Distress Transmission via Hidden Trace Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals in emergency situations often struggle to effectively communicate their location and need for assistance due to circumstances like disabilities, language barriers, or fear, which hinders timely and discreet notification of emergency services.
Innovation Solution
A system and process utilizing a smartphone or mobile device with a touch digitizer and transmitter to initiate a distress signal by tracing a two-dimensional graphic overlay, which includes GPS location and user profile information, allowing discreet communication with emergency services without visible alerts on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional alarm button or visible alert is used to notify emergency services, then the emergency provider can be notified, but the alert becomes evident on the device which may compromise user safety in dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alarm function from the visible interface by implementing a hidden alarm mechanism that operates without displaying traditional alarm indicators. The alarm is triggered by tracing a concealed path on the display that is not obvious to observers, thereby removing the harmful visible alert while maintaining the notification function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a hidden trace path that serves as a mediator between the user's emergency need and the alarm activation. This intermediary allows the alarm to be triggered discreetly through a concealed interaction pattern that does not reveal the emergency state to potential threats.
2Reliability
If a complex input method is used to prevent accidental activation, then false alarms are reduced, but the ease of operation during emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by requiring only a trace along a specific path rather than a complete complex sequence. The trace path is designed to be longer than a simple button press (excessive in length) but follows a natural hand motion pattern, balancing false alarm prevention with ease of activation during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace path follows a curved, organic pattern rather than straight lines or angular shapes. This curved geometry makes the path more natural to trace with a finger during emergency stress while still being sufficiently complex to prevent accidental activation, as straight-line gestures are more likely to occur unintentionally.
3Measurement precision
If GPS location tracking is continuously monitored, then accurate location information is available for emergency response, but user privacy and security are compromised when the user is in a dangerous situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with emergency contact information and authorization settings before an emergency occurs. When the hidden alarm is triggered, the location data and contact information are already prepared and authorized for transmission, eliminating the need for real-time privacy decisions during the emergency moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of location data transmission from continuous to event-triggered. Instead of continuously monitoring and potentially transmitting location data, the system only activates location transmission when the hidden alarm pattern is detected, thereby maintaining privacy during normal use while ensuring accurate location information is provided when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a device for the transmission of a communication transmission with a communication menu facilitating communication between a user and an operator with bespoke information.