New Methods permit previously incompatible communications devices to interoperate under the control of an Incident Commander
Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of IP-based Dispatch and Interoperability solutions for Critical Communications, today announced that it has been awarded patent 9,848,311 for its invention of a system to allow an Incident Commander to coordinate personnel from disparate units that are using incompatible and different communication devices.
The company’s patent describes an innovative process for combining field deployable dispatch and control of radio systems with various control capabilities of radio communications protocols. Management believes that this innovative intellectual property will combine the benefits of Catalyst technology with standards based radio communications protocols in a way that will uniquely improve communications between First Responders during an Incident.
“Radio communications during Incidents is complex because many different First Responders are often involved, and each bring their own radio. Catalyst has a proven track record of developing innovative technology to meet the needs of First Responders and the complex environments under which they serve.” stated Robin Grier, president of Catalyst. “By continuing to invest in technology development that helps First Responders, we believe we can help save lives.”
The technology is particularly powerful as it includes innovative methods for determining when a target communications device is idle or busy and, if busy, managing the audio to prevent the loss of syllables. The technology is currently deployed in Catalyst products ICE™, FIRE™, and FIRE-BK™, solutions for Incident Command and advanced digital vehicle repeater applications. Patent drawings in support of the invention mirror the architecture of these three Catalyst solutions.
