Method for generating an emergency assistance SMS, and user interface for implementing same

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to achieve all these aims by carrying out a method for transmitting an emergency assistance SMS, comprising the following steps: - installing a PWA-type web application on a smartphone comprising the steps of: - registering a user; - the user defining a composite display comprising: a predefined image file in the background; and a pictogram displayed in the foreground having a large dimension substantially corresponding to a first user interaction zone for the functional detection of a double click. The PWA application is characterised in that the pictogram is associated with a degree of transparency that can be adjusted by the user so as to control the degree of discretion of the PWA application while it is operating.

Description

[0001] Dupr02wo

[0002] Method for generating SMS messages for emergency assistance, and user interface for implementing the same

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of web applications for mobile terminals, and in particular a method for generating SMS messages for emergency assistance within a web application.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] There are multiple applications dedicated to security and emergency assistance, and relying on mobile devices such as "smartphones" or "intelligent phones".

[0007] For example, US patent 11609684 describes a "timeline video relationship presentation for alert events" enabling the implementation of an emergency alert system via a web and mobile application. This system combines push notifications and SMS messages within a standard interface. However, such a system requires an installation procedure, and its user interface is not sufficiently discreet.

[0008] Generally speaking, most solutions on the market consist of an application with a user interface that, while offering some advantages, suffer from a lack of discretion. This discretion in implementing an alert system is crucial for a user who may be exposed to a critical security situation. It is essential that, for example, the generation of an SMS and / or a voice call can be triggered as discreetly and quickly as possible, something that current solutions do not allow.

[0009] Moreover, for some years now there has been a constant and considerable development of mobile and especially satellite networks which allow us to consider online applications with a near-permanent connection, even without having to resort to the tedious and costly installation procedures from official stores.

[0010] It is therefore desirable to have an application for terminal or mobile phone that is easy to install and, moreover, offers the most discreet operation, especially when there is a need to generate an emergency assistance alert with behavior almost identical to a native application.

[0011] This is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] One aim of the present invention is to provide a web application for emergency assistance offering a discreet user interface that remains easy to implement, particularly for vulnerable people, for example single women, single-parent families, the elderly or disabled, and all people who are victims of discrimination, etc.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to enable the "discreet" generation of an SMS and optionally a voice call from a web application, which ensures discretion and efficiency in sending an SMS to a user-defined trusted third party.

[0015] A third objective is to enable the generation of an emergency assistance SMS and its sending to a trusted third party, allowing the latter to identify at first glance the SMS as coming from a relative and presenting a particular emergency character.

[0016] A fourth objective of the present invention is to create a security application that can be easily installed on any mobile system, without resorting to traditional application installation stores.

[0017] The present invention makes it possible to achieve all these goals by implementing a method for transmitting an emergency assistance SMS, comprising the following steps:

[0018] - Installation of a web application - of the PWA type - on a smartphone, involving the following steps:

[0019] - user registration;

[0020] - user definition of a composite display comprising:

[0021] A predefined image file in the background; and

[0022] A pictogram displayed in the foreground with a large dimension corresponding roughly to a first area of ​​interaction with the user for the functional detection of a double click.

[0023] The PWA application is characterized by the fact that the pictogram is associated with a degree of transparency adjustable by the user in order to control the degree of discretion of said PWA application during its operation.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the detection of a double click by the user on said first surface generates the transmission of a command to a remote administration server, which then causes the generation of an SMS message sent discreetly to a predefined emergency contact.

[0025] Preferably, the command sent by the PWA application to the administration server should include the following elements:

[0026] - The user's identity (name, surname, etc.). Their unique identification key

[0027] - The reference of a specific contact (contact no. 1, 2, 3).

[0028] - The user's GPS location obtained via browser or device permissions.

[0029] In one embodiment, the process detects a third click on said first interaction area and automatically launches a voice call to a predefined number, which may be, at the user's choice, either a national emergency number or a contact number 1 telephone number.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the command transmitted by the PWA application to said administration server also includes successive GPS data during a predetermined time window allowing contact no. 1 to access the tracking of consecutive movements during said time window.

[0031] Preferably, the composite display also includes:

[0032] - A second interaction zone with a surface area smaller than the first zone for displaying a geolocation screen showing the location of the said smartphone;

[0033] - A third interaction area smaller than the first area for displaying a drop-down menu allowing, in particular, account management and wallpapers.

[0034] The drop-down menu includes a command to associate a predefined image file with a degree of transparency defined by a slider in order to define the construction of the composite display.

[0035] Description of the drawings

[0036] Other features, purposes, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example only. Regarding the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a general architecture for implementing a method for transmitting an emergency assistance SMS according to the present invention. Dupr02wo

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a method for installing the PWA application according to the present invention and registering a user within the administration server 30.

[0039] Figures 3 to 11 illustrate screenshots corresponding to the steps of the process in Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 12 illustrates one embodiment of a process 4 illustrates the management of the account newly created by a user.

[0041] Figures 13 to 18 illustrate screenshots corresponding to the steps of the process in Figure 12.

[0042] Figure 19 illustrates a method for managing wallpapers and the method for generating an SMS according to the present invention.

[0043] Figures 20 to 25 illustrate screenshots corresponding to the steps of the process in Figure 19.

[0044] Description of the implementation methods

[0045] The following describes the implementation of an emergency assistance security solution that is easy to install and allows for simple, efficient and discreet operation.

[0046] To this end, the invention is based on a progressive web application, known in English as a "Progressive Web Application" or PWA, which is a web application optimized for mobile use, offering functionalities usually reserved for native applications. These PWAs have become increasingly attractive since the rise of mobile internet and, especially, given the development prospects of satellite networks, which will allow for online applications with a near-permanent connection. Furthermore, these PWAs are very easy to install without relying on traditional app stores or installation platforms such as the Google Play Store, thus enabling widespread public deployment.

[0047] The difficulty in designing a PWA for emergency assistance lies primarily in the fact that such a PWA inherently lacks a "messaging" function—which remains the exclusive domain of the pre-installed "messaging" app on the smartphone. Consequently, the system cannot allow for the "discreet" sending of an SMS, as a user wishing to send an assistance SMS would be forced to switch from the PWA to the phone's native "messaging" app, requiring manual access to the phone, which would be inherently imperceptible.

[0048] We will describe how this problem can be advantageously solved by implementing a process within an architecture as illustrated in Figure 1. The solution described below is implementable in any type of system, such as IOS or ANDROID, and therefore has a high degree of generality.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a first mobile phone 10 in which the user has just installed a PWA application which will be described later, and which communicates with an internet network 100 by means of conventional means of communication, for example 3G, 4G, 5G or even satellite via the STARLINK™ network (registered trademark).

[0050] A second mobile phone 20 belongs to a trusted third party designated by the user and consists of any mobile phone whatsoever, equipped with at least the basic functionalities of a phone. It should be noted that phone 20 may not contain the PWA application described later, which is installed on phone 10.

[0051] An administration server 30 is set up by the emergency assistance service operator to enable the installation procedures for the PWA application via a dedicated website communicating using the HTTP protocol, among others. This server also manages the various exchanges with the PWA application running on the phone 10 and with a third-party server 40, used for generating and sending SMS messages worldwide. Alternatively, a technical expert could choose to incorporate the functionalities of server 40 within the administration server 30, thus requiring only a single administration server for the entire system operation.

[0052] We now describe, in relation to Fig. 2 - but also with the screenshots in figures 3 to 10, the process of installing the PWA application and registering a user within the administration server 30.

[0053] In the first step (101), the user connects to the website of the administration server operator (30), which offers them, for example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the installation of the PWA application combined with the purchase of one or more SMS packages. In a preferred embodiment, this step is associated with a payment phase, illustrated in Figure 4, followed by the receipt of an activation code or unique identification key via SMS, following procedures well known to those skilled in the art, which, for the sake of brevity, will not be described in further detail.

[0054] It should simply be noted, as illustrated in figure 4, that the user will have, prior to payment, entered their personal details, namely their name, surname, email address as well as their telephone number and a pre-configuration specifying whether they will actually be a user of the service or, on the contrary, whether they intend to make their purchase benefit third parties who will be one or more other users who will then each receive their own activation code for their personal installation.

[0055] In a second step 102, the process continues within the phone's browser 10 with a download from the administration server 30 of an emergency assistance PWA application that offers the functionalities described later. Dupr02wo

[0056] This step 102 is illustrated by the screenshots shown in figures 5 and 6. In particular, figure 5 illustrates the screen triggering the installation procedure with optional clarification instructions for the user depending on the nature of their phone 10.

[0057] For example, on an Android phone, the user is prompted to click the INSTALL button to automatically add the application to the home screen and is then prompted to close the browser when the installation is complete. Conversely, on an iOS phone, the user is prompted, in the case of a Safari browser, to click Share, and then, in the list, to select "Add to Home Screen." In the case of another browser, the user is prompted to click a specific URL, for example, https: / / app.urgent-assistance.com.

[0058] Obviously these instructions remain optional and are by no means necessary for the implementation of the invention.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates the screenshot displayed when inserting the unique identification key that the user will have previously received following their purchase, and which will finalize the validation of the PWA application installation.

[0060] In a third step 103, the user is prompted to complete the creation / configuration of their user account, as illustrated in Figure 7, where the user is asked to create a password that will allow them to log in to their account on the administration site 30. Alternatively, biometric identification via Touch ID and Face ID may be considered.

[0061] Then, in step 104, the process continues with the designation, within the PWA application, of at least one first emergency contact as illustrated in figure 8. For this purpose, the user can, in a detailed manner depending on the country of location of the mobile, define an emergency contact no. 1 (Name, Surname, Email, Telephone,) and possibly their degree of relationship (father, mother, friend ...) for sending an SMS message, which can be advantageously generated and transmitted according to the automated procedure described below and which, moreover, can still be followed by a voice call.

[0062] It should be noted that the settings described and illustrated in Figure 8 allow for prioritizing an emergency number of the type 112 for the voice call, while combining this with sending an SMS to the emergency contact No. 1 defined in Figure 8.

[0063] Then in step 105, the process validates the account and the settings made by the user and, in step 106, the administration server sends an email to the emergency contact #1 to notify them of their designation by the user.

[0064] Then in a step 107, the process proceeds to launch the PWA application according to the invention, on command of the user who clicks on the icon representing the latter and enters his password, as illustrated in figure 9, and this until his possible disconnection (Figure 10) and / or reconnection (Figure 11).

[0065] The management of the newly created account is now described in relation to Figure 12 and the screenshots illustrated in Figures 13 to 18.

[0066] In step 201, the process launches and activates the PWA application as illustrated in Figure 13.

[0067] Then, in step 202, the process causes the display of a composite screen with the superposition of a background and a foreground.

[0068] In the background, the composite screen consists of a predefined background, which is combined, in the foreground, with a distinctive pictogram exhibiting variable transparency that can be controlled and configured by the user, as will be seen in relation to the process described in Figure 19. Dupr02wo

[0069] The combination of background and foreground achieved by the PWA application is particularly advantageous because it allows the user to control and adjust the desired degree of discretion.

[0070] Moreover, this particularly advantageous composite screen - because it is discreet - has only three interaction zones in order to facilitate control for all audiences, especially the most vulnerable audiences.

[0071] Indeed, the composite display according to the invention comprises three interaction and / or control zones, as seen in Figure 14.

[0072] The display initially features a first interaction zone, a large area on the screen represented by the size of a clearly visible pictogram in Figure 14, which can be advantageously made transparent as described later. This first interaction zone allows the user to easily double-click the phone, even without looking at it, and this action, depending on the processing described later, can trigger the transmission of an SMS.

[0073] The poster also includes a second and third interaction zone, respectively located at the bottom left and bottom right of the screen, which can be seen in figure 14 but which, in general, will be hidden for discretion.

[0074] The second interaction area is located at the bottom left of the screen and allows the launch, in step 203, of a display of the phone's geolocation as illustrated in figure 18 ("I am here").

[0075] The third interaction area is located at the bottom right of the screen and opens a drop-down menu in step 204, as illustrated in Figure 15. This menu can be expanded in step 205 and will offer the following functionalities and access: Dupr02wo

[0076] My Account: for access to account settings, including purchasing and paying for new SMS messages, etc. This also includes settings such as real-time geolocation (yes / no), permanent display (yes / no) (Figure 17), or configurable geolocation (this feature protects user privacy since the geolocation transmission duration is intentional and controlled, and has the advantage of preserving the user's phone battery), as well as the screensaver duration of the active PWA application (Figure 16), etc. More specifically, control over the foreground display duration, which prevents the smartphone from going to sleep: by a set duration (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours) or by a custom duration (e.g., from 5 minutes to 12 hours).

[0077] My history: for the history of transactions made on this account;

[0078] My contacts: for defining emergency contact #1 or adding other emergency contacts;

[0079] My wallpapers: for managing JPG files that can be used as wallpapers;

[0080] Practical guide: a handbook of recommendations for the best use of the PWA application

[0081] User guide: a comprehensive manual describing the features of the PWA application

[0082] Legal notices: including: the Privacy Policy - the General Terms and Conditions of Use

[0083] -About

[0084] Log out

[0085] Share with your friends: a QR code allowing a third party to download the PWA application directly from the user's phone and a "Share" icon allowing you to send it to any recipient, a hyperlink to the PWA application download screen

[0086] It is observed that, in a particular embodiment, the PWA application constantly tracks the phone's location so that it can integrate, at any time and in any location, precise GPS coordinates that can be inserted into an SMS transmitted by the SMS server 40, at the command of the administration server 30. Dupr02wo

[0087] More specifically, real-time geolocation tracking can be advantageously implemented, and this tracking can be enabled or disabled. If disabled, the user sends a fixed geolocation via SMS to their contact(s). If enabled, the duration can be programmed for specific periods: for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 3 hours. More specifically, geolocation tracking, whether fixed or active, is triggered by sending the SMS and stops at the end of the programmed duration.

[0088] The management of wallpapers and the method of generating an SMS according to the present invention are now described in more detail in relation to figure 19 - and the screenshots of figures 20 to 25.

[0089] This wallpaper management starts with a first step 301, which is the activation of the PWA application so as to cause the display of the composite screen having a background and, in the foreground, a pictogram illustrated in figure 20 defining the first interaction zone mentioned previously.

[0090] Then, in step 302, in response to a user click on the first interaction area in the bottom right of the display, the process calls the dropdown menu mentioned earlier and visible in Figure 21.

[0091] Then, in step 303, in response to a user click, the process selects and launches the wallpaper management functionality, displaying a choice of predefined images, in any format, for example jpg, as illustrated in figure 22.

[0092] In step 304, the process selects a user-chosen image file to be used as the background in the composite display. Dupr02wo

[0093] Then in step 305, the process proceeds to display, superimposed or in front of the selected background, the distinctive pictogram of the PWA application and this in association with a display of a slider to adjust the degree of transparency on a scale from 0 to 100% of this same pictogram, as illustrated in figure 23.

[0094] In a step 306, after the user selects the degree of transparency adjustment, the process validates the degree of transparency, which completes the composite image that will serve as the background when the PWA application according to the present invention is activated, as illustrated in Figure 24.

[0095] This display characterizes the operation of the PWA application, and its home screen marks the availability of the application to interact with the user.

[0096] In step 307, the PWA application detects a double click on the display area corresponding to the foreground pictogram, and this detection causes a validation sign to be displayed on the composite display, as illustrated in Figure 25.

[0097] This action triggers a process within the WebApp. At that precise moment, the application interprets the interaction as a request to prepare an order.

[0098] This order includes several essential pieces of information:

[0099] • The user's identity (name, surname, etc.).

[0100] • The reference of a specific contact (contact no. 1).

[0101] • The user's GPS location obtained via browser or device permissions.

[0102] In step 308, the PWA application prepares a command for the administration server 30 with previously collected information.

[0103] Communication between the web application (developed in React) and the backend (implemented in Laravel) uses a secure REST API. Dupr02wo

[0104] In a step 309, the administration server which receives this command from step 308, itself causes the generation and transmission of a command to the SMS server 40 so that the latter prepares a suitably formatted SMS with the information received from server 30 and which can be transmitted by SMS to emergency contact no. 1.

[0105] More specifically, the order prepared by server 30 contains an SMS message including:

[0106] • Information received from the user (identity, contact reference, GPS position).

[0107] • Additional information specific to the administration server 30 (added according to specific needs and which are not part of the present invention).

[0108] • The administration server 30 then uses a service from a third-party server to finalize the sending of the SMS message.

[0109] Finally, the SMS server 40 finalizes the composition of the SMS message and sends it to the contact selected by the user.

[0110] In a particular embodiment, the SMS that is prepared and transmitted by the SMS server 40 includes a header or a reference to a telephone number that will perfectly correspond to a reference chosen by contact no. 1 in order to prevent the transmitted SMS from being falsely interpreted by the latter as SPAM etc...

[0111] In a step 310, the process waits for the detection of a third click on the first interaction area corresponding to the pictogram area and, in response to this detection, the process proceeds to a step 311 in which a voice call is generated directly from the phone.

[0112] COMPLEMENTS and ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0113] The process just described ensures smooth and secure communication between the user, the web application, and the various servers involved. This Dupr02wo emergency assistance application was designed to behave like a native application.

[0114] 1. From a technical standpoint:

[0115] - Management of specific touch zones

[0116] -Handling touch events in the browser

[0117] -Interactions with the operating system: GPS sensor and microphone

[0118] -Access to phone features: microphone, speaker -Performance / responsiveness

[0119] -Touch control

[0120] -Integration of external APIs

[0121] - Portrait / landscape display with adapted controls

[0122] 2. In terms of features:

[0123] -Installing the web app takes just two clicks from the public website. -The technical installation mechanism is displayed on the home screen:

[0124] -Via SMS #1 containing the download URL:

[0125] "URGENT Installation.a"

[0126] 1. Click http: (from the download site)

[0127] 2. Then copy / paste the Unique Identification Key into the following SMS » - Then send SMS #2 with the Unique Identification Key:

[0128] « ####-####-####-#### »

[0129] - Touch control on a predefined area around the SOS icon

[0130] - SOS sequence = 2 clicks for an SMS + 1 click for a GSM call

[0131] '-Automatic sending of an SMS by double-click with the immediate option to initiate a voice call to the first contact

[0132] -Sending SMS messages managed within the browser to a third-party SMS sending server on the GSM network

[0133] - Priority foreground display command

[0134] -Notification on the web app icon as a reminder; it will be displayed in the foreground when activated.

[0135] - Choose wallpapers from the collection or by importing them (Dup02wo)

[0136] - Implementation of a counter for alarms sent

[0137] - Topping up the alarm account in the web app

[0138] - Create / Modify / Add / Delete emergency contacts

[0139] - Multi-user group purchase option

[0140] - Access to a practical guide

[0141] 3. Specific technical aspects that make the web app similar to a native application

[0142] - The technical mechanism for installation on the home screen:

[0143] - Via SMS #1 containing the download URL:

[0144] "URGENT Installation.a"

[0145] 1. Click

[0146] 2. Then copy / paste the unique key into the following SMS »

[0147] -Then SMS #2 will indicate the unique identification key to enter:

[0148] « ####-####-####-#### »

[0149] - Navigation:

[0150] -By touch control on the different action areas on the home screen

[0151] -Features navigation menu

[0152] -Bookmark notification

[0153] -Automatic screen adjustment

[0154] It is observed that the invention just described can be supplemented and combined with other functionalities, for example a functionality for accessing the application by ultra-secure authentication without a password within the framework of a Webapp according to the following procedure:

[0155] Access to the login screen

[0156] Enter your email address: click send

[0157] A message will appear such as: "Check your email. An email has been sent to xxxxxxxx@domain. By continuing, you agree to the URGENT Assistance™ (registered trademark) Privacy Policy."

[0158] Opening your email and checking your messages: to access the application, click the button and we'll give you access via a secure link Dupr02wo

[0159] The click returns the user to the home screen of the application. Biometric identification (Touch ID and Face ID)

[0160] Displaying the user's application home screen

[0161] This procedure has the following characteristics:

[0162] • not managing the password

[0163] • to control the secure connection by recognizing the unique identification key

[0164] • Ultra-simple and ultra-secure triple authentication process: o Email entry o Click on the Login button o Touch ID or Face ID

[0165] • Authentication via server rather than on the phone, with access preserved

[0166] Finally, in certain applications, it might be advantageous to provide an identical home screen in both Portrait and Landscape modes. This feature stems from the significant difficulty for a web app to force phones / smartphones, and especially iOS devices, to control Portrait mode. A professional in the field could therefore envision preserving the smartphone's natural behavior based on the user's chosen orientation.

[0167] In one possible scenario, we could guarantee access to the same interface in Landscape mode as the current Portrait mode:

[0168] • SOS button in the middle of the screen

[0169] • My Location button at the bottom left

[0170] • Menu button in the bottom right corner

[0171] In a second variant, one could consider adapting the chosen image for Portrait and Landscape display, which requires programming to control the image from the collection or an imported image. It should also be noted that these features are combined with the wallpaper and privacy (transparency) management described earlier. Dupr02wo

[0172] Finally, it should be emphasized that this PWA aims to "normalize" the behavior, and therefore the user experience (UX), of a web app to that of a native application. Its major advantage lies, of course, in the automatic and immediate updating of data, but also and especially in its immediate availability.

[0173] • improvements to existing features,

[0174] • new features

[0175] • and this, without any manipulation or intervention from the User

[0176] Finally, a final advantage of this application lies in the fact that it can be combined with a GPS™ Token mechanism based on an encapsulation of longitude and latitude coordinates within the pictogram associated with the application.

[0177] With the following resulting advantages:

[0178] • Anonymization of GPS data (Longitude, Latitude) which is personal data

[0179] • Easy and intuitive handling

[0180] • The pictogram is becoming a standard for presenting geolocation information, like a QR code.

[0181] • This pictogram can be encrypted / unencrypted by the User: o Encrypted, therefore unreadable by the recipient; o Unencrypted, and readable by everyone

[0182] • when encrypted, it can only be opened by: o the User themselves o by a court order

[0183] This GPS™ Token can be advantageously integrated into the application described above in order to create an application of vital importance in the field of privacy protection, geolocation, being a fundamental component and communication standard.

Claims

Dupr02wo Demands:

1. A method for transmitting an emergency assistance SMS using the internet network, comprising the following steps: - Installation of a web application - of the PWA type - on a smartphone (10) involving the following steps: - user registration; - user definition of a composite display comprising: In the background: a predefined image file; In the foreground: a large pictogram corresponding roughly to a first area of ​​interaction with the user for the detection of a double click; In which said pictogram is associated with a degree of transparency adjustable by the user so as to control the degree of discretion of said PWA application during its operation.

2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that the detection of a double click by the user on said first surface generates the transmission of a command to a remote administration server (30), which then causes the generation of an SMS message sent discreetly to a predefined emergency contact.

3. A method according to claim 1 characterized in that said command transmitted by the PWA application to said administration server (30) comprises the following elements: - The user's identity (name, surname, etc.). - The reference of a specific contact (contact no. 1). - The user's GPS location obtained via browser or device permissions. Dupr02wo 4. Method according to claim 3 characterized in that method detects a third click on said first interaction zone and automatically initiates a voice call to a predefined number.

5. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that said voice call is transmitted to an emergency number.

6. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that said voice call is transmitted to a contact No.

1.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said command transmitted by the PWA application to said administration server (30) further includes successive GPS data during a predetermined time window allowing contact no. 1 to access the tracking of consecutive movements during said time window.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composite display further comprises: A second interaction zone with a surface area smaller than said first zone for displaying a geolocation screen showing the location of said smartphone; A third interaction zone, smaller than the first zone, for displaying a drop-down menu allowing, among other things, account management, wallpapers, and contacts. In which the drop-down menu includes a command to associate a predefined image file with a degree of transparency defined by a slider in order to define the construction of the composite display.

Images