Emergency Call Handling on Low Battery Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices with low battery power may fail to initiate and complete emergency calls, posing a risk that emergency services are not properly notified in critical situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a wireless communication device to send a Short Message Service (SMS) message to an emergency SMS address when a low battery is detected, rather than allowing an emergency call to proceed, utilizing a SIM card with a low battery flag and emergency SMS address to ensure notification of emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an emergency call is initiated on a wireless communication device with low battery, then the device attempts to complete the call, but the call may be dropped due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the communication mode parameter from voice call to SMS message when battery level is below threshold. This parameter change allows emergency notification to proceed with reduced power consumption while maintaining the essential function of alerting emergency services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (SMS message) between the user and emergency services. When battery is low, instead of directly attempting a voice call, the system uses SMS as an intermediary communication method that consumes less power, thereby resolving the contradiction between call reliability and energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device sends an SMS message instead of a voice call when battery is low, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to conduct real-time emergency communication is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial action by sending SMS messages instead of full voice calls when battery is low. This partial action (text-based notification) is sufficient to alert emergency services of the situation, even though it lacks the full interactivity of voice communication. The action is excessive in ensuring notification is sent, accepting the limitation in communication quality
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for processing emergency calls on a wireless communication device with a low battery is provided. The wireless communication device is operatively connected to a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The wireless communication device is also operatively connected to a battery for powering the device and has a display screen. The method comprises: receiving an input from a user of the wireless communication device comprising a number to be called; determining if the number to be called is an emergency call code; if the number is an emergency call code, determining if a low battery flag is set on the SIM card; if the low battery flag has not been set on the SIM card, allowing the call; if the low battery flag has been set on the SIM card, disallowing the call and sending a short message service (SMS) message to an emergency SMS address stored on the SIM card.