Mobile Device Location-Based Emergency Contact Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Travelers often face challenges in accessing accurate and timely emergency contact information while abroad, as gathering such information before traveling can be time-consuming and may be neglected, leading to difficulties in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a mobile device to determine its current geographic location and retrieve location-based contact information, including emergency phone numbers and consular services, to provide users with the correct contact details automatically, ensuring they are readily available when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a person gathers emergency services and consular services information before traveling, then the contact information is available when needed, but the process is time-consuming and may be neglected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of emergency contact informationVSAvoidtime required to gather contact information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the device's geographic location and retrieving contact information in advance, so that when an emergency occurs, the information is already available without requiring the user to have gathered it beforehand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically obtaining and updating emergency contact information based on the device's location, eliminating the need for the user to manually research and compile contact details for multiple destinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a person relies on local individuals or phonebook for emergency services information, then the information gathering process is simplified, but such assistance may not be readily available when an emergency occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of obtaining contact informationVSAvoidavailability of contact information during emergency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (automatic location-based information retrieval system) that bridges the gap between the user's need for contact information and the available data sources, providing reliable information without requiring direct interaction with local individuals or manual phonebook searches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical approach of manually consulting phonebooks or seeking help from local individuals with an automated electronic system that determines location and retrieves contact information programmatically, ensuring availability regardless of human assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traveler prepares for multiple countries, then comprehensive emergency information is available, but the preparation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of emergency information across multiple destinationsVSAvoidtime required to research multiple destinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by automatically adapting the contact information provided based on the device's current geographic location, so the traveler receives relevant information for their current destination without having to pre-research all possible destinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal functionality by being able to retrieve emergency contact information for any location the traveler may visit, making a single automated system replace the need for separate research efforts for each country or region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8688070B2Location-based emergency information

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for location-based emergency information. A current geographic location of a device is determined. One or more first contact information items based on the determined geographic location are received at the device. The first contact information items include one or more contact information items associated with emergency services.