data (such as the profile of the user of the mobile station 102) are stored in the HLR 138 for all mobile stations 102 registered as network operators. In the case of a voice call to mobile station 102, it queries HLR 138 to determine the current location of mobile station 102. The Visitor Location Register (VLR) of the MSC 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of the mobile stations currently in its coverage area. This includes a portion of the permanent mobile station data that has been transferred from the HLR 138 to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of the MSC 130 may also allocate and store local data, such as temporary identification information. Optionally, the VLR of MSC 130 may be enhanced for more efficient co-ordination of GPRS services and non-GPRS (non-GPRS) services and functionality (e.g., Paging for circuit switched calls that can be performed more efficiently through SGSN 131, and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates).

The SGSN 131 is at the same layer level as the MSC 130 and tracks the individual locations of the mobile stations. The SGSN 131 also performs security functions and access control. GGSN 132 provides interworking with an external packet switched network and is connected to an SGSN (such as SGSN 131) over an IP-based GPRS backbone network. The SGSN 131 performs authentication and encryption establishment procedures based on the same algorithms, keys, and criteria as in conventional GSM. In conventional operation, cell selection may be performed by the mobile station 102 autonomously or by a transceiver device that instructs the mobile station 102 to select a particular cell. The mobile station 102 informs the wireless network 104 when it reselects another cell or group of cells known as the routing area.

To access the GPRS service, the mobile station 102 first informs the wireless network 104 of its presence by performing what is known as a GPRS " attach. &Quot; This operation establishes a logical link between the mobile station 102 and the SGSN 131 and may be used by the mobile station 102 to receive, for example, a page over the SGSN, notification of the incoming GPRS data, or SMS message over GPRS Let's do it. In order to transmit and receive GPRS data, the mobile station 102 assists in activating the packet data address that it desires to use. This operation causes the mobile station 102 to become known to the GGSN 132, after which interaction with the external data network may begin. User data may be transmitted transparently between mobile station 102 and an external data network, for example, using encapsulation and tunneling. The data packet has GPRS-specific protocol information and is transmitted between the mobile station 102 and the GGSN 132.

The wireless network 104 includes a location tracking component for tracking the location of mobile stations. The location information of the mobile station is obtained based on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology using GPS satellites of conventional GPS system 154. In a typical configuration, the GPS system 154 includes 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours. In the present disclosure, the mobile station 102 obtains GPS information based on signals received from the GPS system 154 and measures and obtains its position using the location server 190 in the wireless network 104. [ The location server 190 may be connected to the MSC 130 and / or the IP network 134 and may be referred to as a Position Determination Entity (PDE). The PDE is coupled to a GPS receiver 192 for receiving signals and decoding information transmitted by the GPS system 154. The mobile station 102 may receive GPS information from the GPS system 154 and the location server 190 using the same RF transceiver 108 used for normal voice and data communications (or by sharing at least a portion thereof) have. Therefore, a separate GPS receiver for receiving GPS information from the GPS system 154 in the mobile station 102 need not be used. As an alternative, a separate GPS receiver may be used to receive GPS information from the GPS system 154 at the mobile station 102.

Of the currently employed position location techniques for enhanced 911 (E911), assisted GPS (A-GPS) is one of the solutions. These GPS technologies are described in standard specification documents such as TIA / EIA / IS-801-1. One positioning technique will be described. During a voice call associated with the mobile station 102, real-time GPS position information may be obtained and sent to the receiving entity. To obtain GPS location information, the mobile station 102 works with the GPS system 154 as well as the location server 190 in the wireless network 104. Conventionally, the mobile station 102 acquires GPS aware assistance data and uses it to perform what is called a " GPS fix ". For GPS fix, the mobile station 102 tunes its GPS receiver to the GPS signal frequency of the GPS system 154. During the GPS fix, the mobile station 102 performs GPS pseudorange measurements based on the GPS signals received from the GPS system 154. Sometimes during a voice call, the mobile station 102 sends GPS pseudorange data to the location server 190 and the location server 190 inferred the location of the mobile station 102 based thereon. Location server / PDE 190 may send the location information to a receiving entity (e.g., a public security answering point (PSAP)) and / or to mobile station 102. When received by a mobile station, the mobile station 102 may send location information to a receiving entity (e.g., a PSAP).

2 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile communication device or mobile station (MS) The mobile station 202 is preferably a bi-directional communication device having capabilities to communicate with other computer systems and having at least voice and advanced data communication capabilities. Depending on the functionality provided by mobile station 202, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities) . Mobile station 202 may communicate with any one of a plurality of base station transceiver systems 200 within its geographical coverage area. The mobile station 202 facilitates selection or selection of which of the base transceiver system 200 to communicate with, as will be described in more detail later with respect to Figures 3 and 4. [

The mobile station 202 typically includes a receiver 212, a transmitter 214, and one or more (preferably internal or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, a local oscillator (LO) 213, and a digital signal processor And a communication subsystem 211 including associated components, such as processing modules, The communications subsystem 211 is similar to the RF transceiver circuit 108 and antenna 110 shown in FIG. As will be apparent to those skilled in the communications arts, the particular design of the communications subsystem 211 depends on the communications network on which the mobile station 202 is intended to operate.

The mobile station 202 can send and receive communication signals over the network after the required network registration or activation procedure is completed. The signal received over the network by the antenna 216 is input to the receiver 212 and the receiver 212 performs signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., (A / D) conversion. The A / D conversion of the received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP 220. In a similar manner, the signal to be transmitted is processed, including, for example, modulation and encoding by the DSP 220. These DSP processed signals are input to a transmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D / A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over a communication network via antenna 218. The DSP 220 not only processes communication signals but also provides receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to the communication signals at the receiver 212 and the transmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through an automatic gain control algorithm implemented in the DSP 220.

Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of the mobile station 202 and thus the mobile station 202 may be a memory module such as a subscriber identity module ("SIM") card or a removable user identity module (R-UIM) 262 need to be inserted or connected to the interface 264 of the mobile station 202. [ Alternatively, a portion of the non-volatile memory or flash memory 224 may be programmed with the configuration data by the service provider so that the mobile station 202 may operate in the network. Since mobile station 202 is a portable handheld battery powered device, it also includes a battery interface 254 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 256. This battery 256 provides electrical power to most of the electrical circuitry, if not all of the mobile station 202, and the battery interface 254 provides mechanical and electrical connections thereto. The battery interface 254 is coupled to a regulator (not shown in FIG. 2) that provides power to all of the circuitry.

Mobile station 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (an implementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) that controls the overall operation of mobile station 202. This control includes the call or communication features of the present disclosure. At least a communication function including data and voice communication is performed through the communication subsystem 211. The microprocessor 238 also includes a display 222, a flash memory 224, a random access memory (RAM) 226, an auxiliary input / output (I / O) subsystem 228, a serial port 230, Such as a microphone 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, a short-range communication subsystem 240, and any other device subsystem generally referred to as 242. [ Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 perform communication-related functions, while other subsystems may provide "resident" or on-device functionality. In particular, some subsystems, such as, for example, the keyboard 232 and the display 222, may have both communication-related functions, such as entering text messages for transmission over a communication network, and device- Lt; / RTI > The operating system software used by the microprocessor 238 is preferably stored in a persistent storage such as flash memory 224, which may alternatively be a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown) . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or portions thereof, may be temporarily loaded into volatile storage such as RAM 226. [

The microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of a software application on the mobile station 202. A predetermined set of applications that controls basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications (such as network re-establishment schemes), will typically be installed on the mobile station 202 during its manufacture. Preferred applications that may be loaded into the mobile station 202 include personal information that has the ability to organize and manage data items related to the user, such as, but not limited to, email, calendar, voice mail, Manager (PIM) application. Of course, one or more memory storage spaces are available on mobile station 202 and SIM 256 to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items over the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, the PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated with the corresponding data items of the mobile station user associated with and / or stored in the host computer system, so that the mobile station 202 ) To create a mirrored host computer. This is particularly advantageous when the host computer system is a mobile station user's office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded into the mobile station 202 via the network, auxiliary I / O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-range communication subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242 And may be installed by the user in the RAM 226 or preferably in a non-volatile storage space (not shown) for execution by the microprocessor 238. This flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the mobile station 202 and can provide improved on-device capabilities, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable e-commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile station 202.

In data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message, an e-mail message, or a web page download, may be processed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor 238. The microprocessor 238 will process the signal further for output to the display 222 or alternatively to the auxiliary I / O device 228 preferably. A user of mobile station 202 may also configure a data item, such as an email message, using keyboard 232, for example, with display 222 and possibly auxiliary I / O device 228. [ Keyboard 232 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and / or telephone type keypad. These configured items may be transmitted via the communication subsystem 211 via the communication network.

In the case of voice communication, the overall operation of mobile station 202 is substantially similar, except that the received signal will be output to speaker 234 and a signal for transmission will be generated by microphone 236 . An alternative voice or audio I / O subsystem, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the mobile station 202. Although the voice or audio signal output is preferably achieved primarily through the speaker 234, the display 222 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of the caller, the duration of the voice call, or other voice call related information, .

The serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is typically implemented in a PDA-type communication device for a preferred component, although synchronization with a user's desktop computer is optional. The serial port 230 allows the user to set preferences via an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the mobile station 202 by providing information or software downloads to the mobile station 202 otherwise, . An alternate download path may be used, for example, to load the cryptographic key into the mobile station 202 via a direct and thus reliable and reliable connection, thereby providing secure device communication.

The short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additional optional component that provides communication between the mobile station 202 and other systems or devices that are not necessarily similar devices. For example, the subsystem 240 may include an infrared device and associated circuitry and components, or a Bluetooth ( ^TM ) communication module to provide communication with the like system and device. Bluetooth ^TM is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG.

1, mobile station 102 is operative to provide GPS location information to a requesting entity (e.g., call terminator 150 or emergency center 152) for identification of the location of mobile station 102 . To do this, one of several different techniques may be used in the wireless network 104. [ In one case, the mobile station 102 allows navigational-type data to be requested and received regularly or periodically during an idle mode of operation or during a voice call and stored in memory. The GPS search type data may be "raw" search data or may alternatively be data (eg, data) derived from raw search data that may include GPS ephemeris parameter data and / or GPS latency parameter data Thus, it may be the term "searchable" data). The GPS seeking data may be received from the location server 190 over the wireless network, or alternatively, directly or both from the GPS system 154. The location server / PDE 190 uses a triangulation / trilateration procedure to obtain the coarse location of the mobile station 102 to derive GPS aware assistance information for the mobile station 102 . Alternatively, the serving base station (s), which may be available from the broadcast message from the base station (s) as an approximate location for the location server / PDE 190 to derive GPS aware assistance information for the mobile station 102, May be used.

Subsequently, the mobile station 102 performs a GPS procedure to obtain GPS position information. In particular, the mobile station 102 derives GPS aware assistance data and / or sensitivity assistance data based on the last previous received and stored GPS seeking data stored in the memory. GPS awareness assistance data may include data identifying suitable peripheral GPS satellites, Doppler frequency, and time delay window information. The sensitivity assistance data includes the expected bit content of GPS search data to be modulated relative to the GPS signal when the GPS fix is about to be performed. Next, the mobile station 102 causes the GPS fix to be performed using the GPS system 154. During the GPS fix, the radio receiver of the GPS / mobile station 102 is tuned to the GPS frequency to receive GPS signals from the GPS system 154. [ The mobile station 102 obtains GPS measurement data associated with the mobile station 102 based on the GPS signal received from the GPS system 154. The GPS measurement data may or may not be GPS pseudorange data.

A traffic channel is maintained between the mobile station 102 and the wireless network 104 during a voice call such that voice communication may occur between the end user of the mobile station 102 and the call recipient 150, for example. The call recipient 150 is associated with a telephone number that may have been selected by the end user of the mobile station 102. The call recipient 150 may be any ordinary call party (e.g., an end user's family, friend, or colleague), or alternatively may be an emergency call center or a public safety response point associated with "911 " ). ≪ / RTI > Sometimes during a voice call, the mobile station 102 causes a measurement from the base station signal of the wireless network 104 to take place. These measurements are obtained for use with pseudoranges to improve position accuracy if the available GPS pseudoranges alone are not sufficient to accurately determine the position, rather than to provide an approximate location of the mobile station 102 .

Next, the mobile station 102 causes a request for measurement data and positioning to be sent to the location server or PDE 190. [ The transmission of GPS measurement data may be performed in response to a request from the location server 190 or other requesting entity or by autonomously (e. G., By a dialed telephone number such as an emergency number such as "911" Triggered) can be performed. The location server / PDE 190 then calculates the location of the mobile station 102 based on triangulation / trilateration techniques using the data. The location information of the mobile station 102 may be or include latitude, longitude, and altitude information. Location server 190 may send the resulting location information of mobile station 102 directly to call recipient 150 either at its request or without its request. Alternatively, the location server 190 may send location information to the mobile station 102 and the mobile station 102 may then send it to the call recipient 150. In an alternative approach, the location server / PDE 190 does not need to be used as described above if the mobile station 102 is adapted to calculate its own location information in an MS-only approach.

3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for use by a mobile communication device in processing emergency communications. The method may be performed by a mobile device with one or more processors, a memory, a user interface and its wireless transceiver (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2) and with appropriate system components as described. The method is further implemented with a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium (e.g., a memory or a computer disk) having stored thereon computer instructions executable by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) .

Generally, as described, the method of FIG. 3 relates to an emergency call with a public safety answering point (PSAP) entity established by a mobile device over a wireless network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such an incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from generating an audible alarm, and does not detect any manual response signal through its user interface and automatically transmits subsequent emergency calls from the public safety answering point entity ≪ / RTI > Therefore, appropriate information that was not available from the first emergency call can be obtained from the subsequent emergency call. This information may include, for example, GPS-based location information that identifies the geographic location of the mobile device. In one particular approach, the mobile device automatically answers the call if the incoming call message is received within a predetermined period of time after the connection is disconnected and indicates that the message in the data indication of the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response . Alternatively, if the incoming call message is received over a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken, or if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response followed by the incoming call message, And refrain from automatically responding to the associated call.

3, since the end user of the mobile device may be attempting to make a voice call over the wireless communication network, the mobile device monitors its user interface with respect to the user input signal 3, step 302). When the processor detects a call request for a voice call through the user interface (step 304 of FIG. 3), the processor identifies whether the call request is for an emergency call (step 306 of FIG. 3). In order to identify whether the call request is for an emergency call, the processor may select a predetermined code (e.g., 911, etc.) entered or selected by the end user for the call, a predetermined user input selection (E. G., User selection of an "emergency call dialing" button or icon provided by the mobile device), or a sensor output signal associated with the mobile device Can be identified. In step 306, if the call request is for a non-emergency call, the processor performs a normal or conventional call setup procedure and processing for the non-emergency call (step 308 of FIG. 3).

If, at step 306, the call request is for an emergency call, the processor causes the PSAP entity to initiate an emergency call via a wireless transceiver (step 318 of FIG. 3). At call setup, automatic number identification (ANI) or caller identification information (ANI) associated with the mobile device is delivered to the PSAP entity (step 320 of FIG. 3). The ANI information may be or include a number corresponding to the mobile identifier uniquely identifying the mobile device. The PSAP entity receives the ANI information and responds to the incoming call, so that the emergency call is established and maintained between the mobile device and the PSAP entity over the wireless network (step 322 of FIG. 3). During the call, the mobile device monitors to receive any location information request (e.g., GPS location) from the PSAP entity (step 324 of FIG. 3). If a location information request is received as identified in step 324, the processor causes the location information corresponding to the geographical location of the mobile device to be sent for use by the PSAP entity (step 326 of FIG. 3). This may be performed at least partially using the techniques described above with respect to FIG. Alternatively, the transmission of information may be performed autonomously by the mobile station 102 (i.e., step 326 is performed after step 322 without receiving any request in step 324). Thus, the PSAP entity can obtain the geographical location of the mobile device.

If the conditions are sufficient, all necessary information is properly transmitted during the emergency call between the mobile device and the PSAP entity so that the emergency situation can be properly handled. Examples of suitable information include the telephone number of the mobile device (ANI or caller ID), the geographical location of the mobile device (GPS based geographical location), the address of the location of the mobile device, , And information useful to the end user in handling the emergency situation. However, the emergency call may be disconnected too soon (step 328 of FIG. 3), so that all appropriate information may not be delivered appropriately. Emergency calls can be disconnected in a number of different ways. For example, the mobile device may be in coverage with the wireless network during an emergency call, but then it may be repositioned or moved out of coverage with the wireless network such that the call is disconnected. As another example, an emergency call may be terminated inadvertently or deliberately by an end user or a third party.

As described herein, using the teachings of the present disclosure, a PSAP entity may re-contact the mobile device with a subsequent emergency call. This subsequent emergency call from the PSAP entity may be a silent and / or answering voice call.

If the processor detects that the emergency call is disconnected at step 328 of FIG. 3, the processor may set and execute a timer (step 330 of FIG. 3). The timer set in step 330 may be used by the mobile device to define a period of time from when the connection is broken, where the PSAP entity can call back to the mobile device again. The duration may be anything between, for example, 2-10 minutes, but other durations may be appropriate.

The processor will then go back to monitoring the user input signal at the user interface (step 302) and the incoming message through the wireless transceiver (step 310). In the preferred technique, with respect to step 302, the processor forbids any call attempted by the end user from the mobile device over the wireless network for a period defined by the timer (presumably excluding any subsequent emergency calls by the end user ). After expiration of the timer, the process will accept the call attempted by the end user from the mobile device.

An incoming call message to the mobile device for a voice call may be received (step 312 of FIG. 3) while monitoring the message via the wireless transceiver at 310 after the connection is broken. The incoming call message may be for a subsequent emergency call from the PSAP entity after the connection is broken. The PSAP entity makes the subsequent emergency call using the ANI or caller ID information associated with the mobile device. If an incoming call message is not received at step 312, the processor continues to monitor for user input signals and wireless messages at steps 302 and 310.

However, if an incoming call message directed to the mobile device is received at step 312, the processor identifies whether the incoming call message is for a call requiring a silent and / or automatic response by the mobile device (step < RTI ID = 0.0 > 314). In a first embodiment associated with step 314, if an incoming call message for a call from a PSAP entity is received within a time period defined by the timer set in step 330, the processor may receive any manual response signal (Step 332 in Fig. 3). In addition, the processor refrains from generating any audible alarms to alert the call. However, if an incoming call message is received beyond the time period defined by the timer, the processor causes the normal or standard call procedure to be performed on the incoming call (step 316 of FIG. 3). For standard call procedures, the processor typically requires that an audible alarm be generated at the mobile device to notify the end user of an incoming call, and to detect a manual response signal through the user interface to cause the processor to answer the call Detecting the operation of the key or button, or rotating or sliding the housing of the mobile device).

In a second embodiment associated with step 314, if the incoming call message includes a data indication (i.e., silence and / or answering) indicating that the call is an emergency call followed by a call, then the processor, at step 332, So that the incoming call is automatically answered without detecting any manual response signal. In addition, the processor refrains from generating any audible alarms to alert the call. Please refer to the following description with reference to FIG. 5 below. However, if the data indication does not indicate that the call is for an emergency call followed by a silent auto-answer, the processor causes the normal or standard call procedure to be performed for the incoming call at step 316. Again, in a standard call procedure, the processor typically causes an audible alarm to be generated at the mobile device to notify the end user of an incoming call and requires the processor to detect a manual response signal on the user interface to answer the call.

In a third embodiment associated with step 314, an incoming call message for a call from the PSAP entity is received within a time period defined by the timer set in step 330, and the incoming call message is a data indication , Silent and / or autoresponse), the processor at step 332 automatically responds to the incoming call without detecting any manual response signal through the user interface of the mobile device. In addition, the processor refrains from generating any audible alarms to alert the call. However, if the incoming call message is received over a period defined by the timer, or if it is for an emergency call followed by a call in the data indication or does not indicate that it is for a silent auto-answer, then the processor proceeds to step 316, Allow standard call procedures to be performed. Thus, in this third embodiment, the means for initiating the auto / silence response is dependent on both the duration and the data display variable.

Also in a fourth embodiment associated with step 314, an incoming call message for the call from the PSAP entity is received within a time period defined by the timer set in step 330, or the incoming call message is a data indication That is, silent and / or autoresponse), the processor causes the processor to automatically respond to the incoming call at step 332 without detecting any manual response signal through the user interface of the mobile device. In addition, the processor refrains from generating any audible alarms to alert the call. However, if the incoming call message is received over a time period defined by the timer, and the data indication does not indicate that it is for an emergency call followed by a call or a silent auto-answer, then the processor proceeds to step 316, Allow standard call procedures to be performed. Thus, in this fourth embodiment, the duration and data display variables are independent and advantageously provide individual means to initiate an automatic / silent response. If, after step 332, the mobile device automatically responds to the following emergency call, the mobile device will maintain the following emergency call, as indicated in step 322. The steps may be repeated as needed as provided in the flowchart. The subsequent emergency calls ensure that all necessary information is properly transmitted during the emergency call between the mobile device and the PSAP entity so that the emergency situation can be properly handled.

In one particular embodiment, disconnecting the emergency call at step 328 is caused by the mobile device experiencing an out-of-coverage condition with the wireless network. After a condition out of coverage with the wireless network causing the connection of the emergency call to be disconnected, the processor can identify that a condition has been obtained that is in-coverage with the wireless network. In response, the processor causes the message to be transmitted to the wireless network. The wireless network receives this message and identifies that the mobile device is again available, and the message or the corresponding message may be communicated to the PSAP entity to indicate the same. Thereafter, in response to this message, the PSAP entity causes the subsequent emergency call to be made to the mobile device.

5 illustrates an example of an incoming call that may have a data indication 506 in one or more data fields to indicate whether the incoming call message 502 to the mobile device is for a subsequent emergency call (i.e., silent / automatic answer) Message 502. < RTI ID = 0.0 > In this embodiment, incoming call message 502 is a radio interface message broadcast over a wireless network over a control or paging channel. Depending on the context or context, the incoming call message 502 may be a page message, a call control message, or a call setup message or so forth. If the data indication 506 is a bit indication, for example, bit '1' may indicate an emergency call followed by an incoming call (ie, silence and / or answering call), bit '0' (I. E., Not silent and / or an automated answering call). The incoming call message 506 also includes other appropriate information such as a mobile identifier 504 that identifies the mobile device that the incoming call is destined to. While monitoring for the broadcasted message, the processor of the mobile device is operative to compare the mobile identifier 504 with its stored mobile identifier, and if so, the processor performs an operation as described in connection with step 314 of Figure 3 .

Note that the same data indication 506 for an automatic response may also instruct the mobile device to silently answer the incoming call without generating an audible alert to notify the end user of the call. In an alternative embodiment, the data indication 506 is used to indicate that the incoming call should be automatically answered by the mobile device, but may also be used to indicate whether the incoming call should be silently answered or not, A separate data representation in the call message is used.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a relevant portion of call flow diagram 900 illustrating an immediate connect feature that may be utilized in the call procedure of the present disclosure for a GSM / GPRS network. Call flow diagram 900 is based on GSM call control layer processing for mobile devices as described in the GSM specification document. Note that MNCC is an abbreviation of Mobile Network Call Control and MMCC is an abbreviation of Mobility Management Call Control. This processing may occur in connection with steps 312, 314, 316, and 320 of FIG. Starting at process 904 (U9 MT CALL CONFIRMED), if a call is received by the mobile device that is not a normal emergency, the mobile device sends a process 906 (DR (ALERT) followed by process 908 (U7 CALL RECEIVED) after MNCC_ALERT_REQ, , Followed by process 910 (DR (CONN)) after MNCC_SETUP_RESP, and then to process 912 (U8 CONNECT REQUEST). However, in the case of a subsequent emergency call (or silent / automatic call), the process flow from process 904 (MT CALL CONFIRMED) goes directly to process 902 (DR (CONN)) after MNCC_SETUP_RESP, followed by process 912 (U8 CONNECT REQUEST ). As can be seen, the mobile device performs process 902 with MNCC_SETUP_RESP, without performing processes 906, 908 and 910 for subsequent emergency calls. This concludes the description with reference to FIG.

Preferably, an automatic and / or silent response to a call to the mobile device is provided to the mobile device and is performed in spite of other programmable data indicia that may be utilized by the mobile device. To illustrate, FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a memory 602 of a mobile device that may have programmable data representations 604 and 606 stored therein. The programmable data display 604 is for setting an audible alarm response mode or a silence response mode for incoming calls to the mobile device and the programmable data indication 606 is for a manual answer mode This is for setting the automatic answer mode. Programmable data displays 604 and 606 are programmable in that they can change these modes as desired by the end user. The processor may control and / or select the mode of the mobile device based on the user input signal received via the user input device of the user interface. The user input device may be, for example, one or more buttons or keys of the mobile device. In response to actuation of a button or key by an end user, the processor may, for example, provide selection or toggling between modes. Preferably, the processor causes a graphical user interface (GUI) to be rendered or rendered on the visual display, which includes a GUI button or menu list for selection of the end user between the various modes.

Again, the programmable data display 606 of FIG. 6 is for setting an audible alarm response mode or a silence response mode for incoming calls of the mobile device. If the programmable data representation is a bit representation, for example, bit '0' may indicate that an audible alarm response mode should be used for the incoming call, and bit '1' It should be indicated that it should be used. Note that the opposite bit definition or other bit configuration may be used as an alternative. Alternatively, bit '0' may indicate that device settings should be used for incoming calls, and bit '1' may indicate that remote silence response control should be used for incoming calls. Typically, when the processor receives an incoming call message for a normal incoming voice call to a mobile device and the audible alarm response mode is enabled, the processor is operable to send an incoming call to the end user via the user interface Allows an alarm to be generated. On the other hand, if the processor receives an incoming call message for a normal incoming voice call to the mobile device and the silent answering mode is enabled, the processor will send an audible alarm through the user interface to notify the end user of the incoming call . However, even if the programmable data display 606 is set to enable the audible alarm response mode, if the incoming call message for the incoming voice call has a data indication for a silent (automatic) response (e.g., , The processor still refrains from allowing any audible alarm to be generated via the user interface to notify the end user of the incoming call. See Table 1 below for an example truth table logic for this functionality.

Display programmable data set by the end user Displaying data from wireless messages The resulting mode Audible alarm No remote silence response control Audible alarm Audible alarm Remote Silence Response Enable Silence response Silent alarm No remote silence response control Silence response Silent alarm Remote Silence Response Enable Silence response

Table 1. Truth Table Logic Mode for Mobile Devices

On the other hand, the programmable data display 604 of FIG. 6 is for setting the manual answer mode or the auto answer mode of the mobile device. If the programmable data representation is a bit representation, for example, bit '0' may indicate that a manual response mode should be used for the incoming call and bit '1' Can be displayed. Note that the opposite bit definition or other bit configuration may be used as an alternative. Alternatively, bit '0' may indicate that device settings should be used for incoming calls, and bit '1' may indicate that remote auto-answer control should be used for incoming calls. Typically, when a processor receives an incoming call message for a normal incoming voice call to a mobile device and the manual answer mode is enabled, the processor only enters the incoming call when detecting a manual answer signal by the end user via the user interface Respond to voice calls. On the other hand, if the processor receives an incoming call message for a normal incoming voice call to the mobile device and the autoresponse mode is enabled, the processor will not detect any manual response signal by the end user via the user interface, Allow voice calls to be answered automatically. However, even if the programmable data display 604 is set to enable the manual answer mode, if the incoming call message for the incoming voice call has a data indication for an automatic (silent) response (e.g., see FIG. 5) , The processor still responds to the incoming voice call automatically without detecting any manual response signal by the end user through the user interface. See Table 2 below for an example truth table logic for this functionality.

Display programmable data set by the end user Displaying data from wireless messages The resulting mode Manual response No remote auto-answer control Manual response Manual response Remote auto-answer enable Autoresponder Autoresponder No remote auto-answer control Autoresponder Autoresponder Remote auto-answer enable Autoresponder

Table 2. Truth table logic for the response mode of the mobile device

In another scenario, the programmable data representation 606 of FIG. 6 is for again setting an audible alarm response mode or a silence response mode for incoming calls of the mobile device. However, even if the programmable data display 606 is set to enable the audible alarm response mode, if the incoming call message for the incoming voice call has a data indication for both silence and automatic response (e.g., 5), the processor refrains from allowing any audible alarm to be generated via the user interface to notify the end user of the incoming call, and causes the call to be automatically answered (i. E., The device setup is ignored). However, when the incoming call message for the incoming voice call has a data indication set to not auto / silent response, the device setting is used and the data display in the wireless message is not prioritized. See Table 3 below for an example truth table logic for this functionality.

Display programmable data set by the end user Displaying data from wireless messages The resulting mode Audible alarm No remote auto / silent response control Manual response with audible alarm set by the end user Audible alarm Remote auto / silent response enable Auto / silent response Silent alarm No remote auto / silent response control Manual response with silent alarm set by end user Silent alarm Remote auto / silent response enable Auto / silent response

Table 3. Truth table logic for the response mode of the mobile device

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a flow diagram of a general method for use in a wireless communication network to handle emergency communications for a mobile communication device, which may complement the method described in connection with FIG. The method may be performed in a wireless communication network in connection with one or more network processors, memory, and suitable system components as described, using a transceiver (e.g., see FIG. 1). At least some of the methods may be further implemented with a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium (e.g., memory or computer disk) having stored thereon computer instructions executable by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) .

Beginning at start block 400 of FIG. 4, the wireless network is adapted to facilitate establishment of an emergency call between a mobile communication device operating in a wireless network and a public safety answering point (PSAP) entity (step 402 of FIG. 4). During an emergency call, the wireless network may identify a call termination message or a fault condition (e.g., out of coverage) that causes the emergency call to be disconnected (step 404 in FIG. 4). After the connection is sometimes disconnected, the wireless network receives a message for the subsequent emergency call with the mobile device initiated by the PSAP entity (step 406 of FIG. 4). The PSAP entity initiates a subsequent emergency call to the mobile device using the ANI or caller ID information previously received in the first emergency call. In response to receiving the message, the wireless network generates an incoming call message directed to the mobile device for transmission over the wireless network. Upon generating the incoming call message, the wireless network sets up data indication in one or more data fields of the incoming call message (step 408 of FIG. 4). The data indication is for use in instructing the mobile device to automatically answer the call without detection of the manual answer signal via the user interface of the mobile device. The data indication (or other indication) may also be for use in instructing the mobile device to refrain from generating an audible alert to notify a subsequent emergency call. The wireless network then causes the incoming call message for the subsequent emergency call to be broadcast via the wireless network for reception by the mobile device (step 410 of FIG. 4). The mobile device responds to the emergency call in an automatic and / or silent manner.

Note that for the other related art of this disclosure, the emergency call described herein may be disconnected by someone, either the end user or a third party, in response to an intentional or accidental action at the mobile device. When this happens, it may be impossible or difficult for communication between the PSAP entity and the mobile device to occur in any subsequent emergency call, unless special techniques are used. For example, the mobile device may be out of reach or out of reach of the end user. As another example, the configuration of the mobile device may not readily allow such subsequent communication.

To further illustrate this latter problem, Figures 8A and 8B show side views of one configuration of a mobile device having a housing 802 providing an open state (Figure 8A) and a closed state (Figure 8B). 8A and 8B, the housing 802 includes a first (upper) housing portion 804 and a second (lower) housing portion 804 connected by a hinge assembly 808 to provide an open and closed condition, Portion 806 of FIG. The hinge assembly 808 may alternatively be a slide assembly or pivot point assembly, for example, to provide an open and closed condition. 8A and 8B the first housing portion 804 carries the display 112 and the speaker 234 and the second housing portion 806 carries the keyboard 114 and the microphone 236 do. 8A exposes the display 112, the keyboard 114, the speaker 234 and the microphone 236 for use and the closed state in FIG. 8B exposes the display 112, the keyboard 114, Speaker 234, and microphone 236 and / or is inactive. As can be clearly seen in Figure 8b, if the mobile device is in a closed state after being disconnected from the emergency call, subsequent communication may be impossible or difficult to occur with any subsequent emergency calls unless special techniques are used.

To solve this problem, one type of mobile device that may be utilized in the present technique may be configured to selectively provide a handset talk mode and a speakerphone talk pod for a voice call. Speakerphone transducers (e.g., speakerphone transducer 810 of FIGS. 8A and 8B) are provided in addition to conventional earpiece speakers and microphones. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the speakerphone transducer 810 may be provided on the outside or on the opposite side of the housing that otherwise provides the receiver speaker 234 and the microphone 236.

To further illustrate, Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating functionality associated with a talk mode for a voice call of a mobile device. The talk mode of the mobile device includes a handset talk mode 702 and a speakerphone or "hands-free" talk mode 704. A switching circuit 706 may be connected to and controlled by the processor of the mobile device to switch between the handset talk mode 702 and the speakerphone talk mode 704. [

In the handset talk mode 702, the processor enables the handset speaker and microphone (including its associated circuitry) of the mobile device via the switching circuitry 706 to allow the end user to hear and speak each during a voice call. When enabled, the handset speaker / microphone and associated circuitry provide a limited dedicated geographic distance for the transport of audio signals of voice calls. To effectively communicate to the handset talk mode 702 during a voice call, the end user grasps the mobile device (e.g., a handheld phone device) and places the handset speaker close to the ear of the end user and the handset microphone Place the mobile device next to the end user's head so that they are near. Otherwise, the audio signal will not have enough strength to be delivered to the end user and other parties of the call.

In the case of the speakerphone talk mode 704, the processor enables an alternative transducer (speaker / microphone) (including its associated circuitry) of the mobile device via the switching circuitry 706 to allow the end user to hear and speak during the voice call do. Note that the speakerphone talk mode 704 may alternatively be referred to as a "hands free" When enabled, the speakerphone transducer and associated circuitry provide a more extended geographical distance for the transport of audio signals of voice calls. To communicate in a speakerphone talk mode 704 during a voice call, the end user places the mobile device in an end user's hand or at an appropriate interval (e.g., within 0.5-1.5 meters or so) at a suitable interval . In the speakerphone talk mode 704, the audio signal of the voice call is strong enough to be delivered to the end user and other parties of the call, despite the spacing between the mobile device and the end user.

The processor may control and / or select a torque mode of the mobile device based on an input 710 from a user input device of the user interface. The user input device may be, for example, one or more buttons or keys of the mobile device. In response to actuation of the button or key by the end user, the processor may provide selection or toggling between the handset talk mode 702 and the speakerphone talk mode 704 during a voice call. Thus, the processor can detect a manual speakerphone activation signal via a user interface from an end user to activate the speakerphone talk mode 704. [ Preferably, the processor causes a graphical user interface (GUI) to be provided or presented on the visual display, which may include a GUI button or menu list for end user selection between the handset talk mode 702 and the speakerphone talk mode 704 .

The processor may additionally or alternatively control the torque mode of the mobile device based on an input 712 corresponding to a data indication in one or more data fields of the incoming call message from the PSAP entity (e.g., see FIG. 5) ). For example, bit '0' may indicate that handset talk mode 702 should be used and bit '1' may indicate that speakerphone talk mode 704 should be used if the data indication is a bit indication can do. Note that the opposite bit definition or other bit configuration may be used as an alternative. Alternatively, bit '0' may indicate that the device setting should be used to select mode 702 or 704, and bit '1' may indicate that the speakerphone talk mode 704 for the remote speakerphone enable should be used (I.e., ignoring the device setting). In addition to or in addition to this data indication to be provided in an incoming call message, such a data indication may be provided in any suitable message delivered from the PSAP entity to the mobile device during a call (i.e., while a call is in progress, And receives a data indication from the sent message).

Logic 708 can be provided if both input 710 (i.e., user input selection) and input 712 (i.e., data representation in a wireless message) should be used to select the torque mode of the mobile device. The logic 708 may be provided in the mobile device as hardware or as software controlling the processor. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the logic 708 may be an OR gate or a functional equivalent thereof. Preferably, the logic 708 may be adapted to operate in accordance with the truth table provided in Table 4 below:

User input signal from user input device Displaying data from wireless messages The resulting torque mode receiver No remote speakerphone control receiver receiver Remote speakerphone enable Speakerphone Speakerphone No remote speakerphone control Speakerphone Speakerphone Remote speakerphone enable Speakerphone

Table 4. Truth Table Logic for Torque Mode

Although examples have been provided, any suitable type of logic may be used to select the torque mode of the mobile device.

Thus, subsequent communications between the PSAP entity and the mobile device may still be valid using speakerphone talk mode control (e.g., using a PSAP (e.g., a PSAP)), even if the mobile device has been dropped from the end user during an emergency call, The entity may at least be able to hear the end user's speech, or at least indicate or otherwise communicate with the end user. Subsequent communications are also possible when the mobile device configuration does not allow it (e.g., see the discussion of Figures 8A and 8B).

In an alternative embodiment, the selection and remote control in the mobile device of the answering and talk mode using the data indication in the wireless message may be carried out by the end user, regardless of whether the emergency call is made by the end user, , A PSAP or other third party. The call to the mobile device made by the entity can only be silent or confidential, a secret call (speaker phone talk mode as described above is enabled or not enabled), which means that any disconnected mobile- It does not have to be done in response to an emergency call. For example, a silent or secret call may be made from an entity to a mobile device in response to identifying that an end user of the mobile device is involved in an illegal or fraudulent behavior. In this alternative embodiment no timer is used in the mobile device for a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken since there is no break of the mobile terminal initiated call or associated call connection in this embodiment. Otherwise, the techniques used may be the same or similar to those described above. Alternatively, such a silence or secret call (speaker phone talk mode enabled or not enabled as described above) may be initiated from an entity in response to receiving an entity of a signal or message (not urgent or urgent) initiated from the mobile device. Mobile device. Preferably, the message is an emergency message (e. G., An SMS message) or an e-mail (e-mail) message that is received by the end user via the user interface of the mobile device and sent over the wireless network to be. This message may be detected as a non-urgent or non-urgent message using the same or similar techniques described above with respect to step 306 of FIG. 3 (i.e., detecting a predetermined code or predetermined user input selection). In this particular alternative embodiment, the timer for the period following the initial mobile terminal initiation signal or message may be used in the mobile device in the same or similar manner as the period after the emergency call is disconnected.

Accordingly, in an alternative method for use by a mobile communication device to process an incoming call through a wireless communication network, the steps of the method include monitoring an incoming call message for an incoming call over a wireless communication network; Receive a data indication in one or more data fields of an incoming call message; Wherein the data indication indicates that the incoming call message is for a silent auto-answer: refrain from generating an audible alert at the mobile communication device to notify the incoming call; Cause the mobile communication device to automatically answer the incoming call without detecting a manual answer signal via the user interface of the mobile communication device; Or alternatively refraining from causing the mobile communication device to automatically answer the incoming call without detecting a passive answer signal if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for a silent auto answer; In response to detecting the manual response signal via the user interface, responding to the incoming call.

In accordance with the main teachings of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for use in handling disconnected emergency calls and other communications associated with mobile communication devices has been described. In one exemplary embodiment, an emergency call with a public safety answering point entity is established by the mobile communication device over the wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a subsequent emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such an incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from generating an audible alarm, and does not detect any manual response signal through its user interface and automatically transmits subsequent emergency calls from the public safety answering point entity ≪ / RTI > In one particular approach, the mobile device automatically responds to a call if the incoming call message is received within a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken and indicates that the message is for an emergency call or an auto-answer followed by a data indication of the incoming call message . Alternatively, if the incoming call message is received over a predetermined period of time after the connection is broken, or if the data indication does not indicate that the incoming call message is for an emergency call or an automatic response followed by the incoming call message, And refrain from automatically responding to the associated call.

Another exemplary method for use by a mobile communication device adapted to communicate over a wireless communication network includes receiving a message over a wireless communication network having a data indication in one or more data fields; Enabling a speakerphone talk mode of the mobile communication device for a voice call if it indicates that a speakerphone talk mode should be used in the data display from the message; And, alternatively, enabling the handset talk mode of the mobile communication device for the voice call if it indicates that the handset talk mode should be used in the data display from the message. The method may further comprise causing the mobile communication device to automatically respond to the voice call from the third party entity without detecting a manual response signal via the user interface of the mobile communication device.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A method in a communication device,
An incoming call message for an incoming call, said incoming call message having data indicia indicating whether said incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point entity;
Perform non-emergency call processing for the incoming call if the data indications do not indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point;
Allowing the emergency call to be automatically answered by the communication device if the data indications indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call
≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the emergency call is automatically answered without detecting a manual response signal via the user interface of the communication device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising refraining from generating an audible alert at the communication device for notification of the emergency call if the data indicia indicates that the incoming call is an emergency call. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising causing a mobile identifier that identifies the communication device to be transmitted to the public safety answering point entity via a communication network,
Wherein receiving the incoming call message comprises receiving an incoming call message addressed to the mobile identifier. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising refraining from performing a DR (ALERT) process and a U7 CALL RECEIVED process when responding to the emergency call, if the data indications indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the user interface of the communication device comprises a display, a speaker, and a microphone,
Wherein the act of causing the emergency call to be automatically answered by the communication device further comprises enabling the speaker to generate audible signals from the public safety answering point entity and enabling the microphone to receive audible signals at the communication device Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 >
A method in a communication device. The method according to claim 1,
The communication device having a handset torque mode and a speakerphone torque mode,
Further comprising enabling the speakerphone talk mode of the communication device without detecting a manual speakerphone activation signal via a user interface if the data indicia indicates that the incoming call is an emergency call. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises a wireless telephone device operative to request an emergency call through a wireless communication network. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions,
Wherein the computer instructions are executed by one or more processors of a communication device,
An incoming call message for an incoming call, said incoming call message having data indicia indicating whether said incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point entity;
Perform non-emergency call processing for the incoming call if the data indications do not indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point;
And to cause the emergency call to be automatically answered by the communication device if the data indications indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call. A mobile communication device,
One or more processors;
A wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors and configured for communications over a wireless communication network;
A user interface coupled to the one or more processors,
The one or more processors,
An incoming call message for an incoming call, said incoming call message having data indicia indicating whether said incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point entity;
Perform non-emergency call processing for the incoming call if the data indications do not indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point;
Wherein the emergency call is configured to be automatically answered by the mobile communication device if the data indications indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the emergency call is automatically answered without detecting a manual response signal through the user interface of the mobile communication device. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10,
Wherein the mobile communication device is further configured to refrain from generating an audible alarm at the mobile communication device for notification of the emergency call if the data indicia indicates that the incoming call is an emergency call. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10,
Wherein the mobile communication device is further configured to cause a mobile identifier identifying the mobile communication device to be transmitted to the public safety answering point entity via a communication network,
Wherein receiving the incoming call message comprises receiving an incoming call message addressed to the mobile identifier. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10,
And to refrain from performing the DR (ALERT) process and the U7 CALL RECEIVED process when responding to the emergency call, if the data indications indicate that the incoming call is an emergency call. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the user interface of the mobile communication device comprises a display, a speaker, and a microphone,
The one or more processors,
Automatically enabling the loudspeaker to generate audible signals from the public safety answering point entity, and automatically activating the microphone to receive audible signals at the mobile communication device, To be automatically answered by the mobile communication device. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the mobile communication device has a handset torque mode and a speakerphone torque mode,
Wherein the mobile communication device is further configured to enable the speakerphone talk mode of the mobile communication device without detecting a manual speakerphone activation signal via a user interface if the data indicia indicates that the incoming call is an emergency call. A method in a wireless communication network,
Generating an incoming call message for an incoming call to the communication device;
Set data representations in the incoming call message to instruct the communication device to perform non-emergency call processing if the incoming call is a non-emergency call;
If the incoming call is an emergency call from a public safety answering point entity, set the data indications in the incoming call message to instruct the communication device to automatically answer the emergency call;
Sending the incoming call message including the data indicia setting to the communication device over the wireless network
≪ / RTI > 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein setting data indicia in the incoming call message for instructing the communication device to automatically answer the emergency call comprises:
And instructs the communication device to respond automatically without detecting a manual response signal through the user interface of the communication device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein setting data indicia in the incoming call message for instructing the communication device to automatically answer the emergency call comprises:
And instructs the communication device to automatically reply without refraining from generating an audible alarm at the communication device for notification of the emergency call.

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