Emergency Call Bypass on Screen-Locked Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminal screen lock features hinder quick access to emergency calls, limiting them to specific numbers like 911 and not allowing users to easily contact user-set personal emergency contacts without unlocking the screen.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable emergency calls to be made to user-set contacts, including personal contacts like parents or doctors, by displaying a keypad or button for emergency contacts in a screen-locked state, using a GPS module to transmit location information if the call fails, and allowing quick selection from a list of frequently contacted emergency numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screen lock features are enabled to prevent unintended activations, then security is improved, but the ability to quickly make emergency calls is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen lock securityVSAvoidemergency call accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the emergency call functionality from the normal screen lock mechanism by introducing a separate emergency call button that operates independently. This allows the screen lock to remain secure while providing a dedicated pathway for emergency calls that bypasses the normal unlock requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary emergency call button that mediates between the screen lock security and emergency call accessibility. This button serves as a special interface that allows emergency calls to be initiated without compromising the overall screen lock security while still providing quick access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If emergency calls are limited to specific numbers like 911, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to user needs is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency call system complexityVSAvoidemergency contact flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the emergency call system universal by allowing it to handle both traditional emergency numbers (like 911) and user-defined personal emergency contacts. The system maintains its simplicity while gaining versatility through the ability to store and dial multiple types of emergency numbers from a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure personal emergency contacts and store them in the device memory before actual emergencies occur. This preparation phase enables quick access to customized emergency numbers without requiring complex setup during critical moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3681137B1Method and apparatus for sending emergency call in mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ADEIA GUIDES INC

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AI summary

A method for transmitting an emergency call in a mobile terminal, comprising: receiving an input of a button configured to activate an emergency call; in response to receiving the input of the button, placing an emergency call to a first emergency contact; and transmitting preset emergency information to either a second emergency contact or to the first emergency contact and the second emergency contact.