Automatic emergency detecting with personal location capabilities methods and systems

Abstract

A personal emergency notification system (1) which may include a durable, compact emergency system device (2); an automatic emergency detection component (3); a multi mode system capability (4) configured to select and use an alert notification system (5) from at least two alert notification system options; an automatic emergency alert notification component (6) of said durable, compact emergency system capable of sending an alert notification (7) and even a location (8) to a designated network (24) via a selected alert notification system (23).

Description

[0001] AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY DETECTING WITH PERSONAL LOCATION CAPABILITIES METHODS AND SYSTEMS

[0002] This application is a PCT patent application claiming priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 553,629 filed February 14, 2024, hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide methods and systems for detecting and alerting a third party of a user’s emergency and their location. Such methods and systems may be compact, durable, and even securely attached to a user.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Each year in the United States and in other countries, backcountry adventurers that are on solo adventures or have become separated from their partner or group, can experience a significant fall or even a long tumble that causes injury and unconsciousness. Many of these individuals are never seen alive again. Without a location, it can become extremely difficult for search and rescue teams to find these individuals, initiate medical aid and rescue, or a recovery. In the past, these unconscious or even impaired individuals may have had a personal locator beacon (“PLB”) or satellite messengers (such as Garmins’ inReach messenger, SPOT® two way satellite messaging) with them. PLBs may send an SOS signal to a rescue agency with the device location. Satellite messengers may require a subscription and can send SOS calls along with non-emergency messages. However, these past systems require manual activation in order to call for help and these devices may not have been secured to the user. For those users that were injured or even unconscious may not be able to manually use such devices in an emergency. In the past automatic detection of user emergencies and automatic notifications sent out to help with a user’s location may not have been available. In places where cell service is not available, other types of communications are needed. There is a need for new systems and methods to address these problems. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] The present application includes a variety of aspects, which may be selected in different combinations based upon the particular application or needs to be addressed. In various embodiments, the application may include systems and methods for automatically detecting and reporting a user emergency such as a fall, tumble, impact or the like perhaps when a user is adventuring solo or has become separated from a partner or group, or the like.

[0008] It is a broad object of the application to provide an automatic system that has both emergency detection and signaling for help.

[0009] It is an object of this disclosure to provide compact, durable, and wearable systems that perhaps combine different technologies into one unit that can automatically sense a user emergency and device unit may even automatically activate and send an emergency alert to a help center or the like, perhaps with Global Positioning System (“GPS”) coordinates attached.

[0010] It is another object of the application to provide a unit device that can be securely attached to a user or something attached to a user perhaps so that the device remains with the user.

[0011] It is yet another object of the application to provide a unit device that is durable to withstand impact from a fall, tumble, or the like.

[0012] It is an object of the application to provide a unit device that can emit a distress signal and even GPS coordinates for enough time so that a search and rescue team can find the distressed user.

[0013] Naturally, further objects, goals and embodiments of the application are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, claims, and drawings.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a personal emergency notification system in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of a front view of an emergency system device in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a bottom view of an emergency system device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0017] MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTIONS

[0018] It should be understood that embodiments include a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the application. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the application to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

[0019] Embodiments may include: a personal emergency notification system comprising a durable, compact emergency system device; an automatic emergency detection component of said durable, compact emergency system device; a dual mode system capability configured to select and use an alert notification system from at least two alert notification system options; and perhaps even an automatic emergency alert notification component of said durable, compact emergency system capable of sending an alert notification and a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to a designated network via said selected alert notification system. Other embodiments may include a method for alerting personal emergencies comprising the steps of providing a durable, compact emergency system device; automatically detecting a user emergency with said durable, compact emergency system device; selecting an alert notification system from a dual mode system capability; automatically notifying a designated network of said detected user emergency via said selected alert notification system with an alert notification; and even automatically sending a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to said designated network via said selected alert notification system.

[0020] In general, systems and methods may provide methods and systems that can automatically detect and even report a user emergency such as but not limited to a fall, tumble, impact, or the like, and have an ability to automatically send an emergency alert notification, perhaps not requiring it to be manually activated. This may be especially important if the person that has fallen is in a remote location, out of range of cellular towers, or even is unconscious and unable to manually activate a notification device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present application may provide systems and methods that can automatically detect a user emergency such as with an automatic emergency detection component (3). A system may be designed to automatically detect user movements (10) perhaps when a user is using a device. User movements may include but are not limited to a fall, tumble, impact, acceleration, motion, position, horizontal position, vertical position, or the like. Sensors may evaluate and even detect variations between normal range detected user movements and those that may indicate a user emergency (11) such as a rapid fall, stroke, lightning strike, or the like. These may be preset thresholds perhaps utilizing algorithmic analysis techniques, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and even microprocessors to evaluate acceleration and timing events that can determine a user emergency such as a fall. In embodiments, methods and systems may provide a user-specific training feature (12) of a detection component. A user- specific training feature (12) may have a user conduct certain movements and actions so as to train the system about the user and even the activities. This may optimize a systems ability to detect an emergency as compared to a non-emergency movement.

[0022] If the sensors and software determine through algorithmic analysis, or by another method, that a user emergency has occurred, a system may initiate a countdown process before automatically activating an emergency notification system. In other embodiments, a system may immediately activate an emergency notification system once a user emergency has been detected. As discussed herein, upon activation, location coordinates such as GPS of the emergency could be sent at the same time or separately from an emergency alert.

[0023] The Cospas-Sarsat System is an international satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) system designed to detect and locate emergency beacons activated by aircraft, ships, and individuals in distress. It operates using a network of satellites, ground stations, and mission control centers to provide accurate location data to rescue authorities. The system can use satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) to detect distress signals worldwide. It can operate with emergency beacons transmitting on the 406 MHz frequency which has been reserved for distress signals, including: Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for maritime use; Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) for aviation; and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for individuals on land or at sea.

[0024] The Cospas-Sarsat 406-MHz satellite netwok has been designed for use with the LEOS AR (Low Earth Orbit), MEOSAR (Middle Earth Orbit), and GEOSAR (Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit) satellites. The satellites are provided by the United States, Russian Federation, India, and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) used for search and rescue. When a beacon is activated, Cospas-Sarsat can calculate a location based on Doppler shift (for LEO satellites) or GPS data (if the beacon has an integrated GPS). The distress signal can be relayed to Local User Terminals (LUTs). The LUT can process the data, compute the location of the signal, and even transmit a decoded alert message to its associated national Mission Control Center (MCC). This can happen almost instantaneously after an initial beacon signal may be received. The MCC may then transmit a distress message to the closest appropriate search and rescue authority such as a national Rescue Coordination Center who then notifies the closest local authority. In the United States, this may be a local sheriff’s office or the like. It is noted that the Cospas-Sarsat system currently does not require a subscription / monthly fee.

[0025] In some embodiments, a personal emergency notification system may automatically notify a third party such as a designated network (24) of a detected user emergency (11) perhaps with an automatic emergency alert notification component (6). An emergency alert notification component (6) may allow an alert notification (7) and even a location (8) of a device to be sent to a third party. Such information may be transmitted via an alert notification system (5). An alert notification system (5) may be any type of communication system that allows a notification to be sent from one device to another such as but not limited to satellite systems, cellular systems, low earth orbit satellite systems, Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, Iridium satellite system, Globstar satellite system, GLONASS satellite system, Galileo satellite system, BeiDou- 3 satellite system, and Navstar satellite system. A designated network (24) may be a LUT, MCC, search and rescue authority, police station, sheriff’ s office, third party device, or the like

[0026] As mentioned herein embodiments may utilize the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system to send communications. Optionally, a device may use LEO satellite system including, but not limited to the Iridium Satellite Constellation network, Globstar Satellite Constellation network, or the like. The Iridium Satellite system may presently operate within a dedicated band segment from about 1,618.725 to about 1,626.5 MHz and shares with the Globstar a band segment from about 1,617.775 to about 1,618.725 MHz. These segments are part of wider L band, adjacent to the Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) band segment from 1,60.6 to 1,613.8 MHz.

[0027] Use of Iridium and Globstar satellite constellation networks may allow a user to send and receive messages, as well as an SOS for help through the 24 / 7 global emergency response coordination center who then can immediately notify the closest emergency responders. It is noted that there may be a subscription cost associated with using a satellite messenger company. Dual Mode

[0028] In embodiments, an emergency system device may have a multi mode system capability (4) which may automatically select and even use a desired alert notification system (5) from at least two different alert notification system options. Of course, any number of options may be used such as more than one, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more. As such, some embodiments may provide a multi mode system capability (4), a system that may automatically select one of the alert notification systems from the multi mode capability and use the selected alert notification system (23) to send communications (e.g., alerts, locations, etc.) to a third party. A system may be selected by its system’s signature strength (9). Such signal strength may be detected by a signal detector (9).

[0029] In embodiments, a system may provide a capability for the user to select between different signal systems perhaps in a settings menu such as to use either the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz system, the Iridium / Globstar system, both systems, or the like. A system unit may have cellular and even Wi-Fi capability. Units could be made for different price points perhaps based on any number of factors including which satellite system the unit uses, use of the Cospas- Sarsat 406 MHz system, use of a satellite messenger system, use of a dual mode system, other optional features, or the like.

[0030] Importantly, and perhaps regardless of which notification system that is used, a personal emergency notification system should be able to respond automatically in the event of an emergency such as a fall that can result in incapacitation of the user to the point that they cannot manually activate the notification system.

[0031] In embodiments, a system may provide the ability to cancel (14) an alert notification perhaps before being sent or after. Such cancel feature may be automatically or even manually done by a user perhaps via a button, touch screen or the like. In some embodiments, a system may provide that a user can manually notify perhaps via a manual alert notification activation (18) a designated network or other third party of an alert notification perhaps via a button, touch screen, or the like of a device.

[0032] In embodiments, a user may be able to select an activity perhaps via an activity selector (13) of a system in which a user will participate in the selected activity while using an emergency system device (2). An activity selector may be as a menu option of an emergency device. Activities may be an outdoor activity, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, alpine skiing, ATV activities, dirt biking, any combination or permutation thereof, or the like. In embodiments, each activity may have a different set of preset thresholds or even user-specific training information perhaps to avoid false positives.

[0033] In embodiments, systems may include a navigation capability component (45) such as GPS navigation capability perhaps utilizing Navstar GPS satellites (United States), GLONASS satellite constellation (Russia), Galileo satellites (European Union), or even BeiDou-3 Navigation System satellite system (China) which may allow user navigating capabilities anywhere on the globe. This may eliminate the need for a user such as a backcountry traveler or the like to have to carry separate electronic devices.

[0034] Embodiments may provide a personal emergency notification system where a device may emit a visual (16) or audio (17) or other alert perhaps so that a rescue team can find the device and user. This may include a strobe or audible chirp or the like which may have an ability to continue operation on a low battery source perhaps when a unit can no longer transmit location. As a non-limiting example, this may be after about 20 days or so. In embodiments, an automatic emergency notification component may continue (15) sending alert notifications and location information to a designated network.

[0035] A speaker, such as a weather proof speaker, may be included with a device. A speaker may emit an audible countdown beep that could notify the user that the unit has been activated and is about to send an emergency message. A speaker, as discussed herein, may emit a “chirp” or other sound after activation perhaps at a specified interval (e.g., once every 60 seconds or so).

[0036] A personal emergency notification system (1) may use an emergency system device (2) which may be durable and even compact. It may be important that the electronics and components of a device (1) be supported inside a housing in a manner that can protect them from any violent jarring forces of fall, drop, tumble, or the like and can continue to function properly. Embodiments may include a device that may include shock absorbing materials (50). A shock absorbing material may include but is not limited to electronics potting compound epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, polyurethane compounds or the like perhaps with impact modifiers that can offer a good balance between shock absorption and thermal stability. This may be used to support / protect the electronics from jarring forces and shock associated with a fall and / or long tumble. The use of an electronic potting material may help to dustproof and even waterproof the electronics even if a case is damaged.

[0037] A device may include a housing to house the electronics and components of the device. A housing may be designed in a manner that is substantially crush proof and can withstand any forces generated by a hard impact, long tumble, other worse case scenarios, or the like. A housing may be made of a strong material such as but not limited to polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Kevlar aramid fiber, or the like. A housing may be weather proof, waterproof, dustproof, or the like, and may even have an ingress protection rating perhaps of 67 or IPX7, or the like. The case may be hermetically sealed in order to assist in sealing the case from dust and water.

[0038] In embodiments, a device may be housed or even wrapped in a material such as but not limited to plastic, silicone, metal, rubber, coating, or the like. A device may be built to withstand a wide temperature range, perhaps between about -20°F or -28.89°C to about 130°F or 54.44°C or the like. In embodiments the housing or wrap, such as a rubberized wrap, may provide extra grip to a user perhaps when handling the unit in cold or wet conditions or with gloves on. A wrap or other coating may provide an additional layer of protection for the unit perhaps if it dropped, during a fall, long tumble, or the like. As such a device may be impact and even weather resistant.

[0039] In embodiments, an emergency system device (1) may be compact. A device may be relatively small so that it can be easy to attach to a user or their clothing or other articles. A smaller device may be lighter so that a user is not having to carry extra weight on their activity. It may be desirable to provide many different components and functions of a personal emergency notification system into one compact device.

[0040] A personal emergency notification system, in embodiments, may provide a messaging capability component (19). A device may be able to send and even cancel an outgoing or sent message. A device may have messaging capabilities so that a user could communicate with others such as loved ones or friends. Messaging may be accomplished using global iridium satellite network, another low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system such as Globstar, Inc, or the like.

[0041] Embodiments may provide a dual antenna capability component (20) of a system perhaps for better transmission. A dual antenna capability component may be have at least two antennas such as but not limited to a patch and a micro strip. From the antennas, a user or system may be able to select GPS options such as GPS plus GLONASS, GPS plus GALILEO satellites, or the like.

[0042] An antenna may be internal (such as a patch) or may be external (such as helical) and may provide a greatest range for transmitting in any position. If an antenna is external, it may be short and even stubby, and it may be incased in the same housing as the rest of the unit perhaps in order to protect it from damage. A type of antenna used may be dependent on the alert notification systems such as a 406 MHz system, a private satellite system, or the like. Each type of antenna may be integrated for each system used. In embodiments, a device may have a second antenna perhaps that is capable of transmitting in a horizontal position. If after an emergency, a user is unconscious, in a prone position, is unable to stand or sit, or the like, a second antenna may be able to still send a strong signal. Embodiments of a personal emergency notification system may provide a secure attachment (22) of a device to a user, clothing, or other article of a user. A device may have an attachment point on it or its a case perhaps so that a wrist loop, lanyard, or other strap can be attached. When used, a strap may prevent the unit from hitting the ground if dropped.

[0043] A device may be securely attached to a user or something that is attached to a user or the like. This could be to a user’s pack (including a daypack, backpack, or the like), to a shoulder strap of pack, to a user’ s clothing, to a person, or the like. It may be important that a unit remains attached to a user in the event of a fall that leads to a long slide, tumble, or the like.

[0044] An attachment may be a holster, harness, strap, or the like which could be made of heavy duty ripstop nylon fabric, such as but not limited to 420D, 1000 Denier, 1680D Ballistic, or the like and may even have a webbing strap with buckle that could come across the top of the holster perhaps to secure the unit. A holster or other attachment may be attached to a pack, to a shoulder strap of pack, or a user or the like perhaps using a double flap Velcro® hook and loop fastener or other system. A harness type of attachment may have two adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable waist / girth strap perhaps with buckle system that can secure the harness and unit to the torso or other part of the user.

[0045] Attachment options may vary and may be adjustable for a user perhaps to allow the user choices that could be more comfortable for specific applications. As a non-limiting example, a mountain biker may want a unit secured a little to one side of their torso whereas a climber may want a unit be secured more to the center of their torso, and the like.

[0046] Systems and methods discussed herein may use additional components (21) such as but not limited to button locks, battery life indicator, Bluetooth capability, power saving mode, rechargeable batteries, test checks, tracking, message sent indicator, and the like. In embodiments, a system may provide test checks perhaps before use.

[0047] In other embodiments, a unit could have an optional tracking feature that may allow others such as friends and / or family the option to track the user. This option may require a subscription perhaps in order to utilize one of the LEO satellite networks.

[0048] A device may be registered to the user. A unit may have a manual activation button / switch and may even have a “button lock” option perhaps to prevent unintended keystrokes. There may be a USB / USB-C plug, a mini plug, or other plugs perhaps for updating capabilities and charging such as if used with an internal lithium battery or the like. A unit may have a battery life indicator and may even have the ability to indicate that an emergency message is about to be sent, that a message has been received, or the like.

[0049] Devices that may utilize one of the LEO satellite systems (e.g., Globstar, Iridium) may have an option to be Bluetooth compatible or otherwise perhaps with a smartphone, smartwatch, heart rate strap (perhaps to relay quality of heart rate or like of heart rate), or the like.

[0050] Systems may have an internal perhaps rechargeable battery such as a lithium battery with an ability to be charged using an external power source, such as a, portable solar panel, portable power bank, or the like. A device may use replaceable batteries (such as AA or AAA). It may be desirable to have a battery life of about 200 hours or more perhaps depending on feature selections such as tracking mode which may indicate how often a signal may be transmitted perhaps when utilizing a global iridium satellite network.

[0051] A device may have a power saving mode option or even an auto revert to power saving mode perhaps when a unit may not be in motion for a predetermined length of time, when the battery reaches low output level, or the like.

[0052] In embodiments, a device may have a screen. A screen may be clear, high density, unbreakable, and even waterproof. A screen may allow the user to view messages, menu choices, a countdown timer, and the like. Once the unit may be activated, a countdown timer could let the user know how many seconds are left before the emergency signal is sent.

[0053] A device may include function buttons, a manual SOS activation switch / button, or the like which could be located anywhere including on either side of a case.

[0054] A device may have an emergency LED strobe light or other notification, as discussed herein, perhaps mounted on a top of the unit and perhaps in a location that may not interfere with the harness strap if used.

[0055] FIGS. 2 and 3 show non-limiting examples of various embodiments of a device system. A personal emergency notification system (I) may include an impact resistant case (30) that may be waterproof and even dust proof and may have a coating perhaps a rubberized coating around the case which can provide extra grip. A device may have a screen (36) which may be clear, high density, unbreakable, waterproof, dust proof screen, or the like. A device may have an antenna (31) which may be external or an internal micro strip antenna or the like. A device may have a high intensity strobe light (41), weatherproof speaker (32), USB port protected with weatherproof cap (44), weatherproof SOS button protected with weatherproof cap (42), power / backlight button (37), scroll up / down buttons (34, 35), a menu button (38), an enter button (39), a back button (33), a lanyard or other strap like feature attachment point (43), in any combination or permutation thereof, or the like. For any buttons used, they may be waterproof and even protected by a rubberized wrap that may encase the components of the device or housing or the like.

[0056] Methods and systems for personal emergency notification systems may utilize electronic components designed to operate to detect emergencies, send distress signals, or the like as may be understood by those skilled in the art. Devices may be made with core electronic components such as but not limited to a microcontroller, GPS module, transmitter module, antenna, battery or power management, activation mechanisms, any combination thereof, or the like. A microcontroller may encode a signal and transmit at a desired frequency.

[0057] The embodiments discussed herein are not intended to limit the scope of this application to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of this discussion. Examples of alternative claims presented as clauses may include the following.

[0058] Clause 1. A personal emergency notification system comprising; a durable, compact emergency system device; an automatic emergency detection component of said durable, compact emergency system device; a multi mode system capability configured to select and use an alert notification system from at least two alert notification system options; and an automatic emergency alert notification component of said durable, compact emergency system capable of sending an alert notification and a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to a designated network via a selected alert notification system.

[0059] Clause 2. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said alert notification system options are chosen from satellite systems, cellular systems, low earth orbit satellite systems, Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, Iridium satellite system, Globstar satellite system, GLONASS satellite system, Galileo satellite system, BeiDou-3 satellite system, and Navstar satellite system. Clause 3. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said multi mode system capability configured to select and use said alert notification system comprises a multi mode system capability configured to select and use said alert notification system based on a system’s signal strength.

[0060] Clause 4. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said durable, compact device comprises an impact and weather resistant device.

[0061] Clause 5. The personal emergency notification system of clause 4 or any other clause wherein said durable, compact device comprises a shock absorbing material.

[0062] Clause 6. The personal emergency notification system of clause 5 or any other clause wherein said shock absorbing material is chosen from electronics potting compound epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, polyurethane compounds, and impact modifiers.

[0063] Clause 7. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said automatic emergency detection component is configured to automatically detect user movements when a user is using said durable, compact emergency system device, said user movements are chosen from a fall, tumble, impact, acceleration, motion, position, horizontal position, and vertical position.

[0064] Clause 8. The personal emergency notification system of clause 7 or any other clause wherein said automatic emergency detection component is configured to evaluate said detected user movements and determine if said user movements define a user emergency.

[0065] Clause 9. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising a user-specific training feature for said automatic emergency detection component.

[0066] Clause 10. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising an activity selector of said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0067] Clause 11. The personal emergency notification system of clause 10 or any other clause wherein said activity selector comprises a user ability to select an activity for use with said durable, compact emergency system device, said activity is chosen from an outdoor activity, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, ATV activities, dirt biking, and any combination or permutation thereof.

[0068] Clause 12. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising a cancel option of said durable, compact emergency system device configured to cancel said alert notification to said designated network.

[0069] Clause 13. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component is configured to continue to send said alert notification and said location to said designated network.

[0070] Clause 14. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component is configured to emit a visual or audio alert from said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0071] Clause 15. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component comprises a manual alert notification activation.

[0072] Clause 16. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising a messaging capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0073] Clause 17. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 or any other clause and further comprising a dual antenna capability component of durable, compact emergency system device.

[0074] Clause 18. The personal emergency notification system of clause 17 or any other clause wherein said dual antenna capability component is chosen from a patch, a micro strip, and horizontal antenna.

[0075] Clause 19. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising additional components of said durable, compact emergency system device chosen from a button locks, battery life indicator, Bluetooth capability, power saving mode, and rechargeable batteries.

[0076] Clause 20. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising a secure attachment of said durable, compact emergency system device to a user. Clause 21. The personal emergency notification system of clause 20 or any other clause wherein said secure attachment is chosen from a holster, harness, and strap.

[0077] Clause 22. The personal emergency notification system of clause 1 or any other clause and further comprising a navigation capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0078] Clause 23. A method for alerting personal emergencies comprising the steps of: providing a durable, compact emergency system device; automatically detecting a user emergency with said durable, compact emergency system device; selecting an alert notification system from a multi mode system capability; automatically notifying a designated network of said detected user emergency via said selected alert notification system with an alert notification; and automatically sending a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to said designated network via said selected alert notification system.

[0079] Clause 24. The method of clause 23 or any other clause wherein said multi mode system capability comprises at least two different alert notification system options.

[0080] Clause 25. The method of clause 24 or any other clause wherein said alert notification system options are chosen from satellite systems, cellular systems, low earth orbit satellite systems, Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, Iridium satellite system, Globstar satellite system, GLONASS satellite system, Galileo satellite system, BeiDou-3 satellite system, and Navstar satellite system.

[0081] Clause 26. The method of clause 23 or any other clause wherein said step of selecting said alert notification system from said multi mode system capability comprises a step of selecting said alert notification system from said multi mode system capability based on a system’s signal strength.

[0082] Clause 27. The method of clause 23 or any other clause wherein said step of providing said durable, compact device comprises a step of providing a device that is impact and weather resistant.

[0083] Clause 28. The method of clause 27 or any other clause and further comprising a step of absorbing shock in said durable, compact device with a shock absorbing material. Clause 29. The method of clause 28 or any other clause wherein said shock absorbing material is chosen from electronics potting compound epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, polyurethane compounds, and impact modifiers.

[0084] Clause 30. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of automatically detecting user movements with said durable, compact emergency system device when a user is using said durable, compact emergency system device; said user movements are chosen from a fall, tumble, impact, acceleration, motion, position, horizontal position, and vertical position.

[0085] Clause 31. The method of clause 30 or any other clause and further comprising a step of evaluating said detected user movements and determine if said user movements define said user emergency.

[0086] Clause 32. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of user-specific training said automatic emergency detection component.

[0087] Clause 33. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of selecting any activity for said durable, compact emergency system device to be used with said user.

[0088] Clause 34. The method of clause 33 or any other clause wherein said activity is chosen from an outdoor activity, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, ATV activities, dirt biking, and any combination or permutation thereof.

[0089] Clause 35. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of canceling said alert notification to said designated network.

[0090] Clause 36. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of continuing to notify said designated network of said alert notification and said location.

[0091] Clause 37. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of emitting a visual or audio alert from said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0092] Clause 38. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of manually notifying a designated network of said alert notification.

[0093] Clause 39. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of providing a messaging capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device. Clause 40. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of providing a dual antenna capability component of durable, compact emergency system device.

[0094] Clause 41. The method of clause 40 or any other clause wherein said dual antenna capability component is chosen from a patch, a micro strip, and horizontal antenna.

[0095] Clause 42. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of providing additional components to said durable, compact emergency system device, said additional components are chosen from a button locks, battery life indicator, Bluetooth capability, power saving mode, and rechargeable batteries.

[0096] Clause 43. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising a step of securely attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to a user.

[0097] Clause 44. The method of clause 43 or any other clause wherein said step of securely attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to said user comprises a step of attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to said user with an attachment chosen from a holster, harness, and strap.

[0098] Clause 45. The method of clause 23 or any other clause and further comprising providing navigation capabilities of said durable, compact emergency system device.

[0099] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the various embodiments of the present invention(s) may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both emergency detection and notification techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate emergency detection and notifications. In this application, the emergency detection and notification techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

[0100] The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the various embodiments of the invention(s) and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. As one example, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and / or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as the words: substantially, about, only, and the like. These words and types of words are to be understood in a dictionary sense as terms that encompass an ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc. as well as terms that encompass largely but not wholly that which is specified. Further, for this application if or when used, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and / or relative terms should be understood as also encompassing more precise and even quantitative values that include various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address a number of quantitative options and alternatives. For example, to the extent ultimately used, the existence or non-existence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or at a particular stage can be specified as substantially only x or substantially free of x, as a value of about x, or such other similar language. In context, these should be understood by a person of ordinary skill as being disclosed and included whether in an absolute value sense or in valuing one set of or substance as compared to the value of a second set of or substance. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure and should (and, it is believed, would) be understood to a person of ordinary skill in this field. Where the application is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions of the embodiments and that each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

[0101] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the various embodiments of the invention(s). Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of the various embodiments of the invention(s). A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of embodiments of the invention(s) both independently and as an overall system.

[0102] Further, each of the various elements of the embodiments of the invention(s) and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the various embodiments of the invention(s), the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms - even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which embodiments of the invention(s) is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “signal” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “signaling” — whether explicitly discussed or not - and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “signaling”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “signal” and even a “means for signaling.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a non-limiting example of means for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements can also be expressed as any of: components, programming, subroutines, logic, or elements that are configured to, or configured and arranged to, provide or even achieve a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or as components that are capable of achieving a particular activity, result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All should be understood as within the scope of this disclosure and written description.

[0103] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed below or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of the various embodiments of invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

[0104] US PATENTS

[0105] US PUBLICATIONS

[0106] FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0107] NON PATENT LITERATURE

[0108] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make claims to embodiments including at least: i) each of the emergency detection and notification devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such processes, methods, systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

[0109] In addition and as to computer aspects and each aspect amenable to programming or other electronic automation, it should be understood that in characterizing these and all other aspects of the various embodiments of the invention(s) - whether characterized as a device, a capability, an element, or otherwise, because all of these can be implemented via software, hardware, or even firmware structures as set up for a general purpose computer, a programmed chip or chipset, an ASIC, application specific controller, subroutine, logic, or other known programmable or circuit specific structure — it should be understood that all such aspects are at least defined by structures including, as person of ordinary skill in the art would well recognize: hardware circuitry, firmware, programmed application specific components, and even a general purpose computer programmed to accomplish the identified aspect. For such items implemented by programmable features, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: xv) processes performed with the aid of or on a computer, machine, or computing machine as described throughout the above discussion, xvi) a programmable apparatus as described throughout the above discussion, xvii) a computer readable memory encoded with data to direct a computer comprising means or elements which function as described throughout the above discussion, xviii) a computer, machine, or computing machine configured as herein disclosed and described, xix) individual or combined subroutines, processor logic, and / or programs as herein disclosed and described, xx) a carrier medium carrying computer readable code for control of a computer to carry out separately each and every individual and combined method described herein or in any claim, xxi) a computer program to perform separately each and every individual and combined method disclosed, xxii) a computer program containing all and each combination of means for performing each and every individual and combined step disclosed, xxiii) a storage medium storing each computer program disclosed, xxiv) a signal carrying a computer program disclosed, xxv) a processor executing instructions that act to achieve the steps and activities detailed, xxvi) circuitry configurations (including configurations of transistors, gates, and the like) that act to sequence and / or cause actions as detailed, xxvii) computer readable medium(s) storing instructions to execute the steps and cause activities detailed, xxviii) the related methods disclosed and described, xxix) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems and methods, xxx) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, xxxi) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, xxxii) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, and xxxiii) the various combinations of each of the above and of any aspect, all without limiting other aspects in addition.

[0110] With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims arc presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws — including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws- - to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

[0111] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrases “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, “characterized by” and “having” are used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation including that discussed in MPEP § 2111.03. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the terms “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, “contain” or variations such as “contains” and “containing”, “characterized by” or variations such as “characterizing by”, “have” or variations such as “has” or “having”, arc intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. It should be understood that the term “a” used in the description and claims could mean “one” or could mean “at least one.” Use of “at least one” in the description and claims is not intended nor used in this disclosure to mean that other claims or descriptions not incorporating the “at least one” language cannot further include one or more like elements and the language “at least one” is not intended nor used to change “open-ended” claims, inherently including devices or methods having additional elements or steps apart from those claimed, into “closed-ended” claims wherein devices or methods having additional elements would not be covered by such claims. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 9 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 8, or even claim 11 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

[0112] With respect to the drawings, it should be understood that these present only initial views, mirror views such as left, right, top, bottom, front, and back should be understood as within the realm of this disclosure as may be appropriate for design or industrial design protections. Furthermore, any aspect and any portion of such drawings should be understood as potentially not within the scope of any then-made claim such as by then dashing any portion desired. And such drawings should be understood as including drawing elements such as rectangles, circles, ellipses, ovals, squares, and the like as particular side or other views as well understood from the existing drawings.

[0113] Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the various embodiments of the application, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A personal emergency notification system comprising: a durable, compact emergency system device; an automatic emergency detection component of said durable, compact emergency system device; a multi mode system capability configured to select and use an alert notification system from at least two alert notification system options; and an automatic emergency alert notification component of said durable, compact emergency system capable of sending an alert notification and a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to a designated network via a selected alert notification system.

2. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said alert notification system options are chosen from satellite systems, cellular systems, low earth orbit satellite systems, Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, Iridium satellite system, Globstar satellite system, GLONASS satellite system, Galileo satellite system, BeiDou-3 satellite system, and Navstar satellite system.

3. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said multi mode system capability configured to select and use said alert notification system comprises a multi mode system capability configured to select and use said alert notification system based on a system’s signal strength.

4. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said durable, compact device comprises an impact and weather resistant device.

5. The personal emergency notification system of claim 4 wherein said durable, compact device comprises a shock absorbing material.

6. The personal emergency notification system of claim 5 wherein said shock absorbing material is chosen from electronics potting compound epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, polyurethane compounds, and impact modifiers.

7. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said automatic emergency detection component is configured to automatically detect user movements when a user is using said durable, compact emergency system device, said usermovements are chosen from a fall, tumble, impact, acceleration, motion, position, horizontal position, and vertical position.

8. The personal emergency notification system of claim 7 wherein said automatic emergency detection component is configured to evaluate said detected user movements and determine if said user movements define a user emergency.

9. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a userspecific training feature for said automatic emergency detection component.

10. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising an activity selector of said durable, compact emergency system device.

11. The personal emergency notification system of claim 10 wherein said activity selector comprises a user ability to select an activity for use with said durable, compact emergency system device, said activity is chosen from an outdoor activity, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, ATV activities, dirt biking, and any combination or pennutation thereof.

12. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a cancel option of said durable, compact emergency system device configured to cancel said alert notification to said designated network.

13. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component is configured to continue to send said alert notification and said location to said designated network.

14. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component is configured to emit a visual or audio alert from said durable, compact emergency system device.

15. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 wherein said automatic emergency alert notification component comprises a manual alert notification activation.

16. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a messaging capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device.

17. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a dual antenna capability component of durable, compact emergency system device.

18. The personal emergency notification system of claim 17 wherein said dual antenna capability component is chosen from a patch, a micro strip, and horizontal antenna.

19. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising additional components of said durable, compact emergency system device chosen from a button locks, battery life indicator, Bluetooth capability, power saving mode, and rechargeable batteries.

20. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a secure attachment of said durable, compact emergency system device to a user.

21. The personal emergency notification system of claim 20 wherein said secure attachment is chosen from a holster, harness, and strap.

22. The personal emergency notification system of claim 1 and further comprising a navigation capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device.

23. A method for alerting personal emergencies comprising the steps of: providing a durable, compact emergency system device; automatically detecting a user emergency with said durable, compact emergency system device; selecting an alert notification system from a multi mode system capability; automatically notifying a designated network of said detected user emergency via said selected alert notification system with an alert notification; and automatically sending a location of said durable, compact emergency system device to said designated network via said selected alert notification system.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said multi mode system capability comprises at least two different alert notification system options.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said alert notification system options are chosen from satellite systems, cellular systems, low earth orbit satellite systems, Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, Iridium satellite system, Globstar satellite system, GLONASS satellite system, Galileo satellite system, BeiDou-3 satellite system, andNavstar satellite system.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of selecting said alert notification system from said multi mode system capability comprises a step of selecting said alert notification system from said multi mode system capability based on a system’s signal strength.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of providing said durable, compact device comprises a step of providing a device that is impact and weather resistant.

28. The method of claim 27 and further comprising a step of absorbing shock in said durable, compact device with a shock absorbing material.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein said shock absorbing material is chosen from electronics potting compound epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, polyurethane compounds, and impact modifiers.

30. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of automatically detecting user movements with said durable, compact emergency system device when a user is using said durable, compact emergency system device; said user movements are chosen from a fall, tumble, impact, acceleration, motion, position, horizontal position, and vertical position.

31. The method of claim 30 and further comprising a step of evaluating said detected user movements and determine if said user movements define said user emergency.

32. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of user-specific training said automatic emergency detection component.

33. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of selecting any activity for said durable, compact emergency system device to be used with said user.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein said activity is chosen from an outdoor activity, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, ATV activities, dirt biking, and any combination or permutation thereof.

35. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of canceling said alert notification to said designated network.

36. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of continuing to notify said designated network of said alert notification and said location.

37. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of emitting a visual or audio alert from said durable, compact emergency system device.

38. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of manually notifying a designated network of said alert notification.

39. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of providing a messaging capability component of said durable, compact emergency system device.

40. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of providing a dual antenna capability component of durable, compact emergency system device.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein said dual antenna capability component is chosen from a patch, a micro strip, and horizontal antenna.

42. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of providing additional components to said durable, compact emergency system device, said additional components are chosen from a button locks, battery life indicator, Bluetooth capability, power saving mode, and rechargeable batteries.

43. The method of claim 23 and further comprising a step of securely attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to a user.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein said step of securely attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to said user comprises a step of attaching said durable, compact emergency system device to said user with an attachment chosen from a holster, harness, and strap.

45. The method of claim 23 and further comprising providing navigation capabilities of said durable, compact emergency system device.

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