Computer-related devices and techniques for facilitating an emergency call via a cellular or data network using remote communication device identifying information

Abstract

The claimed invention consists of a device for use with a computer. The device may include a transceiver and control logic. The control logic (a) receives one or more first signals carrying corresponding one or more remote communication device identifiers (e.g., cellular tower identifiers or wireless access point identifiers) that each identify one or more remote communication devices, (b) determines one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals and a location of the communication device based on the one or more remote communication device identifiers (or one or more locations of the one or more remote communication devices) and the one or more signal strengths of said first signals, (c) receives a second signal corresponding to an emergency call, and (d) transfers, via a cellular network or a packet switched network, a third signal carrying an indicator of the location of said communication device to a remote device to aid emergency personnel in identifying the location of said communication device, said control logic implementing said emergency call as one of a cellular-based call via said cellular network and a VoIP call via said packet switched network.

1 .- 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A communication device for use with a computer, said communication device comprising:
 a transceiver; and   control logic that receives one or more first signals carrying corresponding one or more cellular tower identifiers that each identify one or more cellular towers, determines one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, and determines a calculated location of said communication device based on the one or more cellular tower identifiers and the one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, wherein the calculated location of said communication device is communicated to emergency personnel to aid in locating said communication device.   
     
     
         54 . A method for determining location identifying information for a communication device that is coupled to a computer, the method comprising:
 receiving one or more first signals carrying corresponding one or more cellular tower identifiers that each identify one or more cellular towers; and   determining one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals and a calculated location of a communication device including a transceiver based on the one or more cellular tower identifiers and the one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, wherein the calculated location of said communication device is communicated to emergency personnel to aid in locating said communication device.   
     
     
         55 . A processor program product for use in connection with one or more processors for executing software instructions, said processor program product comprising:
 a processor usable medium having processor readable program code embodied therein for causing said one or more processors to receive one or more first signals carrying corresponding one or more cellular tower identifiers that each identify one or more cellular towers, and determine one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals and a calculated location of a communication device including a transceiver based on the one or more cellular tower identifiers and the one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, wherein the calculated location of said communication device is communicated to emergency personnel to aid in locating said communication device.