Emergency Location Access on Locked Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices struggle to provide first responders with easy access to emergency contact information and location details during emergencies, as the address book is typically password-protected and the methods for accessing this information vary across devices, limiting the amount of information available to first responders and complicating the identification of the closest emergency contacts and medical services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a wireless communications device to display and send location information, including maps and route directions, to emergency contacts without requiring password access, using a location-determining subsystem like GPS and user interface elements that allow first responders to view or send this information, even if the device is locked, thereby facilitating emergency responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the address book is password-protected to secure user information, then security is improved, but first responders cannot access emergency contact information during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address book into two distinct parts: a password-protected section for general contacts and a separate emergency contacts section that is accessible without a password. This allows first responders to immediately access emergency contact information while the rest of the address book remains secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a special emergency contacts icon or shortcut on the home screen that provides direct access to emergency contact information. This intermediary bypasses the password protection system while maintaining security for other data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different devices have different methods for accessing the address book, then device functionality is maintained, but first responders face difficulty locating emergency contacts across different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal emergency contacts access method that works across different device types and operating systems. By placing emergency contact information in a standardized location (home screen icon or consistent menu structure) that follows universal design principles, first responders can access emergency contacts regardless of the specific device being used.
3Reliability
If only limited emergency information is displayed on the login screen, then device security is maintained, but the usefulness of emergency information to first responders is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts emergency contact information from the password-protected address book and places it in a separate, easily accessible location on the home screen. This extraction allows critical emergency information to be displayed without compromising the security of the main address book.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning emergency contact information in an accessible state before any emergency occurs. The emergency contacts are displayed on the home screen or in a readily accessible location, so that when an emergency happens, the information is immediately available without requiring any additional actions to unlock or navigate.
4Reliability
If emergency contacts are stored in the password-protected address book, then contact information security is improved, but the time required to access emergency contacts during an emergency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments contact information into regular contacts (password-protected) and emergency contacts (unprotected), allowing immediate access to emergency contacts while maintaining security for other contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning emergency contact information in an accessible state before any emergency occurs, so that when an emergency happens, the information is immediately available without requiring any additional actions to unlock or navigate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables first responders to quickly access and share location information and emergency contact details, improving the efficiency of emergency responses by providing critical location-related information to both responders and emergency contacts, even if the device is locked or password-protected.
Implementation Method 1
determining a current location of the wireless communications device
Data Source
AI summary
A password-protected wireless communications device can send a map or other location information about the current location of the device to the one or more emergency contacts by utilizing an emergency interface element that bypasses a password prompt. The location information may include an address and route directions to the current location of the device. The location information may also include a map of, and directions to, the closest hospital. The device can also render its own map to show a first responder where the closest emergency contact is located or where the nearest hospital or medical service provider is situated.