WO2013082810A1

WO2013082810A1 - Multi-mode emergency communications system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2013082810A1
Application number: PCT/CN2011/083771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jian Zhang
Original assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
Priority date: 2011-12-09
Filing date: 2011-12-09
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

The present disclosure an apparatus and method for locating a survivor in an emergency location, including establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points, storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs, and generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information. Further aspects of the mobile, temporarily-positioned access point and the survivor UE are also described.

Description

MULTI-MODE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND

METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] When an individual finds him or herself in an emergency situation, the individual may utilize his or her mobile telephone to communicate with the local authorities or rescue personnel. Through this communication, authorities are able to communicate with the individual to ascertain information regarding the emergency situation and the individual's location in order to reach the individual and provide assistance. Such a communication traditionally occurs over an existing communications network, which may include, for example, one or more wireless networks, the Internet, or the public- switch telephone network (PSTN).

[0002] However, after some emergencies, such as an earthquake or other natural disaster, traditional communications systems may be damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered inoperable. For example, moving earth or objects in an emergency may sever data connections and/or power supply connections from the various electrical components that make up traditional communications networks.

[0003] In the time immediately following such an emergency, survivors of the emergency may be in need of assistance, and may attempt to use their mobile devices to communicate with authorities. When traditional mobile communications systems are rendered inoperable, however, traditional methods of electronic communication may not be available.

[0004] Additionally, because various forms of wireless communication technology exist, traditional communication occurs over a plethora of networks that cater to devices and communication standards of various technologies. Because such diversity in wireless technologies and networks exists, after an emergency, only a subset of technologies may properly function in the emergency area. As a result, a rescue authority could only communicate with users of devices of the still-functioning technology, and may be unable to locate or communicate with users of other technologies and/or networks. SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] The present disclosure provides for a method for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points; storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

[0007] In addition, the disclosure provides for at least one processor configured to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising a first module for establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points; a second module for storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and a third module for generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

[0008] In addition, the disclosure provides for a computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable medium comprising a first set of codes for causing a computer to establish, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points; a second set of codes for causing a computer to store, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and a third set of codes for causing a computer to generate, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information. [0009] In addition, the disclosure provides for an apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising means for establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points; means for storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and means for generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

[0010] In addition, the disclosure provides for an apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising a network manager component for establishing communicative connections with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points; a memory for storing survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points; and an output generator for generating a report identifying one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

[0011] In addition, the disclosure provides for a method for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center; establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

[0012] In addition, the disclosure provides for at least one processor configured to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising a first module for establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center; a second module for establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); a third module for obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and a fourth module for sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

[0013] In addition, the disclosure provides for a computer program product, comprising a computer-readable medium comprising a first set of codes for causing a computer to establish, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center; a second set of codes for causing a computer to establish one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); a third set of codes for causing a computer to obtain survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and a fourth set of codes for causing a computer to send the survivor UE information to the network control center.

[0014] In addition, the disclosure provides for an apparatus, comprising means for establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center; means for establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); means for obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and means for sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

[0015] In addition, the disclosure provides for an apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising a communication manager component for establishing a first communication link with a network control center and one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); and a survivor information manager component for managing receiving of survivor UE information from the one or more survivor user equipment, and for managing sending of the survivor UE information to the network control center.

[0016] In addition, the disclosure provides for a method for indicating the presence of an emergency survivor, comprising receiving a signal from a mobile, temporarily- positioned access point; and establishing a connection with the access point in response to the signal.

[0017] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example system that facilitates locating survivors after an emergency. [0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an aspect of a network control center that establishes communications in an emergency location, and that receives and stores survivor UE information for use by a rescue authority.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example memory in an aspect of the network control center.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an access point that facilitates communicating with one or more survivor UE and with the network control center.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an example architecture of an aspect of computer device that can be specially programmed to perform the functions of the network control center and/or an access point in accordance with various aspects set forth herein.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an example architecture of an aspect of survivor UE in accordance with various aspects set forth herein.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a flow chart of an aspect of an example methodology performed by a network control center for establishing communications in an emergency location and receiving, storing, and making accessible survivor UE information.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a flow chart of an aspect of an example methodology performed by an access point for communicating with a network control center and one or more survivor UE in the emergency location.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an aspect of an example methodology for forwarding any call from a survivor UE to a network control center.

[0028] Fig. 10 is block diagram of an aspect of electrical components of a network control center type apparatus for locating survivors in the system described herein.

[0029] Fig. 11 is block diagram of an aspect of electrical components of an access point type apparatus for locating survivors in the system described herein.

[0030] Fig. 12 is block diagram of an aspect of electrical components of a user equipment type apparatus for communicating in the system described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspects may be practiced without these specific details. [0032] In an aspect, the described apparatus and methods enable locating and/or wirelessly communicating with survivors of an emergency. One or more mobile access points, which may be multi-mode and powered by an independent power source, are temporarily placed in an emergency area to communicate with one or more survivor user equipment (UE) and a network control center. The one or more access points set up communication with the one or more survivor UE, from which survivor UE information, such as a survivor UE location, may be obtained. The one or more access points may forward the survivor UE information to the network control center for storage and access by a rescue authority. Rescue authorities may locate survivors based on the stored survivor UE information and may communicate with one or more survivor UE through the network control center and/or the one or more access points.

[0033] Accordingly, in one or more aspects, the described apparatus and methods may provide the technical effect of improved wireless communications, e.g. reception and decoding and/or transmission of a radio signal, in an emergency location. For example, when data connections and/or power supply connections in the emergency location are not operable, the described apparatus and methods may provide a technical solution of establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points. In one or more of such aspects, such access points may include an independent power source to operate the access point. In one or more of such aspects, the establishing of the communicative link may include signaling one or more of such access points to configure the access points for communication, which may include controlling use of a selected one of a plurality of communication technology types.

[0034] Alternatively, or in addition, in one or more aspects, the described apparatus and methods may provide the technical effect of improving the collection and distribution of information related to a survivor or a user equipment of the survivor in an emergency location. For example, when data connections and/or power supply connections in the emergency location are not operable, the described apparatus and methods may provide a technical solution of obtaining information related to a survivor or a user equipment of the survivor from one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points in communication with such survivor user equipment based on a configuration controlled by the present apparatus and methods. As such, in one or more of such aspects, the present apparatus and methods can manage directing a rescue authority to survivors, and otherwise manage communications with the user equipment of the survivors. [0035] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," "system" and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets, such as data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal.

[0036] Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in connection with a UE, which can be a wired terminal or a wireless terminal. A UE can also be called a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal, communication device, user agent, user device, or terminal. A wireless UE, terminal, or device may be a cellular telephone, a satellite phone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, a tablet, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

[0037] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0038] The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communication systems or "technologies," such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, WiFi carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variants of CDMA. Further, cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM™, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which employs OFDMA on the downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). Additionally, cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). Further, such wireless communication systems may additionally include peer-to-peer {e.g., mobile-to- mobile) ad hoc network systems often using unpaired unlicensed spectrums, 802. xx wireless LAN, BLUETOOTH and any other short- or long- range, wireless communication techniques.

[0039] Various aspects or features will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 1, in one aspect, an example emergency communication system 100 facilitates locating and communicating with user equipment of a survivor in an emergency location. System 100 may include a network control center 102 that is configured to establish a first communication connection 101 with one or more mobile access points 106 that are temporarily set-up within one or more locations to provide a communication coverage area 112 within at least a part of an emergency area 110. Further, for example, one or more survivor UE 108 can be located within one or more coverage areas 112 corresponding to access points 106. As such, each access point 106 can be configured to communicate using one or more communication technologies so that one or more survivor UE 108 can establish a second communication connection 103 with at least one of the access points 106. Moreover, each access point 106 is configured to obtain survivor UE information 104 from each survivor UE 108 via the second communication connection 103, and to forward survivor UE information 104 to network control center 102 via first communication connection 101. Further, network control center 102 may allow a rescue authority 114 access to survivor UE information 104, e.g. either directly or through generation of reports, or may coordinate the initiation and establishment of a communication connection 116 between rescue authority 114 and one or more survivor UE 108, e.g. via access points 106. Thus, network control center 102 enables establishment of wireless communications in emergency area 110, and provides central management of emergency wireless communication system 100 and survivor UE information 104, thereby enabling coordination of location, communication, and/or rescue activities in order to assist any survivors associated with survivor UE 108.

[0041] According to an example, after an emergency such as an earthquake that has disabled existing communication networks, one or more access points 106 may be placed throughout emergency area 110 to provide a temporary wireless communication network managed by network control center 102. After placement, access points 106 may communicate with one or more survivor UE 108 to receive survivor UE information 104 from a survivor UE 108 as well as communicate messages, data, or voice calls with survivor UE 108 through a call. Survivor UE information 104 received at or forwarded from access point 106 may include, but is not limited to, UE location information, UE technology type, UE phone number, survivor condition, access point identification or location information, and/or owner identity information.

[0042] Additionally, access points 106 may also communicate with network control center 102. In an aspect, access points 106 may communicate emergency survivor UE information 104 to network control center 102 by forwarding information received from survivor UE 108, such as survivor UE location information, survivor condition, and/or owner identity information, or information associated with or generated by access points 106, such as access point identification or location information, to network control center 102. Once survivor UE information 104 corresponding to one or more survivor UE 108 located in emergency area 110 is received and stored by network control center 102, such information may be provide to rescue authority 114. Also, network control center 102 may initiate or manage a communication between rescue authority 114 and one or more survivor UE 108, such as to relay information to one or more survivors. Further, rescue authority 114 may use survivor UE information 104, such as location information, stored at network control center 102 relative to each survivor UE 108, to locate and rescue the one or more survivors.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 2, in an aspect, network control center 102 stores information corresponding to one of more survivor UE 108 and enables communication with the one or more survivor UE108. Network control center 102 may include a network manager component 202 for establishing communicative connections with one or more mobile, temporary-positioned access points, a memory 204 for storing survivor UE information 104 received from the one or more access points, and an output generator 206 for generating a report or any other type of presentation identifying one or more survivor UEs and corresponding survivor UE information. Memory 204 may be internal to the network control center or may be located externally, which is indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 2. Alternatively memory 204 may be partially internal and partially external, the internal and external portions being connected by a bus or other communicative connection.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 3, an example memory 204 stores survivor UE information 104. Memory 204 may include information relative to each survivor UE 108 in emergency area 110 that has provided survivor UE information 104 to at least one access point 106. In an aspect, memory 204 is organized as a data structure 302 made up of addressed entries 304 corresponding to each available survivor UE 306 (e.g., UEj- UE_N). Each addressed entry 304 in the data structure 302 may include survivor UE information 308 including, but not limited to, one or any combination of survivor UE location and/or global positioning system information, phone number, time, survivor UE technology type, battery level, device identification information, and/or service provider information, survivor UE-servicing access point ID, and/or survivor UE-servicing access point location. Additionally, memory 204 may be, for example, a volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, flash memory, random-access memory, solid-state memory, compact disc, floppy disc, hard disk, hard drive, or any other form of electronic or magnetic memory, internal or external to network control center 102.

[0045] Returning to Fig. 2, network manager component 202 may be configured to send and receive electromagnetic signals to and from one or more access points 106, and may include a transceiver, receiver, and/or transmitter, or any other component(s) configured to transmit and/or receive and process electromagnetic signals of any wireless technology. In addition, the connection 101 (Fig. 1) between network control center 102 and one or more access points 106 may be wired or wireless, for example, using Ethernet or WiFi technologies. In an aspect utilizing a WiFi connection, a wireless mesh network may be created and utilized for communication between access points 106 and network control center 102.

[0046] In an aspect, network control center 102 may be additionally configured to send a message 208 to all or some of survivor UEs 108 in an emergency area for which network control center 102 has stored survivor UE information 104 in memory 204. For example, message 208 may be in the form of a recorded voice message, a voice call, a short message service (SMS) message, or any other message form, and one or more of such messages 208 may be generated and stored for use by network control center 102. For instance, network control center 102 may receive a command to send a selected message from, for example, rescue authority 114 (Fig. 1) inputting the command into a user interface of network control center 102 or from a pre-programmed message command stored in or executed by network manager component 202. When the command is received, network control center 102 can identify in memory 204 the location or ID information of the survivor UE 108 to which the message should be sent and the access point 106 providing service to the one or more survivor UEs 108 that are to receive the message, and thus direct the message 208 to one or more survivor UE 108.

[0047] Alternatively, network control center 102 may broadcast a stored or inputted message 208 to all or substantially all survivor UEs 108 in emergency area 110. For example, network control center 102 may use or control access point usage of a broadcast technology, including but not limited to, Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) messaging. For instance, such messaging may include, for example, Short Message Service-Cell Broadcast (SMS-CB) messaging. By utilizing CBS technology, an operator of network control center 102 and/or rescue authority 114, for example, may send a status message (e.g. indicating that rescue authority is in the area and help will be coming soon) or the like to survivors through network control center 102 and access points 106 following an emergency.

[0048] Once one or more survivor UEs identified as the destination of such message

208, and the corresponding access point(s) 106, are established, the network control center 102 may send the message as an information or data packet to the access point(s)

106 serving the destination survivor UE. For example, the information packet may include a header and a body, wherein the header identifies the destination survivor UE or access point information and the body includes the message. Further, for example, the header may contain information identifying the destination UE that has been stored in memory 204, such as a survivor UE identifier (ID), such as a phone number. One or more access points 106 may receive the information packet, read the header, and forward the message in the packet body to the survivor UE indicated in the header.

[0049] Turning to Fig. 4, an example access point 106 facilitates locating and communicating wirelessly with an emergency survivor through survivor UE 108 and communicates information to and receives information from network control center 102. Access point 106 may include a communication manager component 402 to establish such communications, a survivor information manager component 404 to manage survivor UE information 104, and an independent power source 406 to supply energy to operate access point 106 when power or electrical connections (e.g. a power grid) in emergency area are not functioning.

[0050] In an aspect, after the occurrence of an emergency, such as but not limited to an earthquake, rescue authority 114 may place one or more access points 106 at one or more locations in emergency area 110. For example, access points 106 may be positioned such that their respective coverage areas 112, e.g. their cells, include all or a desired portion of emergency area 112. In an aspect, access point 106 via communication manager component 402 may broadcast a signal, e.g. a pilot signal or beacon, in access point coverage area 112, thereby indicating presence of access point 106 in emergency area 110. One or more UE 108 located within each respective coverage area 112 may receive the signal and form a respective communicative connection 103 with the respective access point 106.

[0051] During the establishment of the communicative connection 103 by communication manager component 402, or at any point thereafter, the one or more survivor UEs 108 may transmit survivor UE information 104 to the respective access point 106. Alternatively, after communication has been established between access point 106 and one or more survivor UE 108 in coverage area 112, access point 106 may request information from survivor UE 108, which survivor UE 108 may provide to access point 106 in the form of all or a portion of survivor UE information 104. Survivor information manager component 404 may collect, organize and store survivor UE information 104 associated with each survivor UE 108 with which access point 106 is able to communicate. Further, access point 106 via communication manager component 402 may then transmit such information to network control center 102 for storage and access by rescue authority 114.

[0052] Access points 106 can each be substantially any access point deployable in a wireless network, including but not limited to a femtocell, picocell, or microcell access point, a WiFi hotspot access point, a relay, a device communicating in peer-to-peer or ad-hoc mode, a portion thereof, and/or the like.

[0053] Additionally, in an aspect, communication manager component 402 may facilitate multi-mode communication. In other words, communication manager component 402 may facilitate access point communication with substantially all survivor UEs 108, regardless of a particular wireless communication technology used by each survivor UE. In an example, communication manager component 402 may receive a signal from network control center 102 indicating the technology (e.g. CDMA, GSM, etc.) that it should utilize for communications, e.g. when transmitting a signal such as a pilot or beacon and/or when communicating with each of the one or more survivor UEs 108. In response, communication manager component 402 activates the indicated communication technology, such as by activating a transceiver and a transmit and/or receive chain or other components associated with the technology type. In an aspect, the signal from network control center 102 may indicate more than one technology type, or some mix of technology types (e.g. based on time and/or frequency). As such, the multi-mode capability of communication manager component 402 enables access point 106 to communicate via substantially any or all communication technologies, and thus maximize an ability to communicate with and obtain location information from survivors in possession of survivor UE 108. It follows that location and rescue of a maximum number of survivors may be similarly obtained.

[0054] In an aspect, for example, access point 106 may be configured to send and receive electromagnetic signals to and from one or more survivor UE 108, other access points 106, and/or network control center 102 through a connected antenna. In one aspect, the antenna may be a part of a transceiver, receiver, and/or transmitter, or any other component configured to receive and process electromagnetic signals of any wireless technology.

[0055] Additionally, in an aspect, the connections between access points 106, survivor UE 108, and network control center 102 may use, for example, wired and/or wireless technologies, such as Ethernet or WiFi technologies. In an aspect utilizing WiFi technology, a wireless mesh network may be created and utilized for communication between access points 106, or between access points 106 and network control center.

[0056] Furthermore, in another aspect, because an emergency may cut off traditional electrical power supplies such as the local or national power grid, access point 106 may include an independent power source 406 to provide electrical power to the access point 106 in the wake of an emergency. In an example, independent power source 406 may be a battery. In some examples, independent power source 406 may be a solar and/or wind power generator. Additionally, in some examples, local power source 406 may be a power generator, including but not limited to a kerosene-powered, diesel-powered, or gasoline-powered generator. Other types of independent power sources may also be utilized.

[0057] Furthermore, access point 106 may optionally include a positioning unit 408 configured to compute geographical or wireless network based location information, which may be included as part of survivor UE information 104, for access point 106 and/or one or more survivor UE 108. This location information may be computed automatically via triangulation, satellite positioning, or any other geographic or global positioning technique. Alternatively, such location information may be entered manually by the person who places the access point at its location. Thereafter, location information, e.g. identifying a location of the access point and/or one or more survivor UE 108, may be transmitted to network control center 102 for storage and/or retrieval by rescue authority 114.

[0058] In an example, each access point 106 providing wireless service to each coverage area 112 may communicate independently with survivor UE 108, receive survivor UE information 104 from survivor UE 108, and forward survivor UE information 104 and optionally a serving access point identifier (ID) to network control center 102. The serving access point ID may be used by network control center 102 to identify a location of survivor UE 108, and/or to direct communications to survivor UE

108. Alternatively, when survivor UE 108 is in communication with more than one access point 16, such as when in an overlapping area of coverage, access points 106 providing wireless service to each coverage area 112 may negotiate with one another to determine which access point will forward survivor UE information 104 from survivor

UE 108 to network control center 102. After this negotiation, the access point 106 which has been determined responsible for forwarding survivor UE information 104 from survivor UE 108 to network control center 102 may forward an access point identifier (ID) corresponding to the forwarding access point 106 to the network control center 102 along with such survivor UE information 104 for storage. Thereafter, when network control center 102 seeks to send a message to survivor UE 108, the network control center 102 may direct the message to the respective access point 106 corresponding to the stored access point ID to forward the message to survivor UE 108.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 5, in one aspect, network control center 102 and/or access point 16 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) may be implemented in a computer device 500 specially programmed to perform the functionality described herein. Computer device 500 includes a processor 502 for carrying out processing functions associated with one or more of components and functions described herein. Processor 502 can include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, processor 502 can be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.

[0060] Computer device 500 further includes a memory 504, such as for storing data used herein and/or local versions of applications being executed by processor 502. Memory 504 can include any type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non- volatile memory, and any combination thereof.

[0061] Further, computer device 500 includes a communications component 506 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. Communications component 506 may carry communications between components on computer device 500, as well as between computer device 500 and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to computer device 500. For example, communications component 506 may include one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices.

[0062] Additionally, computer device 500 may further include a data store 508, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with aspects described herein. For example, data store 508 may be a data repository for applications not currently being executed by processor 502.

[0063] Computer device 500 may additionally include a user interface component 510 operable to receive inputs from a user of computer device 500, and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 510 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch- sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, user interface component 510 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

[0064] Additionally, when implemented as network control center 102, computer device 500 may include any components and/or functionality described herein with respect to network control center 102, such as in Figs. 1-3 and as described below.

[0065] Similarly, when implemented as access point 106, computer device 500 may include any components described herein with respect to access point 106, such as in Figs. 1 and 4 and as described below.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 6, an example of one aspect of survivor UE 108 for communicating with system 100 after an emergency is shown. Survivor UE 108 may include a processor 602 for executing applications or instructions, such as for communicating survivor UE information 104 to access point 106. Also, survivor UE 108 may include a memory 604 for storing data, such as survivor UE information 104. Further, survivor UE 108 may include a communications component 606 to enable communications within components of survivor UE 108, as well as with externally located communication devices. Communications component 606 may be similar to communications component 506 of computer device 500. Also, survivor UE 108 may include a data store 608 similar to data store 608 of computer device 500, such as for storing non-executing applications, etc. Also, survivor UE 108 may include a user interface 610, such as various input and/or output devices similar to those described above with respect to user interface 510 of computer device 500. In an aspect, for example, user interface 610 may display or otherwise output one or more messages 208 from network control center 102. Additionally, survivor UE 108 may include a battery 612 to provide power to operate survivor UE 108. In an aspect, survivor UE 108 may include a component to measure a power level of battery 612, and the power level may be provided to access point 106 as survivor UE information 104. Moreover, in an optional aspect, survivor UE 108 may include a geographical positioning component 614 capable of determining on its own or with network assistance, e.g. based on satellite or terrestrial communications, a geographic position and/or network location, which may form at least a part of survivor UE information 104. Survivor UE 108 may be a wired terminal or a wireless terminal. In an aspect, the survivor UE 108 may forward the location information to network control center 102 through access point 106 for storage. In a further aspect, survivor UE 108 may save its last known location information before the emergency and forward the saved last location information to network command center 102 as its default location.

[0067] Survivor UE 108 can also be called a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal, communication device, user agent, user device, or terminal. A wireless survivor UE, terminal, or device may be a cellular telephone, a satellite phone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, a tablet, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

[0068] Referring to Fig. 7, an example method 700 executable by a network control center, such as network control center 102 (Fig. 1), enables communication with emergency survivors and stores information relative to emergency survivors at the network control center. In method 700, the network control center may first establish communicative connections with one or more mobile, temporary-positioned access points at block 702. For example, in an aspect, network control center 102 may transmit a signal to one or more access points that may be located in an emergency area to request the establishment of a communicative connection with the one or more access points. After the request signal is received by the one or more access points, the network control center may wait for a response from the one or more access points to establish a communicative connection with one or more access points.

[0069] Next, the network control center may store one or more survivor UEs information received from the one or more access points at block 704. This survivor UE information may be received from the one or more access points, which may have in turn received the information from the one or more survivor UEs and forwarded the survivor UE information to the network control center. The network control center may, for example, store the survivor information in data structure 302, which may be located in memory 204 internal or external to network control center 102. [0070] After the survivor UE information has been stored, the network control center may generate a report or otherwise provide access to information identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information at block 706. Optionally, at block 710, the network control center executing method 700 may manage access to survivor UEs or manage access to the report by, for example, rescue authority 114, an access point 106, a survivor UE 108, or any device or entity external to system 100 (Fig. 1). If network control center allows access to the report, network control center may, for example, present the information via a printout, a display on an optional network control center, a display on a rescue authority device, a table, a paper map, or an electronic map with pins indicating the location of survivor UEs. Therefore, rescue authority could access the survivor UE information stored in memory at the network control center at the communication center itself or at a remote location. Accessing the information at a remote location may allow rescue authority to receive updated survivor UE information while they are in the process of locating and/or rescuing survivors.

[0071] Optionally, or in addition, at block 708, the network control center executing method 700 may manage communication with one or more survivor UEs. In some examples, this management may include establishing a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points. In an aspect, for example, when the call is established, the network control center may transmit information through one or more messages to the one or more survivor UEs 108 or may receive information from the survivor UEs at block 714. Transmitting information to the one or more survivor UEs may include transmitting status information, information regarding the emergency, survivor UE information including the location of each survivor UE, estimated time of rescue by rescue authorities, or any other information regarding the emergency or rescue efforts responding thereto. The form of the call may be, but is not limited to, a voice call, a voice message, a text message such as a SMS message or MMS message, a Cell Broadcast Service message, or any other form of wireless or broadcast communication. In addition, the network control center may store messages on a memory. When the network control center determines that it will transmit a message to the one or more survivor UEs, the network control center may retrieve the message from the memory and transmit the message to the one or more survivor UEs via the established call. [0072] Furthermore, is an aspect, the network control center executing method 700 may manage communication between the one or more access points 106 and the one or more survivor UEs 108 at block 712. This management may include, but is not limited to, selecting one of a plurality of communication technology types for each established call with a survivor UE. These technology types may include, but are not limited to CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDM A, SC-FDMA, WiFi carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), GSM, and other systems.

[0073] After receiving survivor UE information, the network control center may communicate survivor UE information to one or more rescue authority. Additionally or alternatively, the network control center may contain an input/output (I/O) interface, which may facilitate direct interaction between the network control center and rescue authority, which may control the network control center via the I/O interface or any other means of electronic terminal control and/or access.

[0074] Additionally, in an aspect, the network control center executing method 700 may prioritize the one or more survivor UEs to receive a call based on the survivor UE information of each of the one or more survivor UEs at block 716. In an example, when the network control center receives survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs, the network control center may save the information in a memory in an order based on priority, such as the battery level corresponding to one or more of the corresponding survivor UEs. Thereafter, when the network control center prepares to send a message or messages to the one or more survivor UEs, it may send the message or messages in an order based on the prioritized order. In this way, survivor UEs may receive a message earlier or later relative to other survivor UEs based on its survivor UE information, such as battery level or location.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 8, an example method 800 performed by an access point locates and communicates with one or more survivor UEs. In an example, the method 800 may optionally include placing one or more independently-powered access points at various geographic locations in an emergency area, at block 802. Once placed, the one or more access points may be powered-up and may receive power from an independent power source. Additionally, the independently-powered access points may be mobile.

[0076] At block 804, the method 800 may include establishing a first communication link between the one or more mobile, temporary-positioned access points and the network control center. To establish this first communication link, the network control center may send a pilot signal or other set-up signal to the one or more access points. This set-up signal, an acknowledgement signal sent by the one or more access points, and other set-up communications may initiate communication between the one or more access points and the network control center.

[0077] Further, at block 806, the method 800 may include establishing a second communication link between the one or more mobile, temporary-positioned access points and the one or more survivor UEs located within a coverage area associated with each access point. In an aspect, the network control center may send an indication signal that is received by the one or more access points that includes instructions for establishing the second communication links. After receiving this indication signal, the one or more access points may configure the second communication links based upon instructions or information located in the signal. In an aspect, this signal may include information indicating one of a plurality of communication technology types to utilize in establishing and utilizing each established second communication link with each survivor UE.

[0078] In another aspect, this communication link may be established by the one or more access points sending a pilot or set-up signal to the one or more survivor UEs in a coverage area corresponding to each of the one or more access points. The one or more survivor UEs located within the coverage area may detect the introductory signal and send a reply signal to the access point. Through this reply signal, the access point may detect the one or more survivor UEs. This set-up signal, the reply sent by the one or more survivor UEs, and other set-up communications may initiate a communication link between the one or more access points and the one or more survivor UEs.

[0079] Additionally, the reply sent by the one or more survivor UEs to the one or more access point may include survivor UE information. This survivor UE information may include, but is not limited to, UE location information, UE technology type, UE phone number, survivor condition, access point identification or location information, and/or owner identity information. As such, at block 806, the method 800 may include obtaining survivor UE information from one or more survivor UE.

[0080] Alternatively, at blocks 810 and 812, the method 800 may include receiving survivor UE information via the established second communication links through a request and reply process. For example, at block 810, the one or more access points may request survivor UE information from the survivor UEs with which the one or more access points have established second communication links at block 806. The one or more survivor UEs may receive this request and send a reply including survivor UE information to the requesting access point, which the access point may receive at block 812.

[0081] In an aspect, at block 814, the method 800 may include sending some or all of the received survivor UE information corresponding to each survivor UE to the network control center via the previously-established connection between the one or more access points and the network control center at block 804. Additionally or alternatively, the access point may store the survivor UE information in a memory or set of registers located in each of the one or more access points.

[0082] Additionally, access points 106 may send or relay messages from the network control center. These messages may convey rescue operation status information, general information relevant to the particular emergency that has just taken place (e.g., Richter-scale information if the emergency is an earthquake), survival tips, personal messages, or other messages concerning the emergency or rescue. This communication may be controlled by the network control center 102.

[0083] Furthermore, in Fig. 9, one aspect of a method 900 of communication by a survivor UE in system 100 directs call originations from a survivor UE to the network control center. The call origination from the survivor UE may include, but is not limited to, a 9-1-1 emergency call or a call to destination device, such as a family member device or emergency authority device. For example, the survivor may wish to enter his or her condition and/or location in an SMS or other text message, or communicate the condition or location information verbally in a call or a voice message. For example, such as call may indicate to the rescue authority the severity of the injuries of a particular survivor. However, the traditional network, such as the survivor's wireless network, may be out of operation due to the emergency, rendering such a call attempt using traditional networks impossible.

[0084] As such, at block 902, the method 900 includes survivor UE 108 attempting to place a call to a destination device with an associated destination phone number. For example, the survivor UE may send a call request signal to an access point with which the survivor UE has established a communicative link. At block 904, the access point may receive the call request and the destination phone number. Thereafter, at block 906, the access point may reroute the call by replacing the destination phone number with a phone number associated with the network control center. The access point may then forward the call request to the network control center via a previously-established communication link at block 908. Once the call has been rerouted and established, the survivor UE may communicate with the network control center at block 910. In aspects, the call may be in the form of a voice call, a text message such as an SMS or MMS, or any other form of communication, call, or message.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 10, an apparatus 1000 for locating a survivor in an emergency location can reside at least partially within a network device, such as a network control center 102 (Fig. 1). It is to be appreciated that apparatus 1000 is represented as including functional blocks, which can represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). As such, apparatus 1000 includes a logical grouping 1002 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1002 can include an electrical component for establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily- positioned access points (Block 1004). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1004 can include network manager component 202 of Fig. 2, and/or processor 502 of computer device 500 configured as network control center 102. Further, logical grouping 1002 can include an electrical component for storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs (Block 1006). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1006 can include network manager component 202 or memory 204 of Fig. 2, and/or processor 502 of computer device 500 configured as network control center 102. Also, logical grouping 1002 can include an electrical component for generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information (Block 1008). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1008 can include output generator 206 of Fig. 2, and/or processor 502 of computer device 500 configured as network control center 102.

[0086] Additionally, apparatus 1000 can include a memory 1010 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1004, 1006, and 1008. While shown as being external to memory 1010, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1004, 1006, and 1008 can exist within memory 1010. In an aspect, for example, memory 1010 may be the same as or similar to memory 204 (Fig. 2), memory 504, or data store 508 (Fig. 5).

[0087] Referring to Fig. 11, an apparatus 1100 for locating a survivor in an emergency location can reside at least partially within an access point, such as access point 106 (Fig.

1). It is to be appreciated that apparatus 1100 is represented as including functional blocks, which can represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). As such, apparatus 1100 includes a logical grouping 1102 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical component for establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center (Block 1104). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1104 can include communication manager component 402 of Fig. 4, and/or processor 502 and/or communications component 506 of computer device 500 configured as access point 106. Further, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical component for establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE) (Block 1106). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1106 can include communication manager component 402 of Fig. 4, and/or processor 502 and/or communications component 506 of computer device 500 configured as access point 106. Also, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical component for obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs (Block 1108). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1108 can include communication manager component 402 and/or survivor information manager component 404 of Fig. 4, and/or processor 502 of computer device 500 configured as access point 106. Moreover, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical component for sending the survivor UE information to the network control center (Block 1110). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1110 can include communication manager component 402 and/or survivor information manager component 404 of Fig. 4, and/or processor 502 and/or communications component 506 of computer device 500 configured as access point 106.

[0088] Additionally, apparatus 1100 can include a memory 1112 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1104, 1106, 1108 and 1110. While shown as being external to memory 1112, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1104, 1106, 1108 and 1110 can exist within memory 1112. In an aspect, for example, memory 1112 may be the same as or similar to memory 504, or data store 508 (Fig. 5).

[0089] Referring to Fig. 12, an apparatus 1200 that indicates presence of a survivor of an emergency in an emergency location can reside at least partially within a mobile device, such as survivor user equipment 108 (Fig. 1). It is to be appreciated that apparatus 1200 is represented as including functional blocks, which can represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). As such, apparatus 1200 includes a logical grouping 1202 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1202 can include an electrical component for receiving a signal from a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point (Block 1204). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1204 can include communications component 606 and/or processor 602 of survivor UE 108 (Fig. 6). Further, logical grouping 1202 can include an electrical component for establishing a connection with the access point in response to the signal (Block 1206). For example, in an aspect, the electrical component 1206 can include communications component 606 and/or processor 602 of survivor UE 108 (Fig. 6).

[0090] Additionally, apparatus 1200 can include a memory 1208 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1204 and 1206. While shown as being external to memory 1208, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1204 and 1206 can exist within memory 1208. In an aspect, for example, memory 1208 may be the same as or similar to memory 604 or data store 608 (Fig. 6).

[0091] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, components, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actions described above. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user equipment or user terminal. [0092] In one or more aspects, the functions, methods, or algorithms described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, substantially any connection may be termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0093] While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points;

storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and

generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs comprises controlling communication by the one or more access points with the one or more survivor UEs.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein controlling communication comprises indicating use of a selected one of a plurality of communication technology types.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs comprises establishing a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs comprises selecting one of a plurality of communication technology types for each established call.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs includes enabling a call between a rescue authority and the one or more survivor UEs.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising managing access by a rescue authority to the one or more survivor UEs information.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting one or more messages to the one or more survivor UE.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein transmitting one or more messages further comprises retrieving a stored message from a memory and transmitting the stored message.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

prioritizing the one or more survivor UEs to receive a call based on the survivor UE information of each of the one or more survivor UEs; and

transmitting the call in an order based on the prioritizing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein prioritizing the survivor UE information further comprises prioritizing based on at least one of a battery level, location information, a UE or UE user identification, an access point identification, or a survivor condition.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the report further comprises:

prioritizing the one or more survivor UEs based on the corresponding survivor

UE information; and

ordering the one or more survivor UEs in the report based on the prioritizing.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing the communicative link comprises: transmitting a signal;

receiving a response to the signal from the one or more access points; and configuring the communication connection with the one or more access points based on receiving the response.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein configuring the communication connection further comprises directing the one or more access points to utilize a selected one of a plurality of communication technology types to enable communication with the one or more survivor UEs.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the survivor UE information comprises at least one of a battery level, location information, a UE or UE user identification, an access point identification, or a survivor condition.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing the communicative link comprises establishing a wired connection or establishing a wireless connection.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the survivor UE information comprises a battery level, and wherein generating the report further comprises:

prioritizing the one or more survivor UEs based on the corresponding battery level; and

ordering the one or more survivor UEs in the report based on the prioritizing.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, at the network command center, a call associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs, wherein the call request from the at least one of the one or more survivor UEs includes a destination phone number replaced by a network command center phone number.

20. At least one processor configured to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

a first module for establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points;

a second module for storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and

a third module for generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

21. The at least one processor of claim 20, further comprising a fourth module for managing communication between the network command center and the one or more survivor UEs.

22. The at least one processor of claim 21, wherein the fourth module controls communication by the one or more access points with the one or more survivor UEs.

23. The at least one processor of claim 21, wherein the fourth module establishes a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points.

24. The at least one processor of claim 23, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs comprises selecting one of a plurality of communication technology types for each established call.

25. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

a first set of codes for causing a computer to establish, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points;

a second set of codes for causing a computer to store, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and

a third set of codes for causing a computer to generate, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises a fourth set of codes for causing a computer to manage communication between the network command center and the one or more survivor UEs.

27. The computer program product of claim 26, wherein the fourth set of codes causes a computer to control communication by the one or more access points with the one or more survivor UEs.

28. The computer program product of claim 26, wherein the fourth set of codes causes a computer to establish a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points.

29. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs comprises selecting one of a plurality of

communication technology types for each established call.

30. An apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising: means for establishing, by a network control center, a communicative link with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points;

means for storing, at the network control center, one or more survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points based on communication with a corresponding one or more survivor UEs; and

means for generating, at the network control center, a report identifying at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising means for managing communication between the network command center and the one or more survivor UEs.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the means for managing communication controls communication by the one or more access points with the one or more survivor UEs.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the means for managing communication establishes a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the means for managing communication with the one or more survivor UEs selects one of a plurality of communication technology types for each established call.

35. An apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising: a network manager component for establishing communicative connections with one or more mobile, temporarily-positioned access points;

a memory for storing survivor user equipment (UE) information received from the one or more access points; and

an output generator for generating a report identifying one or more survivor UEs and the corresponding survivor UE information.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a communication manager component for managing communication between the network command center and the one or more survivor UEs.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the communication manager component controls communication by the one or more access points with the one or more survivor UEs.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the communication manager component establishes a call between the network control center and the one or more survivor UEs via the one or more access points.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the communication manager component selects one of a plurality of communication technology types for each established call.

40. A method for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center;

establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE);

obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising powering the access point with an independent power source.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein obtaining survivor UE information comprises obtaining while establishing the one or more second communication links.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein obtaining survivor UE information comprises: requesting the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs with which the one or more second communication links are established; and

receiving the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein establishing the first communication link with the network control center comprises:

receiving a signal from the network control center; and

configuring the second communication link based upon the signal.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein configuring comprises receiving an indication of a selected technology type to use to communicate with each of the one or more survivor UEs via each of the one or more second communication links.

46. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

receiving a destination phone number associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs; and

replacing the destination phone number with a network control center phone number.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising forwarding a call associated with the call request to the network control center.

48. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

receiving a call-forwarding request associated with a call from the network control center; and

forwarding the call to one or more survivor UEs.

49. At least one processor configured to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

a first module for establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center;

a second module for establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE);

a third module for obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and

a fourth module for sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

50. The at least one processor of claim 49, wherein the third module obtains survivor UE information while the second module establishes the one or more second communication links.

51. The at least one processor of claim 49, wherein the third module obtaining survivor UE information comprises:

a fifth module for requesting the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs with which the one or more second communication links are established; and

a sixth module for receiving survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs.

52. The at least one processor of claim 49, wherein the first module for establishing the first communication link with the network control center comprises:

a fifth module for receiving a signal from the network control center,

a sixth module for configuring the second communication link based upon the signal.

53. The at least one processor of claim 52, wherein the second module for configuring comprises a seventh module for receiving an indication of a selected technology type to use to communicate with each of the one or more survivor UEs via each of the one or more second communication links.

54. The at least one processor of claim 49, further comprising:

a fifth module for receiving a destination phone number associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs; and

a sixth module for replacing the destination phone number with a network control center phone number.

55. A computer program product to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

a first set of codes for causing a computer to establish, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center;

a second set of codes for causing the computer to establish one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE);

a third set of codes for causing the computer to obtain survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and

a fourth set of codes for causing the computer to send the survivor UE information to the network control center.

56. The computer program product of claim 55, wherein the third set of codes causes the computer to obtain survivor UE information while the second set of codes establishes the one or more second communication links.

57. The computer program product of claim 55, wherein the third set of codes for causing the computer to obtain survivor UE information comprises:

a fifth set of codes for causing a computer to request the survivor UE

information from the one or more survivor UEs with which the one or more second communication links are established; and

a sixth set of codes for causing a computer to receive the survivor UE

information from the one or more survivor UEs.

58. The computer program product of claim 55, wherein the first set of codes for causing the computer to establish the first communication link with the network control center comprises:

a fifth set of codes for causing a computer to receive a signal from the network control center,

a sixth set of codes for causing a computer to configure the second

communication link based upon the signal.

59. The computer program product of claim 58, wherein the second set of codes for causing the computer to configure comprises a seventh set of codes for receiving an indication of a selected technology type to use to communicate with each of the one or more survivor UEs via each of the one or more second communication links.

60. The computer program product of claim 55, further comprising:

a fifth set of codes for causing a computer to receive a destination phone number associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs; and a sixth set of codes for causing a computer to replace the destination phone number with a network control center phone number.

61. An apparatus to locate a survivor in an emergency location, comprising:

means for establishing, by a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point, a first communication link with a network control center;

means for establishing one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE);

means for obtaining survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs; and

means for sending the survivor UE information to the network control center.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising means for powering the access point with an independent power source.

63. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the means for obtaining the survivor UE information obtains while the means for establishing establishes the one or more second communication links.

64. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the means for obtaining the survivor UE information comprises:

means for requesting the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs with which the one or more second communication links are established; and

means for receiving the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor

UEs.

65. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the means for establishing the first communication link with the network control center comprises:

means for receiving a signal from the network control center; and

means for configuring the second communication link based upon the signal.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the means for configuring comprises means for receiving an indication of a selected technology type to use to communicate with each of the one or more survivor UEs via each of the one or more second

communication links.

67. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising:

means for receiving a destination phone number associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs; and

means for replacing the destination phone number with a network control center phone number.

68. An apparatus for locating a survivor in an emergency location, comprising: a communication manager component for establishing a first communication link with a network control center and one or more second communication links with one or more survivor user equipment (UE); and

a survivor information manager component for managing receiving of survivor UE information from the one or more survivor user equipment, and for managing sending of the survivor UE information to the network control center.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising an independent power source.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the survivor information manager component receives the survivor UE information when the communication manager component establishes communication with the one or more survivor UEs.

71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the survivor information manager requests the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs with which the one or more second communication links are established, and the survivor information manager component receives the survivor UE information from the one or more survivor UEs.

72. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the communication manager receives a signal from the network control center and configures the second communication link based upon the signal.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the signal indicates a selected technology type to use to communicate with each of the one or more survivor UEs via each of the one or more second communication links.

74. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the communication manager component receives a destination phone number associated with a call request from at least one of the one or more survivor UEs and replaces the destination phone number with a network control center phone number.

75. A method for indicating the presence of an emergency survivor, comprising: receiving a signal from a mobile, temporarily-positioned access point; and establishing a connection with the access point in response to the signal.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising transmitting survivor UE information to the access point while establishing the connection.

77. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

receiving a request for survivor UE information from the access point; and transmitting survivor UE information in response to the request.

78. The method of claim 75, further comprising receiving a message from the point.

79. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

transmitting a mobile-originated call request to the access point including destination phone number; and

establishing a call with a network control center.

80. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

receiving a mobile-terminated call request;

accepting the mobile-terminated call request; and

establishing a call with a network control center.