Client Device Resource String Selection for Emergency Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users traveling to foreign locations face challenges in accessing emergency services due to unfamiliarity with local phone numbers and dialing conventions, which can hinder communication during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A client device implements a string source policy to select the highest-ranking available source for resource strings, such as emergency service phone numbers, based on signal strength and location, allowing it to initiate communication with local emergency services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user relies on home country emergency service numbers while traveling abroad, then the user can maintain familiar communication patterns, but the user cannot access local emergency services in foreign locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefamiliarity with dialing patternsVSAvoidability to access local emergency services
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads multiple resource string sources into the device's memory before travel. When abroad, the device automatically selects and applies the appropriate local emergency numbers without requiring real-time user configuration or research, thus maintaining ease of operation while adapting to foreign locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the user's familiar dialing habits and foreign emergency services. It automatically translates or substitutes home country number patterns with appropriate local emergency numbers based on location detection, allowing users to maintain simple interaction while accessing local services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a device stores multiple resource string sources for different locations, then the device can provide accurate local emergency numbers, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of emergency service accessVSAvoidnumber of string sources to manage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of resource string selection based on location parameters. Instead of managing complex manual configurations, the device automatically detects location (via GPS, network location, or cell tower triangulation) and dynamically adjusts which resource string source to use, maintaining reliability while simplifying the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate resource string source based on its detected location. The system manages its own configuration without requiring user intervention to add, remove, or select between multiple emergency number sources, thus reducing perceived complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a user manually configures local emergency service information while traveling, then the user can access accurate local resources, but the time required to establish communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of resource stringVSAvoidtime to configure emergency access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-storing multiple resource string sources (home country numbers, common foreign emergency numbers, and methods for obtaining local numbers) in the device's memory before travel begins. This eliminates the need for manual configuration during emergencies, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy through automatic selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from location detection mechanisms (GPS coordinates, network provider information, cell tower data) to automatically determine which pre-stored resource string source to apply. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate local emergency service access without requiring manual user input during the time-critical emergency situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If a device automatically selects resource strings based on location, then the user experience is seamless, but the risk of selecting incorrect numbers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic resource string selectionVSAvoidaccuracy of selected emergency number
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multiple resource string sources that can serve universal emergency functions across different locations. Each source is validated for its intended region, and the device cross-references location data with multiple authoritative sources to confirm the correct number, reducing the risk of incorrect selection while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where location detection data is continuously verified against stored resource string sources. If there is ambiguity or potential mismatch between detected location and selected emergency numbers, the system can seek additional confirmation through network queries or alert the user for verification, thus maintaining automatic selection while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3044945B1Policies for selecting sources for resource strings
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3044945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3044945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3044945B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for policies for selecting sources for resource strings are described. Generally, a resource string refers to a set of characters that can be used to initiate communication with a particular resource. According to one or more embodiments, techniques discussed herein enable resource strings to be determined at different locations, e.g., geographic locations. In at least some embodiments, string source policies are implemented that specify parameters for selecting a source from which to obtain resource strings. According to one or more embodiments, string profiles are implemented that specify resource strings that correspond to particular resources and/or types of resources.