Communication system with stealth mode for mobile devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses a communication system with a stealth mode for a mobile device. A communication system for a mobile device is presented, the mobile device having a mobile application stored on the mobile device. The mobile application has a graphical user interface and a touch screen. A controller is configured to interface with the mobile application. The controller includes a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon. The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit. The stealth mode is activated based in part on a signal from the mobile application and includes muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications. A first phase inquiry is submitted to the user via a graphical user interface along with one or more pre-filled responses. The stealth mode includes alerting a consultant in the remote assistance unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a communication system for a mobile device and more particularly to a communication system having a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit. Background Art

[0002] A person who needs to discreetly request help over the phone has limited options. One option may be to call emergency services and remain on the line without speaking. This approach has several disadvantages. For example, the counselor's voice may come out of the handset of the mobile device, and without speaking, little information is given to the emergency counselor about the situation. Additionally, if the call is terminated, the counselor may call back, causing the phone to ring. Another option is to use a texting service (e.g., E911) for emergencies, but such services are not available in many areas and rely on the user's texting application, where typing can be slow and prone to errors. Furthermore, texting is less than ideal if the user is in plain sight of the captor because it requires a certain amount of physical activity and visual attention, which may violate the confidentiality of the communication. Summary of the invention

[0003] A communication system for a mobile device is disclosed herein. The mobile device has a mobile application stored thereon, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen. A controller is configured to interface (or "form an interface") with the mobile application. The controller includes a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon. The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit. The stealth mode is activated based in part on a signal from the mobile application and includes muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications. A first phase inquiry is submitted to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-filled responses. The stealth mode includes alerting a consultant in the remote assistance unit.

[0004] Operating the stealth mode may include: executing a second phase via the mobile application after the first phase. The second phase is dynamically assembled based on a corresponding response from the user to the first phase. Operating the stealth mode may include: monitoring the power level of the mobile device in real time. Operating the stealth mode may include: enabling a non-disruptive mode to limit visual distractions.

[0005] Operating the stealth mode may include monitoring at least one sensor in the mobile device for a predefined event and transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit to signal detection of the predefined event. The predefined event includes a user changing geographic location. Operating the stealth mode may include remotely manipulating at least one of a plurality of hardware settings in the mobile device based in part on the predefined event and / or a power level of the mobile device. The plurality of hardware settings include at least one of volume control, battery power management, and display brightness.

[0006] The mobile application may be adapted to hold the corresponding messages from the remote assistance unit in a local queue so that the corresponding messages are presented in succession without dead air (or "silence") in between. The message transmission may incorporate a text messaging protocol that includes transmitting a delimited text string having the corresponding message and the corresponding metadata.

[0007] The message transmission may include a corresponding dual stream presenting a dialog box in the foreground of the mobile device and a chat log box in the background. The message transmission to the user may include a silent challenge driven by the controller and / or the advisor. The message transmission to the user may include a directive driven by the controller and / or the advisor. The message transmission to the user may include an open-ended question driven by the controller and / or the advisor.

[0008] Operating the stealth mode may include transmitting background messages to the remote assistance unit, the background transmissions being triggered by a timer. Here, the background messages are not shown in the chat log box. The first stage may include inquiries about the nature of the emergency and the location of the emergency. In some embodiments, the cloud unit is configured to interface with the mobile application and the controller and provide user profile data to the mobile application and the controller. The user profile data includes the corresponding location coordinates of the mobile device.

[0009] A method of operating a communication system for a mobile device is disclosed herein. The method includes: storing a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen. The mobile application interfaces with a controller, the controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon. The method includes: selectively executing a stealth mode for message transmissions between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit via the controller. This includes: activating the stealth mode, disabling vibration notifications and muting each audio stream in the mobile device based in part on a signal from the mobile application. A first phase inquiry is submitted to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses. The method includes: alerting a consultant in the remote assistance unit.

[0010] The present invention also discloses the following technical solution:

[0011] Solution 1. A communication system for a mobile device, comprising:

[0012] a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen;

[0013] a controller configured to interface with the mobile application, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions;

[0014] The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit, comprising:

[0015] activating the stealth mode based in part on a signal from the mobile application;

[0016] muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications;

[0017] submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses; and

[0018] An advisor in the remote assistance unit is alerted.

[0019] Solution 2. The communication system according to Solution 1, wherein:

[0020] Operating the stealth mode includes: after the first stage, executing a second stage via the mobile application; and

[0021] The second stage is dynamically mobilized based on a corresponding response from the user to the first stage.

[0022] Solution 3. The communication system according to Solution 1, wherein operating the stealth mode comprises:

[0023] monitoring the power level of the mobile device in real time; and

[0024] Enables non-distracting mode that limits visual distractions.

[0025] Solution 4. The communication system according to Solution 1, wherein:

[0026] The mobile device includes at least one sensor; and

[0027] Wherein, operating the stealth mode includes: monitoring the at least one sensor for a predefined event, and transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit to send a signal that the predefined event is detected.

[0028] Option 5. The communication system according to Option 4, wherein the predefined event includes a change in geographic location of the user.

[0029] Solution 6. The communication system according to Solution 4, wherein:

[0030] The mobile device includes a plurality of hardware settings; and

[0031] Operating the stealth mode includes remotely manipulating at least one of the plurality of hardware settings based in part on the predefined event and / or a power level of the mobile device.

[0032] Embodiment 7. The communication system according to embodiment 6, wherein the plurality of hardware settings include at least one of volume control, battery power management, and display brightness.

[0033] Embodiment 8. The communication system of embodiment 1, wherein the mobile application is adapted to maintain the corresponding messages from the remote assistance unit in a local queue so that the corresponding messages are presented successively without downtime in between.

[0034] Option 9. A communication system according to Option 1, wherein the message transmission is combined with a text messaging protocol, and the text messaging protocol includes transmitting a delimited text string having a corresponding message and corresponding metadata.

[0035] Solution 10. The communication system according to Solution 1, wherein the message transmission includes corresponding dual streams of presenting a dialog box in the foreground of the mobile device and presenting a chat record box in the background.

[0036] Solution 11. The communication system according to Solution 10, wherein:

[0037] Operating the stealth mode includes: transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit, the background transmission being triggered by a timer; and

[0038] The background message is not shown in the chat record frame.

[0039] Embodiment 12. The communication system according to embodiment 1, wherein the inquiry in the first stage includes a nature of the emergency and a location of the emergency.

[0040] Solution 13. The communication system according to Solution 1, further comprising:

[0041] A cloud unit is configured to interface with the mobile application and the controller and provide user profile data to the mobile application and the controller, the user profile data including corresponding location coordinates of the mobile device.

[0042] Embodiment 14. A communication system according to embodiment 1, wherein the message transmission to the user includes a silent challenge driven by the controller and / or the advisor.

[0043] Embodiment 15. The communication system according to embodiment 1, wherein the message transmission to the user includes guidance instructions driven by the controller and / or the advisor.

[0044] Embodiment 16. A communication system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the message transmission to the user includes open-ended questions driven by the controller and / or the advisor.

[0045] Embodiment 17. A method of operating a communication system for a mobile device, the method comprising:

[0046] storing a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen;

[0047] interfacing the mobile application with a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions;

[0048] Selectively executing, via the controller, a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit, comprising:

[0049] activating the stealth mode and disabling vibration notifications based in part on a signal from the mobile application;

[0050] muting each audio stream in the mobile device;

[0051] submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses; and

[0052] An advisor in the remote assistance unit is alerted.

[0053] Solution 18. The method according to Solution 17, wherein operating the stealth mode comprises:

[0054] After the first phase, a second phase is performed via the mobile application, the second phase being dynamically invoked based on a corresponding response from the user to the first phase.

[0055] Embodiment 19. The method according to embodiment 17, wherein the mobile device comprises at least one processor, and operating the stealth mode comprises:

[0056] monitoring the power level of the mobile device in real time;

[0057] monitoring the at least one sensor for a predefined event; and

[0058] A background message is transmitted to the remote assistance unit to signal detection of the predefined event.

[0059] Solution 20. A communication system for a mobile device, comprising:

[0060] a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen;

[0061] a controller configured to interface with the mobile application, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions;

[0062] The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit, comprising:

[0063] activating the stealth mode based in part on a signal from the mobile application;

[0064] muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications;

[0065] Enable non-distracting mode to limit visual distractions;

[0066] submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses;

[0067] After the first stage, executing a second stage via the mobile application, the second stage being dynamically invoked based on a corresponding response from the user to the first stage; and

[0068] An advisor in the remote assistance unit is alerted.

[0069] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1is a schematic incomplete diagram of a communication system having a stealth mode for message transmission between a mobile device and a remote assistance unit;

[0071] Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 Schematic, incomplete illustration of an example screen of a mobile device of;

[0072] Figure 3 Is used for operation Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for stealth mode;

[0073] Figure 4 It is a graphic Figure 1 Schematic, incomplete diagrams of other example screens of a mobile device of ; and

[0074] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic, incomplete illustration of an example display screen that may be employed in a remote assistance unit of .

[0075] Representative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples and are described below in additional detail. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings enumerated above. On the contrary, the present disclosure will cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as, for example, covered by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, Figure 1 There is schematically illustrated a communication system 10 for a mobile device 12 operable by a user 14. The mobile device 12 has a mobile application 16 stored thereon, the mobile application having a graphical user interface 18 and a touch screen 19. Figure 2 Illustrated are example screens 110 and 140 of the mobile device 12. It will be appreciated that the mobile device 12 may take many different forms and have additional components.

[0077] refer to Figure 1, the controller C is configured to interface with the mobile application 16. The controller C may be embedded within the mobile device 12. The controller C is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode 20 for message transmission 22 between a user 14 of the mobile device 12 and a remote assistance unit 26. The stealth mode 20 allows for rapid communication in complete silence, which provides an advantage in situations where the user 14 cannot speak freely using the mobile device 12. The remote assistance unit 26 includes at least one consultant 28 having access to an electronic device 30. The electronic device 30 may be a non-mobile or mobile platform, including but not limited to a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, or a wearable device. The electronic device 30 includes a control unit 31 having an integrated processor, integrated memory, and other circuits available to those skilled in the art.

[0078] The communication system 10 allows the user 14 to stealthily request help via a stealth mode 20. The stealth mode 20 is activated based in part on a signal from the mobile application 16 and includes muting each audio stream in the mobile device 12. The stealth mode 20 includes alerting the advisor 28 when one or more predefined criteria are met. The communication system 10 may employ a prescribed message syntax to mobilize a presentation for the graphical user interface 18. For example, the controller C may incorporate a text message syntax (in transmission 22) that is parsed by the mobile application 16 to present the inbound message as a conversation. As described below, the stealth mode 20 may employ front-loaded questions, button replies, and unread message queues to circumvent the delays associated with traditional texting, such as sentence formation, typing, error correction, and waiting for a reply. This reduces texting problems, time spent battling autocorrection, and / or time spent waiting for the other party to compose and type a reply. In other words, a zero-delay interrogation of the user 14 is achieved so that the advisor 28 can quickly understand the basic facts. Transmissions from user 14 to advisor 28 may include more than text messages. For example, each transmission may be accompanied by metadata fields such as GPS location, customer ID, and battery power level.

[0079] The message transmission 22 may employ a text messaging protocol 32 or communication standard such as SMS (Short Message Service), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), RCS (Rich Communication Services), and other communication standards over a cellular network. MMS is a media variant of SMS messages that allows users to send images, video, or audio over a cellular network. RCS is a set of communication standards for SMS, MMS. Thus, the message transmission 22 may include an ASCII string containing delimited fields, with person-to-person messages occupying one field and the remainder being metadata.

[0080] In some embodiments, the message transmission 22 may adopt a wireless network 34, which may be a short-range network or a long-range network. The wireless network 34 may be a communication BUS, which may be in the form of a serial controller area network (CAN-BUS). The wireless network 34 may be a serial communication bus in the form of a local area network. The local area network may include, but is not limited to, a controller area network (CAN), a controller area network with flexible data rate (CAN-FD), Ethernet, Bluetooth, WIFI, and other data forms. The wireless network 34 may be a wireless local area network (LAN) that uses a wireless distribution method to link multiple devices, a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) that connects several wireless LANs, or a wireless wide area network (WAN) that covers a large area (such as, neighboring towns and cities). Other types of network technologies or communication protocols 36 available to those skilled in the art may be used to present the message transmission 22.

[0081] While one type of text messaging protocol 32 (such as SMS and / or RCS) may be used in the initial stages of the session, in some embodiments, depending on connectivity, battery power conditions, and other factors, the session may automatically upgrade or downgrade to a different type of text messaging protocol 32 (such as MMS), wireless network 34, or other communication protocol 36. Optionally, the message transmissions 22 sent back and forth may be encrypted for privacy using methods available to those skilled in the art.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 The controller C has at least one processor P and at least one memory M (or a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium) having recorded thereon instructions for executing the method 200 of operating the stealth mode 20, as described below with respect to Figure 3 The method is described in detail. The memory M may store a controller executable instruction set, and the processor P may execute the controller executable instruction set stored in the memory M.

[0083] Reference now Figure 3 , a flow chart of a method 200 for operating the stealth mode 20 is shown. The method 200 may be embodied as computer readable code or stored instructions. The method 200 may be implemented in whole or in part by Figure 1 The method 200 may be performed by the controller C and / or the mobile application 16. The method 200 may be performed in real time, continuously, systematically, sporadically, and / or at regular intervals. Figure 3 The method 200 of 201 starts at frame 201 and ends at frame 213. The method 200 does not need to be applied in the specific order described in this article. In addition, it will be understood that some frames can be omitted.

[0084] according to Figure 3202, when the user 14 opens the mobile application 16, it first asks the user 14 whether they wish to communicate via stealth mode 20. If so, the method 200 proceeds to block 204, where each audio stream on the mobile device 12 is silenced or muted (e.g., music, alarms, games, ringtones, system notifications, etc.), and vibration notifications are disabled. Additionally, a non-disturbing mode is enabled, which limits visual distractions. Muting can be performed by the mobile application 16 and / or the controller C. If the user 14 does not wish to activate stealth mode 20, they can connect to the advisor 28 via other communication channels (e.g., a regular voice phone call) according to block 203.

[0085] From block 204, the method 200 proceeds to block 206, where the mobile application 16 and / or the controller C is adapted to perform the first stage 105 (of the inquiry) to the user 14, along with one or more pre-populated responses. The first stage 105 may be conveyed via the graphical user interface 18, which may include relatively large buttons for the user 14 to select from. The first stage 105 represents a silent challenge or a question-based dialog, which may be directed by machine logic embodied in the controller C.

[0086] Figure 2 Example screens 110 and 140 of the mobile device 12 are illustrated. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in , the first stage 105 includes a first question box Q1 (in screen 110) and a second question box Q2 (in screen 140). The first question box Q1 presents a question about the nature / type of the situation along with one or more pre-filled responses. For example, the first question box Q1 may summarize the following message: "What emergency situation are you facing? Check all that apply. ” Examples of pre-populated responses 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 are shown in screen 110 .

[0087] refer to Figure 2 , the pre-filled responses each include a corresponding symbol or graphic icon G, a corresponding check box B (for the user 14 to check or tick), and a corresponding text box T having a verbal description of the specific pre-filled response (e.g., assault, kidnapping, carjacking, shooting, etc.). Figure 2 The screen 110 includes a checkbox 130 stating "Other" that can be selected when none of the pre-populated responses covers the situation faced by the user 14. Additionally, the screen 110 can include a "Send" box 132 for the user 14 to press once the appropriate pre-populated responses have been checked. These responses are immediately conveyed to the remote assistance unit 26.

[0088] refer to Figure 2In screen 140, the second question box Q2 presents questions about the location of the situation. For example, the second question box Q2 may summarize the following message: "Where did the emergency occur? Examples of pre-filled responses 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150 are shown in screen 140. The pre-filled responses each include a corresponding symbol or graphical representation 152 and / or a text box 154 having a verbal description of the particular pre-filled response (e.g., home, office, vehicle, airplane, school, etc.). Figure 2 The screen 140 may include a box 160 stating "Other" to be selected when none of the pre-filled responses fits the question being asked. The response is immediately conveyed to the remote assistance unit 26.

[0089] Proceed to Figure 3 At box 208 of the method 200, the method 200 includes: performing a second stage 305 (of inquiry) to the user 14 via the mobile application 16. Based on the facts collected from the first stage 105, some follow-up questions (forming the second stage 305) are automatically generated and presented with negligible delay. In other words, the second stage 305 is dynamically mobilized based on the corresponding response of the user 14 to the first stage 105. For example, if the user 14 indicates that a weapon is involved, the second stage 305 will include an inquiry as to whether the user 14 actually saw the weapon. If a school is indicated as a location in the second question box Q2, the second stage 305 will ask whether the school has been locked down. The responses to these questions can be conveyed to the remote assistance unit 26 in real time. The first stage 105 and the second stage 305 are automated and are intended to quickly gather information to help the advisor 28 discern what resources are needed without waiting for the advisor 28 to compose a message.

[0090] Figure 1 The mobile application 16 can maintain two parallel communication streams with the user 14. For example, referring to Figure 4 , the screen 310 of the mobile device 12 includes two streams, the first of which is a dialog box 311 in the foreground and the second is a chat log 315 in the background (the light shaded area in the screen 310). Each message transmission 22 originating from the advisor 28 results in two updates to the screen 310. One update is the display of the dialog box 311, which may be a pop-up box and may include questions and / or coaching instructions with suggested responses. Reference Figure 4 , the second update is to add the question (minus the suggested response) to the chat record 315, which shows the message history exchanged between the user 14 and the remote assistance unit 26 (e.g., the first question box Q1, the first answer A1, the second question box Q2, and the second answer A2). Similarly, the screen 320 of the mobile device 12 (see Figure 3) shows a dialog box 321 in the foreground and a chat log 325 in the background.

[0091] When the advisor 28 and / or control logic sends a message to the user 14, the dialog box 311 (see Figure 4 ) is called above or "in front" of chat log 315. Reference Figure 4 , screen 310 presents a third question Q3 in a dialog box 311, wherein buttons display several options for proposed responses (i.e., first option 312, second option 314, and third option 316) for the user 14 to select from. For example, the advisor 28 may respond by transmitting "Is anyone else injured?" ” As the third question Q3 in the dialog box 311, the user 14 is asked whether they are injured, wherein the first option 312, the second option 314 and the third option 316 correspond to “yes”, “no” and “not sure” respectively. The user 14 can tap a reply to select it as their response, thereby providing a faster alternative to typing. The corresponding question (once asked) can be immediately moved to the chat log 325. Once answered, the corresponding reply is moved to the chat log 325 (see screen 320). Figure 4 As shown in screen 320 of , the next question (e.g., the fourth question Q4) is presented in a dialog box 321, which has a first option 322, a second option 324, and a third option 326 for the user 14 to select from. It should be understood that the number of questions and the number of options may vary based on the application at hand.

[0092] One problem that may occur is that the user 14 may be busy typing a reply when one or more additional questions come from the remote assistance unit 26. Additionally, there may be a gap or delay between the reply being sent and the message coming from the consultant 28. To solve this problem, the mobile application 16 maintains a local queue for messages from the remote assistance unit 26 and ensures that only one dialog box with one message is displayed at any given time. The queue is maintained in the controller C and / or the memory M of the mobile device 12. If a new message from the consultant 28 arrives when the user 14 is engrossed in the previous message, the new message is not displayed but placed in the queue. Once the user 14 replies to the pending question, the next question in the queue appears immediately. This process continues until the queue is empty. If there is nothing in the queue when a new consultant message arrives, the message is immediately shown in the dialog box 311. This feature allows the consultant 28 to schedule instructions and inquiries as fast as they want. They can queue questions so that these questions will be presented to the user 14 one at a time, and the delay between prompts is zero. In some embodiments, the consultant can manipulate the queue stored on the mobile device 12. Although newly arrived messages are usually appended to the end of the queue, consultants 28 can send urgent messages to the front of the queue. Likewise, they can remove questions from the queue, or even flush the queue entirely. The result is a relatively rapid stream of queries and instructions, which speeds up communications.

[0093] When there are no pending messages, Figure 4 Screen 330 of FIG. 2 shows a text input window 332 (where user 14 can type a new message), a keyboard 334, a "send" button 336, and a chat log 335. Although method 200 purposefully guides user 14 away from the keyboard, the user always has access to the keyboard 334 (see FIG. 20). Figure 4 ). If the user 14 wants to manually type a message, they can dismiss the dialog box 311 by tapping outside of the dialog box 311 (see screen 310), thereby exposing the chat log 335 (see screen 330) and providing a keyboard 334 for input. Depending on the syntax of the message, the stealth mode 20 may include different types of prompts. Interrogations, directives (e.g., "Close the door"), and open-ended questions (e.g., "Where is the shooter?") ”) can each be presented differently in dialog box 311. The syntax can be expanded to include other aspects of the display, such as setting background colors, displaying icons, etc.

[0094] Go to Figure 3 At block 210, the method 200 includes: monitoring the one or more sensors 40 (see Figure 1) background data. The sensor 40 may be an embedded electronic device, including but not limited to a GPS sensor 42, a temperature sensor 44, an accelerometer 46, and a power level sensor 48. In some embodiments, the controller C and / or the control unit 31 may be adapted to receive data from a wearable device (such as a fitness tracker or a smart watch 50 (see FIG. 5 ) connected via Bluetooth. Figure 1 )) Read data. Reference Figure 1 , the controller C and / or the control unit 31 may be configured to communicate with a cloud unit 60, which provides the profile data of the user 14 to the controller C. The profile data includes the location coordinates of the mobile device 12 and other information. The cloud unit 60 may include one or more servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data. The cloud unit 60 may be a private or public information source maintained by an organization such as, for example, a research institute, a company, a university and / or a hospital.

[0095] First, with respect to background communications, operating the stealth mode 20 may include transmitting background messages to and from the remote assistance unit 26. In other words, background (non-chat) messages may be sent in either direction. Background messages are not shown in the chat log 335. Examples of communications sent from the advisor 28 to the controller C (or mobile application 16) are listed below. These may be for checking hardware status (e.g., “Is the user connected to Wi-Fi?”). ”), affecting the display (e.g., “showing a screen for selecting a color”), reading sensors (e.g., “what is the ambient temperature ”) and control the phone hardware. These requests can be conveyed using specific predefined calling codes instead of text as listed above.

[0096] Second, regarding event monitoring, according to Figure 3 At block 210, controller C may be adapted to monitor for at least one predefined event ("at least" omitted hereinafter), such as detection of a sudden loud noise or detection that user 14 is changing their geographic location very quickly (i.e., running). Such an event will trigger a background transmission that will identify the event and provide associated metadata (e.g., volume of the loud noise). Non-limiting examples of such transmissions may include: (1) "Battery level: 29%"; (2) "User is running north"; (3) "It just got dark"; (4) "Loud noise detected"; and (5) "User has set this application to the background." In the example where a smartwatch 50 is connected, the transmission may include: "Heart rate: 100 BPM."

[0097] Block 210 may further include monitoring the power level of the mobile device 12. If the battery power level falls below a predefined threshold, the controller C and / or the mobile application 16 may take steps to reduce power consumption. Operating the stealth mode 20 may include remotely manipulating at least one of a plurality of hardware settings based in part on background transmissions and / or battery power levels. The plurality of hardware settings include, for example, volume control, battery power management, and display brightness. In some embodiments, the stealth mode 20 requires the user 14 to grant it various permissions so that it can enable, disable, and read certain system functions, such as reading and sending texts, controlling volume, managing power, disabling services, etc. Additionally, the advisor 28 may initiate a background message to control the phone hardware (e.g., "dim the display and turn off Bluetooth").

[0098] according to Figure 3 At block 212, method 200 includes alerting advisor 28 for assistance. Advisor 28 may be alerted immediately when stealth mode 20 is activated or after a certain number of minutes after activation. Advisor 28 may choose to communicate via text input window 332 and keyboard 334 rather than the "chat prompt" mode. In this case, the dialog box (as illustrated in screens 310 and 320) is no longer displayed, however, the screen continues to display the chat log (as shown in screen 330).

[0099] As described above, advisor 28 is provided with access to electronic device 30 . Figure 5 An illustrative example of a display screen 410 connected to the electronic device 30 is shown. The display screen 410 is employed to broadcast various types of information. For example, the display screen 410 may include a recording frame 412, a user information section 414, a background monitoring frame 416, and a satellite image map 418 of the current location of the user 14. The display screen 410 includes a text window 420 for the consultant 28 to manually enter a message using a prescribed or predefined syntax, for example, a string such as "Is the door locked?" | yes | no | not sure", which will be presented as the question "Is the door locked? ”, where the possible responses are “yes”, “no”, and “not sure”. To reduce the number of keystrokes, certain keywords can be used for common phrases. For example, many questions have “yes”, “no”, and “not sure” responses, which can be represented by the keyword “YNU”, so the above syntax can be shortened to “Is the door locked?” |YNU".

[0100] To expedite communication, advisor 28 may use an input device, such as a mouse (not shown), to select from a list of commonly used queries consisting of pre-made transmissions. The list of pre-programmed questions may be provided by the software that generates and interacts with screen 410. Alternatively, advisor 28 may communicate via real-time speech-to-text unit 52 (see Figure 1) to dictate the message, thereby using specific keywords to construct the message syntax. The real-time speech-to-text unit 52 can be built into the software that generates and interacts with the screen 410, or it can be transmitted via a cloud service (e.g., Figure 1 The spoken phrase may be translated into text in real time and placed in the text window 420. The spoken phrase may also be post-processed to expand certain keywords when filling in the text window 420, for example, the spoken phrase "Is anyone else injured?" "Choose one of three" can be post-processed to produce the text message syntax "Is anyone else injured? |Yes|No|Not sure".

[0101] In summary, the communication system 10 (via the execution of the method 200) provides a number of measures to minimize keyboard usage via the stealth mode 20. The stealth mode 20 incorporates a non-verbal communication mode. The message transmission 22 sent from the advisor 28 can be syntactically structured to include several proposed answers. The mobile application 16 and / or the controller C can parse the message and present the message using the graphical user interface 18. The ergonomics of the graphical user interface 18 can guide the user 14 to pre-programmed replies while continuing to provide access to the keyboard 334 and text input window 332. The advisor 28 can queue questions in the local queue of the mobile application 16 while the user 14 processes the previous message. Once the user 14 responds to the message, the next pending message (if any) can be immediately displayed without downtime in between.

[0102] Figure 1 The controller C includes a computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium), including a non-temporary (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which can constitute a main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted via one or more transmission media including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, and the transmission medium includes wires that include a system bus connected to a processor of a computer. Some forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, physical media with hole patterns, RAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, other memory chips or boxes, or other media from which a computer can read.

[0103] The lookup tables, databases, data repositories, or other data storage described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various types of data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file rechargeable energy storage system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database energy management system (RDBMS), and the like. Each such data storage may be included in a computing device that uses a computer operating system (such as one of the computer operating systems mentioned above) and may be accessed via a network in one or more of various ways. The file system may be accessible from a computer-operated rechargeable energy storage system and may include files stored in various formats. RDBMS may use structured query language (SQL) in addition to languages ​​for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures (such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above).

[0104] The flowcharts illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing (one or more) specified logical functions. It will also be noted that each box illustrated in the block diagram and / or flowchart and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based rechargeable energy storage system that performs the specified function or action or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which may instruct a controller or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article including instructions to implement the functions / actions specified in the boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0105] The numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) will be understood as being modified by the term "approximately" in each corresponding case, regardless of whether "approximately" actually appears in front of the numerical value. "Approximately" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (approximately close to precision in value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "approximately" cannot be understood in this ordinary sense in the art, "approximately" as used herein at least indicates variations that may be derived from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range includes the disclosure of each value within the entire range and the further divided range. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are hereby disclosed as separate embodiments.

[0106] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures support and describe the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although the best mode and some of the other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this description do not have to be understood as embodiments that are independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each feature described in an example of an embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or with reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication system for a mobile device, comprising: a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen; a controller configured to interface with the mobile application, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions; The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit to allow the mobile device to communicate quickly in complete silence, comprising: activating the stealth mode based in part on a signal from the mobile application; muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications; automatically submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses; automatically executing a second stage of inquiry to the user via the mobile application, the second stage being automatically generated and dynamically mobilized based on a corresponding response from the user to the first stage; conveying the user's response to the second stage to the remote assistance unit in real time; monitoring at least one predefined event; When the at least one predefined event is detected, triggering a background transmission to identify the at least one predefined event and provide associated metadata; and alerting a consultant in said remote assistance unit, Wherein, operating the stealth mode includes: transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit and transmitting the background message from the remote assistance unit, The message transmission includes a corresponding dual stream of presenting a dialog box in the foreground of the mobile device and presenting a chat record box in the background, Wherein, the message transmission to the user includes silent challenges, coaching instructions and / or open-ended questions driven by the advisor.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: Operating the stealth mode includes: monitoring the power level of the mobile device in real time; and Enables non-distracting mode that limits visual distractions.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile device includes at least one sensor; and Wherein, operating the stealth mode includes: monitoring the at least one sensor for the at least one predefined event, and transmitting the background message to the remote assistance unit to send a signal that the at least one predefined event is detected.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one predefined event comprises a change in geographic location of the user.

5. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein: The mobile device includes a plurality of hardware settings; and Operating the stealth mode includes remotely manipulating at least one of the plurality of hardware settings based in part on the at least one predefined event and / or a power level of the mobile device.

6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of hardware settings include at least one of volume control, battery power management, and display brightness.

7. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile application is adapted to maintain the corresponding messages from the remote assistance unit in a local queue so that the corresponding messages are presented successively without downtime in between.

8. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The message transmission incorporates a text messaging protocol that includes transmitting a delimited text string having a corresponding message and corresponding metadata.

9. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The background transmission is triggered by a timer, and the background message is not shown in the chat record frame.

10. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The inquiries of the first stage include the nature of the emergency and the location of the emergency.

11. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: A cloud unit is configured to interface with the mobile application and the controller and provide user profile data to the mobile application and the controller, the user profile data including corresponding location coordinates of the mobile device.

12. A method of operating a communication system for a mobile device, the method comprising: storing a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen; interfacing the mobile application with a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions; Selectively executing a stealth mode via the controller for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit to allow the mobile device to communicate quickly in complete silence, comprising: activating the stealth mode and disabling vibration notifications based in part on a signal from the mobile application; muting each audio stream in the mobile device; automatically submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses; automatically executing a second stage of inquiry to the user via the mobile application, the second stage being automatically generated and dynamically mobilized based on a corresponding response from the user to the first stage; conveying the user's response to the second stage to the remote assistance unit in real time; monitoring at least one predefined event; When the at least one predefined event is detected, triggering a background transmission to identify the at least one predefined event and provide associated metadata; and alerting a consultant in said remote assistance unit, Wherein, operating the stealth mode includes: transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit and transmitting the background message from the remote assistance unit, The message transmission includes a corresponding dual stream of presenting a dialog box in the foreground of the mobile device and presenting a chat record box in the background, Wherein, the message transmission to the user includes silent challenges, coaching instructions and / or open-ended questions driven by the advisor.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The mobile device includes at least one processor, and operating the stealth mode includes: monitoring the power level of the mobile device in real time; monitoring the at least one sensor for the at least one predefined event; and The background message is transmitted to the remote assistance unit to signal detection of the at least one predefined event.

14. A communication system for a mobile device, comprising: a mobile application stored on the mobile device, the mobile application having a graphical user interface and a touch screen; a controller configured to interface with the mobile application, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having recorded instructions; The controller is adapted to selectively execute a stealth mode for message transmission between a user of the mobile device and a remote assistance unit to allow the mobile device to communicate quickly in complete silence, comprising: activating the stealth mode based in part on a signal from the mobile application; muting each audio stream in the mobile device and disabling vibration notifications; Enable non-distracting mode to limit visual distractions; automatically submitting the first stage query to the user via the graphical user interface along with one or more pre-populated responses; After the first stage, automatically executing via the mobile application a second stage, the second stage being automatically generated and dynamically mobilized based on a corresponding response from the user to the first stage; conveying the user's response to the second stage to the remote assistance unit in real time; monitoring at least one predefined event; When the at least one predefined event is detected, triggering a background transmission to identify the at least one predefined event and provide associated metadata; and alerting a consultant in said remote assistance unit, Wherein, operating the stealth mode includes: transmitting a background message to the remote assistance unit and transmitting the background message from the remote assistance unit, The message transmission includes a corresponding dual stream of presenting a dialog box in the foreground of the mobile device and presenting a chat record box in the background, Wherein, the message transmission to the user includes silent challenges, coaching instructions and / or open-ended questions driven by the advisor.

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