Emergency Information Access on Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
During natural or man-made disasters, accessing personal medical information and emergency contacts for victims is challenging due to the destruction of communication infrastructure, making it difficult for timely and effective emergency response.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for storing and providing In Case of Emergency (ICE) information on portable devices, such as cell phones and PDAs, using a memory repository and access module that allows access via predetermined keystrokes or indicators, ensuring ICE information is available even when devices are locked or communication systems are compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication infrastructure is used to access emergency information, then real-time information retrieval is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to disaster damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments emergency information access into two independent parts: local storage on portable devices and remote database access. This segmentation allows the system to function partially even when one component is compromised, resolving the contradiction between communication infrastructure dependency and disaster vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by storing critical emergency information locally on portable devices rather than relying solely on centralized remote databases. This local storage capability ensures that essential ICE information remains accessible even when communication infrastructure is damaged during disasters.
2Reliability
If portable devices are locked for security, then personal information is protected, but emergency information becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with a designated emergency key sequence that bypasses normal security protocols. This allows emergency information to be accessed without going through the standard locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between security and emergency accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (designated key sequence) that mediates between the locked state and emergency information access. This intermediary allows authorized emergency access without compromising the overall security structure, enabling both security maintenance and emergency accessibility.
3Reliability
If standard access procedures are used for locked devices, then security protocols are maintained, but emergency response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the device with a specific emergency key sequence that directly accesses emergency information without requiring standard authentication procedures. This eliminates time-consuming security steps during emergencies while maintaining protocol integrity for normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a dual-access system where the device operates under strict security protocols during normal conditions but dynamically switches to a simplified emergency access mode when the designated key sequence is detected, resolving the time-loss contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of providing information stored in a memory is provided. The system comprises an information repository for storing information and an access module for providing access to the information in response to a predetermined operation performed on a man-machine interface. The method includes the steps of storing information in a memory and providing access to the information in dependence upon at least one predetermined operation.