AU2008251998A1 - Methods and devices for managing activity in a household telephone system - Google Patents

Description

- 1 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant/s: Domenic Tallaridi and Gino Putrino Actual Inventor/s: Domenic Tallaridi and Gino Putrino Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP 60 Margaret Street Telephone No: (02) 9777 1111 SYDNEY NSW 2000 Facsimile No. (02) 9241 4666 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Invention Title: METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING ACTIVITY IN A HOUSEHOLD TELEPHONE SYSTEM Details of Associated Provisional Application No. 2007906581 dated 03 Dec 2007 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: File: 54081AUP00 2 METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING ACTIVITY IN A HOUSEHOLD TELEPHONE SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for managing activity in a household telephone system. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed to provide an audible and/or visual alarm in response to a person dialing an emergency number (such as "000" in Australia or "911" in the United States). While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts. BACKGROUND [0002] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] It is common in a given jurisdiction for an "emergency number" to be assigned, this being a telephone number intended for use in emergency situations to contact the likes of police, ambulance and/or fire services. [0004] In emergency situations, timing is critical. Unfortunately, there are often a number of factors that adversely affect timing. These include, but are not limited to, the time taken for emergency services personnel to physically locate a caller's place of residence, and stress/injury limiting the ability of a potential caller to use a telephone. [0005] There is a need for improved methods and devices for managing activity in a household telephone system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [0007] One embodiment provides a device for managing telephone activity, the device including: 3 [0008] input means for receiving input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone; [0009] monitoring means for monitoring the received input to determine whether the input indicates that a predetermined sequence of buttons has been depressed under predefined conditions; [0010] output means responsive to the monitoring means for, in the event that the monitoring means identifies that the predetermined sequence of buttons has been depressed under the predefined conditions, providing a signal. [0011] One embodiment provides a device wherein the input includes frequency information. [0012] One embodiment provides a device wherein the frequency information includes DTMF tones. [0013] One embodiment provides a device wherein the predetermined sequence of buttons identify an emergency call. [0014] One embodiment provides a device wherein the predefmed conditions are defined to identify whether the predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed in isolation, thereby to confirm whether an emergency call has been placed. [0015] 6 One embodiment provides a device wherein the predefined conditions include a time lapse preceding and/or following receipt of the input. [0016] One embodiment provides a device wherein the predefined conditions include monitoring of a dial-tone preceding receipt of the input. [0017] One embodiment provides a device wherein the monitoring means is integrated with a telephone unit. [0018] One embodiment provides a device configured to be serially coupled intermediate a telephone unit and a telephone outlet. [0019] One embodiment provides a device configured to be serially coupled intermediate a telephone unit and a phone-line termination board.

4 [0020] One embodiment provides a device wherein the input means is provided substantially adjacent a phone-line termination board. [0021] One embodiment provides a device wherein the input means is configured to receive input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a plurality of telephones in a common household. [0022] One embodiment provides a device wherein the monitoring means includes electrical circuitry powered by phone-line current. [0023] One embodiment provides a device wherein the output means is configured to be coupled to an alarm unit. [0024] One embodiment provides a device wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the signal for providing a visual alarm. [0025] One embodiment provides a device wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the signal for providing an audible alarm. [0026] One embodiment provides a device wherein the output is configured to provide a second signal to the alarm unit. [0027] One embodiment provides a device wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the second signal for terminating an audible and/or visual alarm. [0028] One embodiment provides a device wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the second signal for providing an audible and/or visual alarm. [0029] One embodiment provides a device wherein the output means provides the second signal responsive to the monitoring device determining that a second predetermined sequence of buttons being depressed under a second set of predefined conditions. [0030] One embodiment provides a system for providing an emergency alarm, the system including: [0031] a device as described above; and [0032] an alarm unit that is responsive to the signal for providing an alarm signal.

5 [0033] One embodiment provides a system wherein the alarm signal includes an audible signal. [0034] One embodiment provides a system wherein the alarm signal includes a visual signal. [0035] One embodiment provides a system including a remote unit having an interface for receiving commands from a user. [0036] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to a first command for actuating the alarm unit to provide the alarm signal. [0037] One embodiment provides a system wherein the alarm signal includes an audible component and a visual component, and the remote unit is responsive to the first command for actuating the alarm unit to provide either or both of the audible component and the visual component. [0038] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to a second command for instructing the alarm unit to terminate the alarm signal. [0039] One embodiment provides a system wherein the alarm signal includes an audible component and a visual component, and the remote unit is responsive to the first command for instructing the alarm unit to terminate either or both of the audible component and the visual component. [0040] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to a third command for providing a predefined signal. [0041] One embodiment provides a system wherein the monitoring means is responsive to the predefined signal for determining that the predetermined sequence of buttons have been depressed under the predefined conditions. [0042] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit includes playback means for delivering an audible message. [0043] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for delivering an audible message.

6 [0044] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for repeatedly delivering an audible message. [0045] One embodiment provides a system wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for repeatedly delivering an audible message for a predetermined time period. [0046] One embodiment provides a remote unit as defined above operable in a system as described above. [0047] One embodiment provides a method for operating a system as described above. [0048] One embodiment provides a method for operating a device as described above. [0049] One embodiment provides a method for processing a signal in a telephone line, the method including the steps of: [0050] (a) receiving input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone; [0051] (b) monitoring the received input to determine whether a predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed under predefined conditions; [0052] (c) in the event that the predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed under the predefined conditions, providing a signal. [0053] One embodiment provides a device for monitoring telephone activity substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. [0054] One embodiment provides a system for providing an emergency alarm substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. [0055] One embodiment provides a method for processing a signal in a telephone line substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. [0056] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one 7 embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0057] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0058] FIG. I is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0060] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a device and system according to one embodiment. [0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment. [0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment.

8 [0067] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment. [0068] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment. [0069] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment. [0070] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a remote unit according to one embodiment. [0071] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0072] Described herein are methods, devices and systems for managing activity in a household telephone system. In some embodiments, an alarm unit is provided externally of the household, for example mounted to a wall in a location visible from a street or other public thoroughfare. This alarm unit is automatically activated in the event that an emergency telephone number is dialed on a telephone within the household. For example, some embodiments make use of a monitoring device that monitors DTMF tone activity in the household, and activates the alarm in the event that this monitoring indicates that an emergency call has been placed. It will be appreciated that such an approach assists in guiding emergency personnel to the appropriate household, saving valuable time. Additionally, neighbors and passers by are notified of a potential emergency, potentially allowing immediate assistance to be provided. [0073] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in the form of a device 101 for monitoring telephone activity. Device 101 includes an input 102 for receiving input signal 103 indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone, in the illustrated example being telephone 104. A monitor 105 is provided for monitoring the received input signal to determine whether this input indicates that a predetermined sequence of buttons has been depressed under predefined conditions. An output 106 is responsive to monitor 105 for, in the event that the monitor identifies that the predetermined sequence of buttons have been depressed under the predefined conditions, providing a signal 107. In the illustrated embodiment, this signal is provided to an alarm unit 110. Signal 103 is 9 nevertheless passed to a phone line termination board 120 and onto an external network where it is handled in the conventional manner. [0074] Various embodiments along the lines of that illustrated in FIG. 1 are discussed further below. [0075] The notion of "monitoring telephone activity" should be construed broadly. In the present circumstances, this monitoring includes monitoring signals in a telephone line so as to identify a signal that indicates the depressing of a keypad button on a telephone. That being said, it is by no means a requirement that such a signal indeed originates as a result of such an event. In this manner, "receiving input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone" should not be read to imply necessarily that any keypad buttons have physically been depressed at a telephone. This concept will be more fully understood in light of discussion further below. [0076] In embodiments presently considered, monitoring telephone activity includes monitoring DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency) tones in a telephone line. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such tones are indicative of telephone keypad use. The following table summarizes DTMF frequencies: STANDARD DTMF KEYPAD FREQUENCIES 1209 Hz 1336 Hz 1477 Hz 1633 Hz 697Hz 1 2 3 A 770 Hz 4 5 6 B 852 Hz 7 8 9 C 941 Hz * 0 # D [0077] In overview, each row represents a low frequency, and each column represents a high frequency. Pressing a single key such as "5" results in a signal including a sinusoidal tone having frequencies of frequencies 770 and 1336 Hz. [0078] In embodiments where DTMF is used, monitor 105 includes components adapted to process DTMF tones. In this manner, a sequence of monitored DTMF tones is able to be compared with one or more predefined sequences. For instance, the following 10 predefined sequence corresponds to "911", the United States emergency number: "852/1477, 697/1209, 697/1209". Likewise, the following predefined sequence corresponds to "000", the Australian emergency number: "941/1366, 941/1366, 941/1366". [0079] In some embodiments the monitor performs a conversion of DTMF tones back to identifiers directly indicative of particular keys. However, it will be appreciated that such an approach is by no means necessary. [0080] In the present embodiments, monitor 105 looks not only for a predefined sequence, but also predefined conditions. The rationale is to consider the context in which the predefined sequence was receive to determine whether or not the sequence is indeed indicative of emergency call being placed. For instance, the "000" in telephone number "555 -0001" should not be recognized as an emergency call. In some embodiments the predefined conditions are defined to identify whether the predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed in isolation, thereby to confirm whether an emergency call has been placed. In other embodiments the predefined conditions include a time lapse preceding and/or following receipt of the input signal. Various other approaches are implemented in other embodiments. In further embodiments the predefined conditions include monitoring of a dial-tone preceding receipt of the input signal. [0081] In some embodiments there are multiple predefined sequences with respective predefined conditions. In some cases these are provided to allow manual activation/deactivation of alarm unit 110 via telephone 104. [0082] The components used within monitor 105 vary between embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate components and appreciate how these are implemented for the present purposes. Where DTMF is used, current/voltage/frequency monitoring components are inherently suitable. In some embodiments monitoring occurs serially within an existing phone line (i.e. line-in, monitor, line-out), in other embodiments in parallel (i.e. passive observation of passing signals) and in further embodiments adjacent (i.e. the signal is split, with one component diverted to the monitor, and the other continuing in the conventional manner). Some examples of these arrangements are considered further below.

1 [0083] Some examples of monitor 105 make use of microprocessor technology, with a small memory unit being provided to store data indicative of predefined sequences and conditions. However, more rudimentary examples take the form of simple circuits with the likes of high-pass and low-pass filters for the purpose of recognizing DTMF tones. It will be appreciate that "000" is a particularly straightforward sequence to recognize in this regard. [0084] In some embodiments device 101 is powered by current provided via an existing phone line, much in the same way as telephone 104. However, in some cases additional power is required, this being sourced by household mains power or by battery. In some cases a rechargeable batter is used, this being charged over time by the current present in he existing phone line. [0085] Although examples considered herein are particularly concerned with DTMF, the invention should not necessarily be limited as such. Some embodiments are implemented in conjunction with dial-pulse or loop-disconnect telephones. In the case of these, monitor 105 is essentially concerned with monitoring the resultant clicks/pulses associated with keypad presses (or dial usage). This is possible with relatively rudimentary equipment. In cases where more advanced telephone systems are used, for example in the presence of a central digital interface or PABX, software may be installed to perform the role of device 101 in a virtual manner. [0086] The nature of output 106 varies between embodiments, depending primarily on the configuration of alarm unit 110, and the mode of communication between device 101 and alarm unit 110. In some embodiments communications occur via telephone lines, using technology similar to DTMF (although with different frequencies - for example a first frequency indicates to activate the alarm, and a second frequency to deactivate the alarm). In some embodiments a direct serial connection is provided. In some embodiments a wireless link (such as Bluetooth, WiFi or infrared) is used. In some embodiments an existing TCP/IP network is leveraged, with device 101 and alarm unit 110 each being directly or indirectly connected to the network. [0087] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment where device 101 is serially connected intermediate phone 104 and a wall telephone line socket 201. In this embodiment signal 103 is received at an input 202, passed to or past a monitor 203, onto an output 204, and 12 then onto wall socket 201. In this manner, the signal is not intercepted or altered, although some minor buffering may be in effect. [0088] In some embodiments along the lines of FIG. 2, device 101 is defined by a wall mountable unit that is ideally wall-mounted generally adjacent wall socket 201. In other embodiments along the lines of FIG. 2, device 101 is integrated with telephone 104. [0089] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where device 101 is located intermediate wall socket 201 and phone line termination board 120. In some such embodiments it is convenient to position device 101 substantially adjacent board 120, and, where location allows, alarm unit 110 is positioned in a similar location (or integrated with device 101). A particular advantage of the configuration of FIG. 3 stems from an ability to easily monitor activity at a plurality of household phones, regardless of wiring nuances that might exist. [0090] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where device 10 1 is connected to a wall socket, which, in spite of a single socket being illustrated, is in most cases a different wall socket to phone 104. In overview, device 101 operates "listens" to DTMF tones originating from phone 104, and other phones in the same household. This is possible much in the same manner as an "off-hook" phone is capable of providing such tones in an audible fashion. [0091] The examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are particularly advantageous where there is a desire to monitor signals originating from a plurality of phones, as schematically shown in FIG. 5. [0092] Some embodiments operate in conjunction with a remote unit. A remote unit is essentially a device to which a user supplies commands relevant to device 101 and/or alarm 110. For example, in some embodiments these commands are used to manually activate alarm 110 (much like a "panic button"), manually deactivate alarm 110, and place rudimentary emergency calls without the need for a telephone. In some embodiments the remote unit is integrated with device 101. [0093] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein a system 601 includes a device 101, alarm unit 110, and a remote unit 602. In the illustrated configuration, remote unit 602 13 is coupled to a secondary input 603 of device 101. In various embodiments this coupling includes the likes of wired links, wireless links, or a combination of the two. [0094] FIG. 7 illustrates a variation where remote unit 602 communicates with device 101 via phone lines, and signals from remote unit 602 are monitored at device 101 in substantially the same manner as signals from phone 104. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary remote unit particularly adapted for such implementation, this remote unit including a command interface 801 for receiving user commands, a DTMF synthesizer 802 for translating the user commands into DTMF tones (although not necessarily at DTMF frequencies for commands such as those relating to activation/deactivation of alarm 110), and an output 803 for allowing connection to a wall socket. [0095] In the embodiment of FIG.9, remote unit 602 includes a playback module 901 in combination with flash memory for maintaining audio data 902. The underlying rationale is to allow a relatively rudimentary emergency call to be placed via the remote unit, ideally at the press of a single button (although in some embodiments means are provided to reduce the probability if inadvertent calls being placed). In overview, a user provides a command to place an emergency call, a DTMF sequence is provided to place such a call, and at least a portion of audio data played over the phone line. This audio data is typically played on a continuous loop until the called party terminates the call. The content of the audio data typically includes the address of the calling party, such that emergency personnel are able to be dispatched without personal interaction on the part of the caller. That is, the caller is able to simply initiate the command, and no further action is required. This is useful where the caller is experiencing a medical issue, or where the caller should ideally be attending to the emergency present. [0096] In some embodiments audio data 903 includes a plurality of data packets associated with respective user commands attributable to various forms of emergency, such as ambulance, police or fire. In this manner, an automated message is able to provide address information and additionally inform the emergency call center operator with regard to the nature of the emergency, at least in broad terms. [0097] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment where a microphone 1001 and recording module 1002 are provided such that a user is able to record customized audio data packets.

14 [0098] FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified remote unit 1101, this simply including a command interface and an output. Other functionalities that might have been associated with the remote unit are instead optionally vested in monitoring device 101. [0099] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary remote unit 1201, showing buttons that are depressed to by a user to provide various commends. Button 1203 is used to place an automated call requesting an ambulance (by synthesizing an emergency call DTMF and subsequently playing an appropriate packet of audio data 902). Button 1204 is used to place an automated call requesting police assistance. Button 1205 is used to place an automated call in the case of a fire or the like. Button 1206 is used to activate alarm 110. Button 1207 is used to deactivate alarm 110. [00100] In various embodiments alarm 110 includes either or both of visual and audible alarms. In cases where both are provided, these are optionally able to be activated and deactivated independently. [00101] As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments a wireless command interface is provided for receiving user commands, these being wirelessly transferred to a remote unit 602. Bluetooth, WiFi, Infrared or other wireless technologies are optionally used. [00102] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary method implemented by device 101 according to one embodiment. Monitoring commences at step 1401. Step 1402 includes waiting for a DTMF tone. A DTMF tone is received at step 1403. Step 1404 includes waiting for a further DTMF tone. If a further DTMF tone is received at 1405 before a timeout (defined in terms of time, or in terms of a return to dial-tone), the method loops to 1404. Otherwise the method progresses to 1406 where a DTMF sequence is defined, and compared with predefined sequences at 1407 to determine wither a signal should be provided. Following this, the relevant signal is provided at 1408 (after which the method loops to 1402) or, in absence of such a signal, the method loops to 1402. [00103] It should be appreciated that the method of FIG. 14 is provided for the sake of example only, and that various other methods might be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. [00104] In some embodiments alarm unit 110 is operable in a plurality of modes so as to identify different emergencies.

15 [00105] In a further embodiment, rather than or in addition to identifying emergencies, a system such as one of those described above is used to allow identification of a caller's premises for other purposes, such as pizza delivery (i.e. the alarm is activated in a particular mode pursuant to a pizza delivery number being dialed). [00106] In some embodiments alarm unit 110 includes a plurality of individual alarm units. This is particularly useful in the case of buildings having multiple residences, in which case one alarm unit is provided at an externally observable location, and another adjacent or substantially adjacent the entrance to the relevant residence. In some cases the former is shared by a plurality of residences (i.e. it is coupled to all respective monitoring devices of those residences). [00107] It will be appreciated that the present disclosure above provides various new and useful devices and methods for managing activity in a household telephone system. In particular, activity relating to emergency calls can be monitored and progressed in an appropriate manner. [00108] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system. [00109] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

16 [00110] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [00111] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. [00112] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. [00113] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. [00114] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that 17 the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. [00115] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. [00116] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. [00117] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (41)

1. A device for managing telephone activity, the device including: input means for receiving input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone; monitoring means for monitoring the received input to determine whether the input indicates that a predetermined sequence of buttons has been depressed under predefined conditions; output means responsive to the monitoring means for, in the event that the monitoring means identifies that the predetermined sequence of buttons has been depressed under the predefined conditions, providing a signal.

2. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the input includes frequency information.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the frequency information includes DTMF tones.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the predetermined sequence of buttons identify an emergency call.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the predefined conditions are defined to identify whether the predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed in isolation, thereby to confirm whether an emergency call has been placed.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the predefmed conditions include a time lapse preceding and/or following receipt of the input.

7. A device according to claim 4 wherein the predefined conditions include monitoring of a dial-tone preceding receipt of the input.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the monitoring means is integrated with a telephone unit. 19

9. A device according to any preceding claim configured to be serially coupled intermediate a telephone unit and a telephone outlet.

10. A device according to any preceding claim configured to be serially coupled intermediate a telephone unit and a phone-line termination board.

11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the input means is provided substantially adjacent a phone-line termination board.

12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the input means is configured to receive input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a plurality of telephones in a common household.

13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the monitoring means includes electrical circuitry powered by phone-line current.

14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the output means is configured to be coupled to an alarm unit.

15. A device according to claim 14 wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the signal for providing a visual alarm.

16. A device according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the signal for providing an audible alarm.

17. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the output is configured to provide a second signal to the alarm unit.

18. A device according to claim 17 wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the second signal for terminating an audible and/or visual alarm.

19. A device according to claim 17 wherein the alarm unit is responsive to the second signal for providing an audible and/or visual alarm.

20. A device according to claim 17 wherein the output means provides the second signal responsive to the monitoring device determining that a second predetermined sequence of buttons being depressed under a second set of predefined conditions. 20

21. A system for providing an emergency alarm, the system including: a device according to any preceding claim; and an alarm unit that is responsive to the signal for providing an alarm signal.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the alarm signal includes an audible signal.

23. A system according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the alarm signal includes a visual signal.

24. A system according to any one of claims 21 to 23 including a remote unit having an interface for receiving commands from a user.

25. A system according to claim 24 wherein the remote unit is responsive to a first command for actuating the alarm unit to provide the alarm signal.

26. A system according to claim 25 wherein the alarm signal includes an audible component and a visual component, and the remote unit is responsive to the first command for actuating the alarm unit to provide either or both of the audible component and the visual component.

27. A system according to any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the remote unit is responsive to a second command for instructing the alarm unit to terminate the alarm signal.

28. A system according to claim 25 wherein the alarm signal includes an audible component and a visual component, and the remote unit is responsive to the first command for instructing the alarm unit to terminate either or both of the audible component and the visual component.

29. A system according to any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the remote unit is responsive to a third command for providing a predefined signal.

30. A system according to claim 29 wherein the monitoring means is responsive to the predefined signal for determining that the predetermined sequence of buttons have been depressed under the predefined conditions. 21

31. A system according to claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the remote unit includes playback means for delivering an audible message.

32. A system according to claim 31 wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for delivering an audible message.

33. A system according to claim 31 wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for repeatedly delivering an audible message.

34. A system according to claim 31 wherein the remote unit is responsive to the third command for repeatedly delivering an audible message for a predetermined time period.

35. A remote unit as defined in any one of claims 24 to 34 operable in a system according to any one or claims 21 to 34.

36. A method for operating a system according to any one or claims 21 to 34.

37. A method for operating a device according to any one or claims 1 to 20.

38. A method for processing a signal in a telephone line, the method including the steps of: (a) receiving input indicative of keypad buttons depressed at a telephone; (b) monitoring the received input to determine whether a predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed under predefined conditions; (c) in the event that the predetermined sequence of buttons are depressed under the predefined conditions, providing a signal.

39. A device for monitoring telephone activity substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

40. A system for providing an emergency alarm substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 22

41. A method for processing a signal in a telephone line substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.