Mobile Device Emergency Text Backup for Voice Call Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In emergency situations, mobile devices may struggle to initiate or maintain voice calls due to insufficient signal strength, obstructions, or low battery power, preventing communication with emergency services, while text messages can often be sent but not received.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device automatically generates a text message when a 911 call is initiated, which is transmitted over a wireless data network, correlating with the voice call and sent to emergency services as a backup in case the voice call fails, allowing for communication even if the voice call is dropped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voice call is initiated for emergency services, then real-time communication with authorities is improved, but the call may fail due to insufficient signal strength, obstructions, or low battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and sending a text message containing emergency information and location data before or concurrently with initiating the voice call. This ensures that even if the voice call fails later, the emergency information has already been delivered to authorities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces text messaging as an intermediary communication channel between the mobile device and emergency services. When voice communication fails due to signal issues, the text message serves as an alternative mediator to deliver emergency information reliably.
2Reliability
If text messaging is used as backup for emergency calls, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device utilizes its existing multi-functional capabilities by employing both voice call and text messaging functions for emergency communication. The same device hardware and software infrastructure that supports regular texting is leveraged to send emergency messages, avoiding the need for specialized additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic detection and automatic message generation without requiring complex user intervention. The mobile device itself performs the detection of emergency call initiation and automatically composes and sends the text message, minimizing the need for external control systems.
3Reliability
If automatic text message generation is implemented, then emergency information delivery is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The text message is generated and sent as a preliminary action using the device's existing power state. Rather than continuously monitoring and preparing messages, the system activates message generation only when an emergency call is detected, utilizing already-available resources without requiring additional power for continuous preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends a concise text message with essential emergency information rather than attempting to transmit all possible data. This partial action approach delivers critical information (location, emergency type) in a brief message that consumes minimal energy compared to more comprehensive data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device may detect when a calling party dials an emergency service to request emergency assistance. Following input of the dialed digits, the device may automatically generate a text message in addition to initiating a voice call, both of which may be transmitted over a wireless data network. The wireless network nay correlate the two calls as originating from the same emergency situation and may attempt to deliver the two calls to a Public Services Answering Position (PSAP) at an appropriate emergency center. If the PSAP does not receive a voice call, the PSAP may communicate with the device via test messaging.