Interactive Emergency Buttons for Locked, Low-Power Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency calls from wireless communication devices are often hindered by device inaccessibility, power-saving modes, and the need for multiple interactions, which can delay response times and deplete emergency resources due to accidental dials.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with an interface module for receiving user interactions indicative of an emergency, a communication module for establishing a link with emergency services, an authentication module, and two device modes (active and inactive) allowing simplified emergency alerts with user authentication, even when the display is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device requires multiple user interactions to place an emergency call, then user authentication and control are improved, but the speed of emergency response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring emergency contact information, authentication methods, and call routing parameters before an emergency occurs. When an emergency is detected through the interactive button, the system has already prepared the necessary authentication protocols and communication pathways, allowing rapid execution without requiring multiple real-time interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication module that mediates between the emergency button activation and the actual call placement. This intermediary system verifies user identity through predefined authentication mechanisms (such as biometric verification or password validation) that can be executed quickly, acting as a bridge that ensures security while minimizing delays in the emergency response process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display is turned off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but accessibility to emergency functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the device functionality into distinct operational modes: a low-power inactive mode for normal operation and an emergency active mode for crisis situations. The interactive button serves as a trigger that segments the power state, allowing the device to remain in energy-saving mode until an emergency is detected, at which point it temporarily activates emergency-specific functions regardless of display state.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency button system enables self-service operation where the device can detect and respond to emergency situations autonomously. When the interactive button is pressed, the system automatically initiates the emergency protocol without requiring the user to navigate through menus or interact with the display, allowing emergency functions to operate independently of the display's power state.
3Reliability
If the device is in a locked state for security, then user protection is improved, but accessibility to emergency functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary security setup by pre-configuring authentication methods and emergency protocols before locking occurs. When the interactive button is activated while locked, the system has already prepared the authentication verification process and emergency communication pathways, allowing rapid verification and call placement without requiring the user to first unlock the device through multiple interaction steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary emergency protocol that mediates between the locked state and the emergency call function. This intermediary layer detects the emergency button activation, initiates a rapid authentication process (such as fingerprint or facial recognition), and, upon verification, immediately establishes the emergency call without requiring the user to complete the full device unlocking sequence, thus maintaining security while enabling emergency access.
4Ease of operation
If the device provides simplified emergency calling, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental dials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication setup by pre-configuring user verification methods before emergency calling. When the interactive button is pressed, the system has already prepared the authentication protocols (such as biometric verification or password validation) that must be completed before the emergency call is placed, ensuring that simplified operation does not compromise security against accidental dials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time verification during the emergency calling process. After the interactive button is activated, the system provides feedback through authentication challenges (such as requesting a password or biometric verification) before completing the call. This feedback loop ensures that the simplified initial action (pressing the button) is followed by verification steps that prevent accidental dials while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate emergency situations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, methods, and media for efficient emergency calling using digital devices. In some embodiments, a user is able to make an emergency call by a one-touch or dual-touch process. An authentication process may reduce inadvertent and unauthorized emergency calling. Persistent emergency buttons are also disclosed that may be used for calling emergency in different states of the device.