Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A programmable monitoring system for personal use in a home, medical ward, office or other localized area features a radio receiving base unit and one or more low power, radio-frequency battery-powered wireless transmitter units, each capable of transmitting uniquely encoded pulse-encoded serial digital signals at a common high frequency to the base unit. The base unit has a superregenerative receiver and a microcomputer for deciphering and validating the encoded information to ensure that the coded signal originated with a transmitter unit associated with the base unit. The portable transmitters, once activated, send a coded signal to the base unit indicative of a distress or alarm situation or a low battery condition, and which transmitter unit is transmitting. The base unit deciphers the coded signal and automatically contacts a central monitoring station via a telephone link. The base unit sends the serial number of the base unit, and the specific condition requiring attention, i.e., medical, fire, low-battery, etc., to the central monitoring station. A voice message may optionally be generated by the base unit to indicate contact has been made with the monitoring station, and that help is being dispatched. The base unit has battery back-up and a self-test capability to help ensure the system is able and ready to operate when necessary.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim