Emergency Contact Interface for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices do not effectively present emergency information to first responders without requiring password access, and the accessibility of such information varies across devices, making it difficult for first responders to quickly locate and utilize emergency contacts and medical details.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that prioritizes emergency contacts based on proximity and availability, displaying their information on the device's screen without needing a password, including interface elements for immediate communication, and optionally providing detailed personal, medical, and travel-specific information, using a universally recognizable icon to access emergency information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emergency information is stored in the address book with password protection, then the information is secure from unauthorized access, but first responders cannot access the emergency contacts without knowing the password
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address book into two distinct parts: a password-protected section for general contacts and a separate password-free section specifically for emergency contacts. This segmentation allows emergency information to be accessible to first responders without requiring password access, while other personal information remains secure. The emergency contact section can be accessed through a dedicated icon or shortcut on the home screen, enabling quick access during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a dedicated emergency contact icon or shortcut that serves as a mediator between the password-protected address book and first responders. This intermediary provides a direct pathway to emergency contacts without requiring authentication, while maintaining the security of the overall address book system.
2Ease of operation
If the address book is made accessible without password protection, then first responders can quickly access emergency contacts, but all personal information becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact information storage into segmented sections with different access levels. The emergency contact section is accessible without password protection for quick access by first responders, while the rest of the address book remains password-protected to maintain security of personal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different access permissions to different parts of the address book. Specifically, emergency contacts have a different access property (password-free) compared to other personal contacts (password-protected), allowing each section to have the appropriate security level for its intended use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different devices have different methods to access the address book, then each device can be optimized for its specific interface, but first responders cannot quickly determine how to access emergency information on any device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access method by placing a dedicated emergency contact icon or shortcut on the home screen of any device. This universal interface element works across different device types and operating systems, allowing first responders to access emergency contacts consistently regardless of which device they encounter. The home screen icon serves as a universal entry point that transcends device-specific interface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares emergency contact access in advance by pre-configuring a dedicated icon or shortcut on the home screen that provides immediate access to emergency contacts. This preliminary action ensures that when an emergency occurs, first responders can access the information immediately without needing to navigate through device-specific menus or search functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communications device displays emergency information such as, for example, contact information for multiple next of kin or other contact persons as well as personal, medical or travel-specific information about the owner of the device. This emergency information is made accessible on a graphical user interface or display screen of the device to a first responder, paramedic or other person coming to the rescue of the owner of the wireless communications device. Multiple contacts, which may optionally be arranged in order of proximity to the current location of the device, are presented to the first responder so as to provide the first responder with alternate contacts. Where the contacts are dynamically re-prioritized in terms of relative distance to the current location of the device, the emergency contacts that are presented to the first responder have the added advantage of being more geographically relevant and easier to understand based on relevant content being translated to a language appropriate to the current location.