Patent US6646559B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6646559B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for activating warning devices
Assignee: User Centric IP LP
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Filing: 2002-02-22
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Granted: 2003-11-11
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Expires: 2022-02-22
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a system and method for activating one or more warning devices, such as weather warning sirens, environmental warning devices, flash flood gates, and the like, from a remote or central location. Warning devices situated across geographically dispersed areas can be remotely controlled from a central location, such as a weather center, on the basis of detected and predicted weather patterns and other environmentally hazardous events. One or more warning devices can be quickly and easily activated through a computer-implemented user interface that allows a user to select a group of warning devices that are in the path of an approaching hazardous event. Each warning device is activated through a communication line that transmits an activation code to each device. Each device provides confirmation that it has been activated, and the resulting activation is indicated on a computer screen.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01W; G01W1/00; G01W1/02; G01W1/10; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A10/00; Y02A10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of remotely activating a selected one or more of a plurality of warning devices, comprising the steps of: (1) at a location of a hazardous event, observing conditions associated with the hazardous event; (2) from the location of the hazardous event, wirelessly transmitting an activation code, wherein the activation code corresponds to a specified one of the plurality of warning devices; and (3) in response to receiving the activation code, activating the specified one of the plurality of warning devices; wherein step (2) comprises the step of using an input device of a handheld computing device to select one of the plurality of warning devices.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of remotely activating a selected one or more of a plurality of warning devices, comprising the steps of: (1) at a location of a hazardous event, observing conditions associated with the hazardous event; (2) from the location of the hazardous event, wirelessly transmitting an activation code, wherein the activation code corresponds to a specified one of the plurality of warning devices; and (3) in response to receiving the activation code, activating the specified one of the plurality of warning devices; wherein step (2) comprises the step of using an input device of a handheld computing device to select one of the plurality of warning devices.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (2) comprises the step of selecting the one warning device based on a geographic display of warning devices appearing on the handheld computing device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) displaying on a computer display device hazardous event information for a particular geographic region and displaying on the same display device information representing the geographic location of a plurality of warning devices; (2) selecting one or more of the plurality of warning devices displayed on the computer display device; and (3) remotely activating the one or more warning devices selected in step (2).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) displaying on a computer display device hazardous event information for a particular geographic region and displaying on the same display device information representing the geographic location of a plurality of warning devices; (2) selecting one or more of the plurality of warning devices displayed on the computer display device; and (3) remotely activating the one or more warning devices selected in step (2).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (1) comprises the step of displaying an actual or predicted flash flood location as part of the hazardous event information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein at least one warning device comprises a flood gate, and step (3) comprises closing the flood gate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (1) comprises the step of displaying a predicted hazardous chemical plume as part of the hazardous condition information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , wherein step (1) comprises the step of displaying a predicted future path of a hazardous chemical plume in relation to the plurality of warning devices.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (1) comprises the step of displaying a predicted lightning strike location as part of the hazardous condition information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , wherein step (1) comprises the step of displaying a predicted future lightning strike in relation to the plurality of warning devices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (2) comprises the step of using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of warning devices on the computer display device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (3) comprises the step of prompting a user for an authentication code prior to activating the one or more warning devices.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (2) is performed automatically by computer without human intervention.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein steps (2) and (3) are both performed automatically by computer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13 , further comprising the step of activating additional warning devices based on an updated prediction of the hazardous event.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , further comprising the steps of: (4) receiving a confirmation signal from each warning device that was activated; and (5) displaying on the computer display an indication that each warning device was activated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of receiving from an external source information identifying the location of the hazardous event, and wherein step (2) includes selecting warning devices based on the location of the hazardous event.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein steps (1) to (3) are performed at a centrally located prediction center located in a first municipal area, and wherein the plurality of warning devices are located in a second municipal area.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 17 , further comprising the step of repeating steps (1) to (3) from the central prediction center for a plurality of different geographically dispersed areas having different networks of warning devices.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
51 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of receiving information from a spotter regarding an observed location of a specific hazardous event, and wherein step (2) comprises the step of using the observed location of the specific hazardous event to select the one or more warning devices.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein steps (1) to (3) are performed in a geographic region in which the warning devices are located.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein step (3) comprises the step of activating the selected warning devices over a frame relay network from a central location located at great distance from the warning devices.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location; (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison; and (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices, wherein step (2) comprises the step of using a computer input device to manually encircle a group of warning devices displayed on a computer display.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location; (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison; and (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices, wherein step (2) comprises the step of using a computer input device to manually encircle a group of warning devices displayed on a computer display.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
116 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location; (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison; (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices; and (4) receiving confirmation from each activated warning device and, in response thereto, updating a computer display.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
116 words
A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location; (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison; (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices; and (4) receiving confirmation from each activated warning device and, in response thereto, updating a computer display.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer-implemented method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer-implemented method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
108 words
A computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause a system comprised of at least one computer to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
108 words
A computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause a system comprised of at least one computer to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
103 words
A data processing system comprising a processor and memory storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause the system to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
103 words
A data processing system comprising a processor and memory storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause the system to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of: (1) receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region, (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information; and (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2), wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-11-10 | 2007-05-12 | 2007-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-11-10 | 2011-05-12 | 2011-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-11-10 | 2015-05-12 | 2015-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |