Apple Researching Methods for Facilitating Emergency Phone Calls

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/11/apple-researching-methods-for-facilitating-emergency-phone-calls/)

A patent application (http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20090149153&OS=20090149153&RS=20090149153) entitled Method and system for prolonging emergency calls, filed in December 2007 and disclosed today, reveals that Apple has been researching methods for facilitating emergency phone calls from the iPhone. The scope of Apple's work extends to recognition of when a given call is an emergency call, activation of power-saving measures, use of confirmation buttons and tasks to decrease chances of premature disconnection, and the use of pre-determined "phrase buttons" to enable sending of automated messages and information.

In determining which telephone calls are emergency calls, Apple specifies that certain numbers such as 911 could automatically be categorized as "emergency", while others could be user-defined, such as within a dedicated field in the iPhone's "Contacts" application. Once an emergency call is detected, the iPhone could then implement a series of measures to facilitate the call. In one such measure, an extra step could be required before termination of the call could be permitted.For example, if the user presses a button to disconnect an emergency call, emergency-mode processor 106 may query the user for confirmation before disconnecting the call. The confirmation may be in the form of a button, a code or password, a verbal acknowledgement, and/or other input by the user. Emergency-mode processor 106 may even disable the user's ability to disconnect the call. As a result, the call may only be disconnected by someone (e.g., an emergency operator) on the other end of the emergency call. Further, the user may select settings to specify the level of difficulty and the methods of disconnecting emergency calls. The user may also select settings for each individual emergency number. For example, the user may disable the ability to disconnect a 911 call while activating a disconnect confirmation in other emergency calls.

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/11/104933-confirm_disconnect_300.jpg

Confirmation buttons for emergency call disconnection
The iPhone's emergency mode could also enact a number of power-saving steps in order to preserve the device's battery life. For example, Apple proposes such actions as dimming the display screen and turning off non-essential hardware components such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or camera sensors.

Finally, Apple describes the use of "emergency phrase buttons" that could allow for preset actions in the event that the caller is unable to speak. Apple cites examples of pre-recorded audio files that could be activated to notify 911 dispatchers that the caller is choking, automatic transmission of GPS coordinates, or automated requests to contact a friend or family member.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/11/104934-phrase_buttons_300.jpg

iPhone "emergency phrase buttons"

Article Link: Apple Researching Methods for Facilitating Emergency Phone Calls (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/11/apple-researching-methods-for-facilitating-emergency-phone-calls/)

[Sky Blue]

Seems useful, especially the location one.

[DSG]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

[xanadeath]

This would be really smart of apple to add to the iPhone. Now everybody's first thought during an asthma attack will be to reach for their iPhone...lol

[nagromme]

Those one-tap speech phrases--including your location--are a great idea. That could save someone's life if they're too injured to speak clearly, or quietly hiding or something. If it mutes the mic while speaking, it would even let you convey info in a situation that's really loud. (Text-to-speech would be useful in the same way--and not just on emergency calls.)

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

Interesting point. In a way I could see some logic to requiring the inventor by law to license lifesaving systems like this (for "reasonable" terms) to third parties.

On the flip side, though, not allowing companies to profit (and protect their profits) from lifesaving inventions (of all kinds) would take away an incentive to spend the time/money inventing them in the first place. Inventors/companies would then spend their efforts in other areas instead, and we'd get fewer lifesaving inventions!

[La Porta]

If you are ever in that rare situation where you can't actually speak because an intruder is lurking in your home, or you are hiding somewhere, this could be very useful. I think it is wonderful that they thought of such a thing, esepcially since it is nowhere near a standard for such things to be thought of in such a product.

[breeze]

of the user. Alright Apple!

[Donz0r]

Wow, this is REALLY great. Great ideas here

[t0mat0]

Not that far away beyond the Locate my iPhone feature for MobileMe. Could be useful in a fix - have a quick link to say need for fire/police/ambulance, and give location / info / close contact info

[pacohaas]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

agreed, some great ideas that should be on every cell phone, not protected by copyrights and patents.

[iOrlando]

i want my iphone to connect to my internal body measurements and if something goes wrong, 911 is automatically called with my location and a robot voice says to the 911 operator what is wrong with me.

thanks apple..get on this ok...by 2011 thanks

[deannnnn]

This is creeping me out since I literally just woke up from a dream in which I used my iPhone to call 911.... however it had none of these features ;)

[SirOmega]

Text to speech would be useful here too.

[Howardchief]

Very interesting. The concept of categorizing certain contacts as "emergency" contacts is a feature similar to what I've been wanting on my iPhone. Grouping contacts together to easily browse through is a spinoff of this emergency category idea. I would probably have some contacts selected as emergency contacts like people I am on the phone with so much (wife, girlfriend, mistress, ect..) to conserve battery life.

[nagromme]

I see a hidden pattern in Apple's patents. They go together.

AI today has an article on an Apple patent for a Nike-style iPhone sensor for snowboarders and skiers, which tracks speed and jump time. This encourages people to try for higher speeds and achieve bigger jumps.

This emergency call patent is simply intended to reduce the deaths that result from their skiing patent :o

Your Nike snowboard sensor tells you your best air time is 10 seconds. Then 11. You KNOW you can beat that! And you end up at 15 seconds with your own femur stuck through your lung. You want to laugh, but you can't even talk to 911! iPhone to the rescue. Another Apple customer alive to buy more!

[jav6454]

This in idea form seems *very* useful and a great feature set to have. However, once the implementation comes, some shortcoming can happen. Still, I think that Apple will somehow make some of these ideas make their way in future 3.0 releases, or maybe reserve them for 4.0.

[macgrl]

A very good idea :)

[ajbrehm]

That's an _invention_????

Great. If they manage to patent this, it means that other phone makers will be not be allowed to do this.

And if this is about emergency calls, I'd consider that rather cynical on Apple's part.

Good products, but an evil company.

[WestonHarvey1]

Sounds like neat stuff, but I'm sure it won't be long before we hear the first recorded 911 call of a 911 operator not being satisfied with the wording of the automated messages, demanding information the phone/caller can't provide in their current state, or thinking their tone is just too "rude", and just letting the caller lay there and die.

No offense to all the good 911 operators out there :)

[.:R2theT]

Another example of Apple finding a solution to a problem we didn't know we had. Genius!

[imwoblin]

How long has Apple been in the cell radio business? 3 years, and they are completely rewriting the playbook. It amazes me that no one has had the moxy or balls to stand up to the telcos until Apple rewrote the book. We have always been given the same same from both the telcos and the handset mfrs until suddenly the iPhone came along and everyone (telco & mfrs) said Apple wont succeed because they no nothing about the business. Now every smartphone mfr & telco is copying Apple or trying to create a iPhone killer!
I'm not a walking zombie Apple fanboy, these are just the facts. I wonder what surprises the boys & girls at Cupertino have in store for us.......

[aricher]

"I've fallen & I can't get up!"

[gdigger]

"I've fallen & I can't get up!"

lolz...

"All Senior Citizen Should Have An iPhone!"

[gibbz]

That's an _invention_????

Great. If they manage to patent this, it means that other phone makers will be not be allowed to do this.

And if this is about emergency calls, I'd consider that rather cynical on Apple's part.

Good products, but an evil company.

Settle down now. They aren't evil. They are trying to make methods for their users to be safe. Are you equally upset at OnStar? They are often lauded for their services. GM owns them and says this on their website: (http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/explore/get_onstar.jsp)
OnStar is a factory-installed option and cannot be installed by a dealer or retailer, so you must do one of the following:
Purchase a vehicle with OnStar
Own a vehicle with OnStar

Are they evil?

What we should worry about is that Apple will release this and AT&T will delay it's deployment or not cover it at all until they decide how much to charge people.

[midget]

Your Nike snowboard sensor tells you your best air time is 10 seconds. Then 11. You KNOW you can beat that! And you end up at 15 seconds with your own femur stuck through your lung.

HTF did it go through the lung? lol

[lazyrighteye]

Some very interesting potential & impressive thoughtfulness, Apple.

Safe to assume users could customize the emergency phrase buttons to fit their potential condition(s)?

[Slidemonster]

the iphone isn't supported on a larger network (like a verizon) and is limited to ATT. Guess you'll have to be near a major metro area to use this feature within the network.

For the majority of users - great idea and features.

[ajbrehm]

Settle down now. They aren't evil. They are trying to make methods for their users to be safe. Are you equally upset at OnStar? They are often lauded for their services. GM owns them and says this on their website: (http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/explore/get_onstar.jsp)


Are they evil?


Can any other company build something like that?

If yes, they are not evil.

If no, they are.

[motulist]

i want my iphone to connect to my internal body measurements and if something goes wrong, 911 is automatically called with my location and a robot voice says to the 911 operator what is wrong with me.

thanks apple..get on this ok...by 2011 thanks

apparently you aren't familiar with Japanese cell phones. (only half joking. they really do have tech built into their everyday objects like toilets that measures health-related things about their bodies)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&num=100&q=japanese+toilet+health&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

[phillipjfry]

This would be really smart of apple to add to the iPhone. Now everybody's first thought during an asthma attack will be to reach for their iPhone...lol

As someone who lives with asthma, this feature gives me that warm tingly feeling inside :D



Your Nike snowboard sensor tells you your best air time is 10 seconds. Then 11. You KNOW you can beat that! And you end up at 15 seconds with your own femur stuck through your lung. You want to laugh, but you can't even talk to 911! iPhone to the rescue. Another Apple customer alive to buy more!

Must have been one HELLUVA jump! :eek:


I'd also like to see iPhone querying the status of someone's pacemaker and in the oft chance that things aren't looking so well, auto-dials 911, bam! another life saved

[jbarrychristian]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

I have no inside knowledge, and I am not saying this is the case, but...
Maybe Apple wants to patent it, not for profit, but for protection. I think Mercedes Benz did this with either seat-belts or airbags. They wanted everyone to have it with no royalties, but they didn't want someone else to patent it and then charge for it.

We certainly have seen plenty of patent squatters who have a great idea or "borrow" one, but have no know-how or resources to implement it and just sit idly by until someone does make it and then they swoop in for their royalties.

I am not so naive as to believe that Apple is completely altruistic. They are a for-profit company and have to answer to their shareholders, but this could be the case. At least, I wouldn't be surprised, and I wouldn't want to assume less-than-good purposes for the patent application. :D

[jedaily]

The suggestions that this should not be patentable or that there should be a compulsory license to other cell phone manufacturers are appealing at first glance, but a more critical analysis should demonstrate why those suggestions are not the best policy.

First, it is true that this could be a life-saving feature, but that is not a reason to exempt it from patentability. A cure for a fatal disease is a life-saving medical treatment, but few would argue against the patentability of drugs. The invention of the automatic defibrillator also saves lives, but again few would suggest that it should have been unpatentable.

Second, as another poster pointed out, this is another example of Apple solving a problem people didn't even realize they had, which is one of the best kinds of creativity and inventiveness. If we take away the incentive that patents represent, Apple and other companies will put much less effort into developing these kinds of features.

Third, other smart phones and even not-so-smart phones have had the potential to do this for years. There is nothing special about the iPhone hardware that makes this possible, although the large touch screen does make it easier. That other phone manufacturers have not thought of this further argues in favor of this being a nonobvious invention worthy of protection.

Finally, we don't yet know that Apple will refuse to license this to other manufacturers. Although Apple usually holds its patents close to its chest, it could make an exception and we shouldn't second-guess that before the patent has even been granted.

As a policy matter, we shouldn't prejudge the kinds of inventions that are or are not deserving of patent protection. The patent system works best when any new, nonobvious, and useful invention can be patented and the market is allowed to work out the value of that invention.

[Matt23]

One of my previous cell phones had some of this functionality (I believe it was a Samsung from around 2001). I remember that when I dialed 911 on a few occasions, I couldn't end the call with the "End Call" button, but rather, I had to hold down two keys to end the call.

[mbraase]

If you are ever in that rare situation where you can't actually speak because an intruder is lurking in your home, or you are hiding somewhere, this could be very useful. I think it is wonderful that they thought of such a thing, esepcially since it is nowhere near a standard for such things to be thought of in such a product.

If someone is lurking in your home, you shouldn't reach for your iPhone first, you should be reaching for a gun. Then get your phone.:D

But I like this idea of emergency calls. It's a great idea for making sure you don't get disconnected. Especially since, in an emergency, your adrenaline is usually pumping, and your fingers might be shaky and you might push buttons you didn't mean to push. Good Job Apple!!!

[DipDog3]

The phrases look sweet!

[mbraase]

I'd also like to see iPhone querying the status of someone's pacemaker and in the oft chance that things aren't looking so well, auto-dials 911, bam! another life saved

(Cue iPhone commercial Music ) Want to watch the highlights of the game, there's an app for that. Want your phone to dial 911 when your pacemaker stops working, there's an app for that. :D:D:D

[smileyborg]

If someone is lurking in your home, you shouldn't reach for your iPhone first, you should be reaching for a gun. Then get your phone.:D

Good point. I'll bet Apple is also working on a .357 Magnum accessory that snaps on to the back of the iPhone and digitally connects via the dock connector. Then you just get a prompt: =>slide to unload

[jsw]

Well, if they'd implement that and license the patent I filed at Nokia (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/cellphone-for-kidnapping-fears-149034.php), people would be all sorts of safe. ;)

Yes, it's my patent, and no, they never put it into a phone. Oh well.

[swingerofbirch]

Say you're in the remote wilderness and you feel a crushing pain in your chest that's now spreading through your arms, your heart is racing, and you can't even catch your breath or talk. You call 911 but the dispatch operator doesn't believe you have a problem and is about to hang up on you. Well now, there's an app for that! Just press the send me a damn ambulance b*tch button, and you're done. Only only on the iPhone.

Say you've just been mauled by a bear that practically did a tracheotomy on you! And oh no, what's this? The bear took out your voice box too! Well, luckily, on the iPhone, there's an app for that! Just press the Bear mauled me and took my voice box button, and you're done. Only on the iPhone.

Say you're a bear, and you just made sick after eating a human's throat...

/If only ATT worked in remote wildernesses ;)

[macuser154]

That is brilliant. I don't think I'll ever need a feature like this, but it is great to know that I can count on an iPhone if I were ever in one of those situations.

[ordan77]

This would be really smart of apple to add to the iPhone. Now everybody's first thought during an asthma attack will be to reach for their iPhone...lol

Uh, No! As an Asthmatic, I can assure you that I would:

First: Think of my inhaler, and start taking puffs.
Second: Think of sitting down - on the floor with my back supported by a wall. Can't take medication of summon help if you get light headed, fall and knock yourself unconscious!
Third: Think of the iPhone, to summon help.

Still - a pretty nifty idea.

[sonnyjames]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

This is fabulous to help deaf people make 911 calls until there finally is an ability to text 911.

[mouchoir]

The illustration used is quite different to the actual iPhone – is this proof of a new form factor coming soon?
<ducks>

[MacVixen]

Well, if they'd implement that and license the patent I filed at Nokia (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/cellphone-for-kidnapping-fears-149034.php), people would be all sorts of safe. ;)

Yes, it's my patent, and no, they never put it into a phone. Oh well.

It's a damn good idea! When I first started reading about this apple patent, it's exactly what I started thinking about - some sort of recessed panic button. But it would have to located where it couldn't accidentally be triggered of course... but I like it! :)

[xanadeath]

If someone is lurking in your home, you shouldn't reach for your iPhone first, you should be reaching for a gun. Then get your phone.:D

But I like this idea of emergency calls. It's a great idea for making sure you don't get disconnected. Especially since, in an emergency, your adrenaline is usually pumping, and your fingers might be shaky and you might push buttons you didn't mean to push. Good Job Apple!!!

Dont worry...in the near future all of our iPhones will be able to transform into anything we need them to be...a glass of water...an apple....an AK-47....a rocket launcher....

[Anaxarxes]

Dont worry...in the near future all of our iPhones will be able to transform into anything we need them to be...a glass of water...an apple....an AK-47....a rocket launcher....

Bring on the holy Pomegranate NS08! :rolleyes:

http://www.pomegranatephone.com/

[fabsgwu]

This is kind of a "if the black box can survive a crash, why don't they build the whole plane out of that" comment, but it would be nice if they would work on the call quality/dropped calls (ehem, with AT&T).

Very interesting stuff, though. It would be good if it also let you roam/search for other networks when emergency calls initiated. I can already hear the "there's an app for that" commercial playing for this, :P

[Schizoid]

PLEASE STATE THE NATURE OF YOUR MEDICAL EMERGENCY:

[Ashthma Attack]
[Heart Attack]
[AT&T Wallet Attack]

[JoeDMD]

lolz...

"All Senior Citizen Should Have An iPhone!"

next thing you know its a medicare benefit

[savar]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

I hope that Apple won't restrict the use of this IP. However, by not filing a patent, they would be opening themselves up to scam-shops who could try to patent this stuff and then sue every phone company that has a 911 feature.

[nagromme]

I'd also like to see iPhone querying the status of someone's pacemaker and in the oft chance that things aren't looking so well, auto-dials 911, bam! another life saved

That kind of thing is inevitable, since pacemakers have wireless data connections these days. Just attach a tiny custom receiver to the dock connector. I bet it happens sooner rather than later! (And a good reason for Apple to allow 3rd-party full background apps! Unless there's a way to send a push notification from the receiver or something.)

[Paulyboy]

I really like this idea. Should be very useful for some people in certain situations.

How about a "voice-only" mode for physically-disabled people who can't easily use an iPhone in certain situations or at all? When in voice-only mode calls could be initiated by a keyword without the need to press any buttons. The new 3Gs (finally) has built-in voice dial but you still have to press (and hold) the Home button to activate it which is a huge hurdle for such people. Every smartphone requires a button press like that to activate voice dialing.

Let's say a physically-disabled person falls over in their wheelchair or has to be alone while in bed (which for some constricts arm movements). With an iPhone in voice-only mode such a person need only call out the keyword to bring up the voice prompt then dial a number or say a contact.

I realize this type of thing probably would drain the battery quicker but in most situations the iPhone could be plugged into an electrical outlet or the battery on a power wheelchair while it's in this mode so it doesn't run out of juice.

Such a feature would be a life saver for some people.

-PN

[happydude]

this is a great idea. it really should be standard on all phones, though that would entail a lot of engineering by the government emergency response people not to mention the rest of the cell phone industry. so sit back, folks, and watch apple create the new standard for everyone else's benefit . . . of course, apple will patent the idea and therefore get $$ when everyone else rips it off.

[emt1]

Ironically, a majority of the times I have had to call 911 from my iPhone, something went wrong and I either couldn't connect or couldn't hear them because my headphone jack was clogged.

[Rodimus Prime]

This is kind of a "if the black box can survive a crash, why don't they build the whole plane out of that" comment, but it would be nice if they would work on the call quality/dropped calls (ehem, with AT&T).

Very interesting stuff, though. It would be good if it also let you roam/search for other networks when emergency calls initiated. I can already hear the "there's an app for that" commercial playing for this, :P

rules change on 911 calls.

On 911 calls the cell phone will grab the closest tower no matter who owns it and will go to the best signal it can grab.
Hell all phones go into a different mode during a 911 call and I believe the phone output power is even boosted just to make sure everything works. All cell phone activated or not can make 911 calls. The phone does not even require a sim card to make a 911 call.

No carrier is allowed to charge the User for a 911 call and all providers are required to route the call and not pass the charge on. I made a 911 call on my last cell phone once and the phone change its mode to emergency mod

[jbarrychristian]

next thing you know its a medicare benefit

You might be a prophet. :eek:

[NightFox]

Just need to hope that Apple include a "I'm Trapped in the Abandoned Mine Shaft" button and I won't have to rely on that blasted kangaroo any more.

[DSG]

I hope that Apple won't restrict the use of this IP. However, by not filing a patent, they would be opening themselves up to scam-shops who could try to patent this stuff and then sue every phone company that has a 911 feature.

Yep - makes sense. Should have thought that through for a few more seconds.

[8CoreWhore]

Great stuff! How 'bout a "NEED BEER" button? :p

[twoodcc]

seems very useful. glad to see apple working on this

[illicium]

I really like this idea. Should be very useful for some people in certain situations.

How about a "voice-only" mode for physically-disabled people who can't easily use an iPhone in certain situations or at all? When in voice-only mode calls could be initiated by a keyword without the need to press any buttons. The new 3Gs (finally) has built-in voice dial but you still have to press (and hold) the Home button to activate it which is a huge hurdle for such people. Every smartphone requires a button press like that to activate voice dialing.

Let's say a physically-disabled person falls over in their wheelchair or has to be alone while in bed (which for some constricts arm movements). With an iPhone in voice-only mode such a person need only call out the keyword to bring up the voice prompt then dial a number or say a contact.

I realize this type of thing probably would drain the battery quicker but in most situations the iPhone could be plugged into an electrical outlet or the battery on a power wheelchair while it's in this mode so it doesn't run out of juice.

Such a feature would be a life saver for some people.

-PN

No offense, but why would someone who is physically disabled have a touch screen phone? Especially a touch screen where you can't use a stylus attached to say your forehead or something? Seems like very expensive overkill for someone who can't use many or any of the features.

[nyctravis]

Great idea! I would think Apple wouldn't want to keep something like this to themselves though, although I can see the need to patent it as the poster above mentioned. Just share it freely once it's patented :)

[Lesser Evets]

Good.

I can use this when they make fun of my accent at the McDonalds drive-thru, or when they don't give me the best service possible at TGI Fridays.

is there a "They're making fun of meeeee" function?

[bretm]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

Well, then why hasn't every mobile phone company done it if it's so obvious and simple. Apple is just protecting it's IP. If other phone companies think these needs to be on their phones, then they need to think of their own way to do it and not just copy the way apple does it.

Would you have preferred Apple NOT put their R&D into this tech, but instead wait until the Pre came out with it and then of course just copy the Pre because after all, it's not protected by a patent?

I'm not sure what part of this idea can really be deemed IP and what part is just an idea that has been floating around. But applying for the patent definitely puts a date on when Apple took the idea and ran with it. Even if they don't get the patent.

[BRLawyer]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

This is fabulous to help deaf people make 911 calls until there finally is an ability to text 911.

What is there to be said? As usual, Apple is simply GENIUS with that idea...it's just incredible how they are able to come up with great refinements even to basic issues like calling emergency numbers...GO APPLE!

[Fluffy Bunny]

Pre-Coded 3GS Message: "I'm a 3GS owner, rescue me first."
Pre-Coded 3G Message: "Once the 3GS guy is ok, then check on me."
Pre-Coded original iPhone message: "Feel free to harvest my organs for the 3GS guy."

[AngryApple]

Apple should make a iPod Touch that can call 911. I'd pay an extra $200 for an iPod Touch if it did that. :cool: I'm paranoid about murderers being in my house. It would be a life saver (plus, I'd have peace of mind) if there was that on the iPhone. Heck, that would make me want an iPhone.

[notjustjay]

is there a "They're making fun of meeeee" function?

Please selct your emergency:

[ FIRE ]
[ AMBULANCE ]
[ OUT OF MCNUGGETS ]

[smitha96]

Apple should make a iPod Touch that can call 911. I'd pay an extra $200 for an iPod Touch if it did that. :cool: I'm paranoid about murderers being in my house. It would be a life saver (plus, I'd have peace of mind) if there was that on the iPhone. Heck, that would make me want an iPhone.

Any contract or non-contract cell phone can call 911. It doesn't need a provider or a plan. They cost a few dollars and some organizations give them away. if you're truly concerned Maybe you should pick one of those up instead or I can get you one if you message me.

Source: worked as a 911 dispatcher.

[smitha96]

Trivia: what happens when you dial 112 on your iPhone?
Tip: don't do it, but the results will surprise you (if you're not from certain parts of Europe).

[nagromme]

No offense, but why would someone who is physically disabled have a touch screen phone? Especially a touch screen where you can't use a stylus attached to say your forehead or something? Seems like very expensive overkill for someone who can't use many or any of the features.

Not necessarily:

VoiceOver lets the phone be used, and the music player.

Third-party apps can do other things (things we haven't even thought of) with voice control.

And custom hardware on the dock connector could allow alternate input (with Apple's OK).

[dbo789]

Coming Soon from Apple... The Apple LifeMonitor!

Consisting of two small implants, one at the base of the brain and one in your abdomen, the LifeMonitor will monitor vital signs such as breathing rate, heart rate, blood makeup, and more. In the event of a medical emergency, the device can automatically make a basic diagnosis and connect with your iPhone via bluetooth to make an emergency call, and even vocally provide essential vital signs to the 911 operator, automatically!

Other features include:
- Miniature high power battery, allowing the device to act as a defibrillator in the case of heart failure
- Constant blood sugar monitoring for diabetics, no more need to pierce your finger thrice a day, just glace at your iPhone!
- Pregnancy hormone monitoring for sexually active women, providing a precise pregnancy test up to three days sooner than a regular over-the-counter test kit, and instant notification to both you and a chosen significant other when the hormone is detected
- Online statistic reporting with all basic vital functions through your own personal LifeMonitor portal, allowing both you and your doctor to review your health for as long as you've had the implant installed
- Internal connection to one or both ears, allowing you to privately listen to anything your iPhone can play, without headphones!
- Ability to initate a bioelectrical body fat test from your iPhone, allowing you to know your body fat percentage, any time, any where, without those nasty skin folds!
- Lifetime battery, excluding defibrillator use
- Easy, safe, and near painless installation by a registered nurse at your local Apple Store
- Much, much more!!!

Coming soon...

[foodle]

That's awesome. These kinds of safety measures are very useful in emergency situations.

I've only had to call 911 once (thankfully), but it was a true life-or-death emergency for the person in front of me. In those situations, you often do some strange or illogical things. For example, I thought I was speaking normally to the 911 operator, but I was actually shouting the entire time (I assume my brain wanted to be extra sure the 911 operator could hear me). So I can easily see how someone could accidentally hang up on 911 without truly meaning to do that. Way to go :apple:.

[lars666]

Pre-Coded 3GS Message: "I'm a 3GS owner, rescue me first."
Pre-Coded 3G Message: "Once the 3GS guy is ok, then check on me."
Pre-Coded original iPhone message: "Feel free to harvest my organs for the 3GS guy."

Hahaha. Like that!

[iphones4evry1]

There should be an option for a regular emergency call, and then a "Domestic Violence" emergency call. In the case of the Domestic Violence call, the user will not be able to disconnect the call from the iPhone. This way, if the attacker grabs the phone from the victim, the attacker will not be able to disconnect the call.

[MadCow42]

How long has Apple been in the cell radio business? 3 years, and they are completely rewriting the playbook.

Actually, the whole reason Apple is so innovative and successful is that they never bothered to READ the playbook. Even thinking about the "old rules" will box a company in. Apple goes at it backwards compared to most of their competitors:

Competitor: how do we apply this great technology to make money?

Apple: what benefit (not feature) does the customer need/want, and what features/technology do we need to develop to supply that?

They're one of the smartest marketing companies I know - although in the end, the actual technology isn't that unique, they apply it in novel ways to outfox their competitors.

MadCow.

[joeshell383]

Pre-Coded 3GS Message: "I'm a 3GS owner, rescue me first."
Pre-Coded 3G Message: "Once the 3GS guy is ok, then check on me."
Pre-Coded original iPhone message: "Feel free to harvest my organs for the 3GS guy."

Guess I had better upgrade! ::p

[globol]

Trips and fall over*
Pulls out iPhone and activates voice command*
"argh, call 911"
iPhone "iPod activated"
"stupid phone, call 911"
iPhone "now playing michael Bolton"
"piece of *****! Call 911"
Iphone "please enter your apple care id"
"ahhhh! I don't have apple care!!!"
iPhone "please say your credit card number after the tone and a representative will right with you"
"I'm dying you sum of a b!tch"
iPhone " sorry we did not get that number please try again"
"1234567891234567"
iPhone " thank you would you like to buy the extended warranty for 100 dollars more?
Gasping for air "yes, please just help me!"
iPhone "thank you for your purchase, the next opertator will be with you shortly. *ding the wait time will be 5 mins"
*** on hold with music playing. *rick roll song.

Person dies.

[fleshman03]

Cool! I hope never will have to use it, but it would be a good idea to have it implemented and in my pocket. (Just in case.)

[RunOverProducti]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

TRUE!

But Apple is the one who is coming up with the idea, soon you will see all other phones following the iPhone foot steps.

That's what they been doing anyway lol

The iPhone is original, anything that's coming out is tio compete with the iPhone and that's why they crash and burn.

Apple has original ideas, is time for other phones to have some too, and stay away from trying to compete with the iPhone.

[Blue Fox]

I like that "current location" option. I've had to call 911 many times to report major car accidents when I was out of state (and had no idea where i was). That's a GREAT feature.

[wizard]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

Yes because it protects Apple. Once they have the patent they can license as they see fit. With enough buy in from other vendors they could even create a standard, going so far as to turn the patent over to a standards body.

One should not assume that patents are always a bad thing. Sometimes it leads to consummer friendly products and competition. That is of course if the companies involved are responsible. The history of DRAM interfaces is very interesting in this regard as it is an example of good and bad.

Now I don't know where Apple stands in regards to this patent but one shouldn't assume the intentions are totally bad. In any event as an old guy it gives me another reason to continue to buy Apple products.



Dave

[el3ktro]

Great. If they manage to patent this, it means that other phone makers will be not be allowed to do this.


No, not necessarily. Apple may allow other companies to use this, too. They may even allow this for free.

[bretm]

You might be a prophet. :eek:

An iPhone port on my scooter!

[Doctor Q]

I applaud Apple for doing this research. The patent application doesn't worry me. If they turn it into working technology, they may very well license it freely to other companies.

If someone is lurking in your home, you shouldn't reach for your iPhone first, you should be reaching for a gun. Then get your phone.:D
There's an app for that (http://appshopper.com/entertainment/the-gun-ultimate-sound-box). :D

next thing you know its a medicare benefitAnd citizens would be wise to keep an iPhone in every room of the house in case they don't have an iPhone on them. That should boost sales a bit.

I have one concern. Emergencies are by nature hectic times when things can go wrong, and when they do people are looking for someone to blame. How far can Apple take something like this without opening themselves up to lawsuits over the failed handling of an emergency? If the phone mis-sends data, gives medical tips that aren't applicable, provides CPR instructions with a typo, etc., Apple should not be liable. Perhaps this will need to be covered by a clause in the contract with iPhone users. And then what happens when they license the technology to another company who then mis-implements it? :eek:

[so-dim]

Damn! I was just outlining such an idea for such an App with my friends this weekend, one of them must work for Apple...
My idea would have also sent MMS pictures every 10s so that any perp would hopefully be caught, just as well I hadn't spent months working on it.

[venasque]

That's an _invention_????

Great. If they manage to patent this, it means that other phone makers will be not be allowed to do this.

And if this is about emergency calls, I'd consider that rather cynical on Apple's part.

Good products, but an evil company.

Lets just take a breath before we start jumping to conclusions. It's not even something that is out yet, it's just an idea at the moment.

ONCE it's been released we will then know if Apple is going to keep this to themselves or if they are going to freely share it with other companies so it's of benefit to everyone.

Lets not start judging and name calling until we know what is fact and what is cynicism. :)

[omahajim]

removed

[winterspan]

I was just thinking, wouldn't it be cool if the iPhone could track via the accelerometer (and GPS) when you were in a car traveling at high speed and then call 911 if there is a violent G force indicative of a roll-over or crash.

You could even have a "false-positive" protection by having the a voice announce that it believes you were in an accident and it is now calling 911 unless you press the screen in a certain way.

The only problem I can foresee is if the iPhone fell out of the window of your car driving down the highway (and didn't break). I'm sure there are other issues to work out, but overall I think the concept could work.

[pmjoe]

I was just thinking, wouldn't it be cool if the iPhone could track via the accelerometer (and GPS) when you were in a car traveling at high speed and then call 911 if there is a violent G force indicative of a roll-over or crash.

You could even have a "false-positive" protection by having the a voice announce that it believes you were in an accident and it is now calling 911 unless you press the screen in a certain way.

The only problem I can foresee is if the iPhone fell out of the window of your car driving down the highway (and didn't break). I'm sure there are other issues to work out, but overall I think the concept could work.
Quick, call your patent lawyer, so we can add one more patent to the junk heap.

[JayLenochiniMac]

I was just thinking, wouldn't it be cool if the iPhone could track via the accelerometer (and GPS) when you were in a car traveling at high speed and then call 911 if there is a violent G force indicative of a roll-over or crash.

Oh, man, there'd be lots of 911 calls from amusement parks, and people will be stupid enough not to realize it and turn the thing off before getting on some roller coaster.

[DELLsFan]

This is a great feature to add to the iPhone!

[michael.lauden]

Oh, man, there'd be lots of 911 calls from amusement parks, and people will be stupid enough not to realize it and turn the thing off before getting on some roller coaster.

yeah.. not to mention that is a terrible idea. maybe if that was built into a car, not a cellphone.

[jsw]

It's a damn good idea! When I first started reading about this apple patent, it's exactly what I started thinking about - some sort of recessed panic button. But it would have to located where it couldn't accidentally be triggered of course... but I like it! :)
In the patent, there were two buttons, one on each side, that had to be squeezed together to activate it. Sort of like the almost-useless (IMHO) side buttons on the Mighty Mouse. They didn't have to be very recessed or all that small, just not positioned so that you'd squeeze them together by mistake. I mainly did the patent to make some money (I was awarded the vast sum of ~$500 from my employer), but I figured it might make people feel more secure. The idea occurred after a number of abductions had been mentioned on the news, and I figured it'd provide some peace of mind. It also was intended to be a way for someone who was incapacitated to make a distress call.

Hmmm. Maybe Apple's patent infringes on it. If it weren't for the fact that I'm getting canned and tomorrow is my last day, I'd look into it. :D

[winterspan]

yeah.. not to mention that is a terrible idea. maybe if that was built into a car, not a cellphone.

I don't think it's "terrible" at all, although I did say it may not be feasible with all the practical issues that would need to be worked out. Just throwing out an idea....

Also, I am talking about an application specific to the iPhone. Many vehicles already have similar technology integrated, including GM's onstar system and some Mercedes vehicles.

[pmjoe]

I don't think it's "terrible" at all, although I did say it may not be feasible with all the practical issues that would need to be worked out. Just throwing out an idea....
Don't believe him, he's just busy calling his patent lawyer with your idea. These days, nobody in the patent office is going to care about the practical issues of it.

[bluedevil14]

I think this is just a good all around idea. Maybe in 4.0?

[bruinsrme]

I know its business, but should stuff like this really be the subject of IP protection? Sounds excellent and the kind of thing that should be on every mobile, rather than being a potential selling point.

I can't agree more. This should be a collaboration, we are talking about something that can save lives.

[Merkuryy]

Looks like a Zune HD:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::apple::mad:

[Rot'nApple]

Finally, Apple describes the use of "emergency phrase buttons" that could allow for preset actions..."


Will they have the phrase, "I didn't get the chicken McNuggets I ordered from MacDonalds! Send the police immediately!" :(

Sadly, that's what 911 seems to be all about these days with the upcoming generation.

[Ljohnson72]

Great ideas, I really hope they are able to come out with this. No idea why people would rate this as "negative" instead of "positive".

[Jesus on OSX]

"I can't speak" or "Asthma Attack" buttons are incredibly hardcore.

I'm not sure about the patent thing. Every phone should have this as a standard feature.

[jskeels]

LOL - Totally hilarious -- thanks for the laugh!

I see a hidden pattern in Apple's patents. They go together.

AI today has an article on an Apple patent for a Nike-style iPhone sensor for snowboarders and skiers...And you end up at 15 seconds with your own femur stuck through your lung. You want to laugh, but you can't even talk to 911! iPhone to the rescue. Another Apple customer alive to buy more!

[jlewis2k1]

Sounds like a plan for them. Now they need to get HAC (hearing aid compatibility) in the phone...

[savar]

I was just thinking, wouldn't it be cool if the iPhone could track via the accelerometer (and GPS) when you were in a car traveling at high speed and then call 911 if there is a violent G force indicative of a roll-over or crash.

The accelerometer can't [directly] measure velocity, and the GPS isn't fine grained enough to tell the difference between a crash and a hard stop.

What would be possible -- in a utopian world where everybody loves and abides by standards -- would be for the car's own crash sensors to send out a beacon signal that could be picked up by any device nearby.

[maestro55]

I think this is a really nice idea, but like others said I hope Apple doesn't keep other phone companies from using similar technology on their phones as this is a matter of life and death and not just business as usual.

[Doctor Q]

I noticed a series of iPhone apps for getting emergency help in five major cities, for example New York (http://appshopper.com/travel/protector-emergencies-in-new-york). Even if you don't carry around an app like those, it might be a smart precaution to collect a few emergency numbers in your area and put them in your Contact list. I suggest putting them in their own Emergency group so they are easy to find.

[Inkling]

It'd be easy to extend the idea of the Nike sensors to medical sensors. Someone with a heart condition could have a wearable sensor. When their heart began to misbehaved, it could automatically dial a special number, providing an EKG and the GPS position, thus allowing the MD to dispatch medics.

[NightFox]

The accelerometer can't [directly] measure velocity, and the GPS isn't fine grained enough to tell the difference between a crash and a hard stop.

What would be possible -- in a utopian world where everybody loves and abides by standards -- would be for the car's own crash sensors to send out a beacon signal that could be picked up by any device nearby.

In the UK (and I presume elsewhere) several high-end cars come with an option of a system that detects if the vehicle has been in a serious crash, and if there's no user intervention within a short time, contacts the emergency services with a GPS location

[kdarling]

How long has Apple been in the cell radio business? 3 years, and they are completely rewriting the playbook. It amazes me that no one has had the moxy or balls to stand up to the telcos until Apple rewrote the book.

Yeah, let's see....

First iPhone: Apple rewrites the book by taking extra revenue from your monthly bill, over and above the cost of the phone. This should've been your subsidy to lower the phone cost, but instead Apple takes it. Sweet for them.

One Year Later... Apple is forced back into regular phone maker mode, with subsidy money going to the customer instead.

Apple forces as many carriers as legally possible, to lock iPhones to that carrier, totally negating the major GSM advantage of being able to use local SIMs when traveling.

Five years ago, Jobs calls carriers "orifices" which control availability of apps. Now, he controls all iPhone app selection via his App Store... and takes all the profits... just like a carrier.

One year ago, Jobs makes fun of Blackberries and their single point of (email) failure. Now, he creates the same thing with the Apple server based push notification service. Oh and don't forget the iTunes activation process that drops dead during mass rushes.

The main thing he's done, is redirecting all profits and control to his own company. Same tune, different player.

[macsince84]

By filing for a patent they gain a little time in using it for a competitive advantage. Later they can license it to others, usually at a fairly small fee per phone. Because it is a safety issue, they might license it free as Mercedes Benz did with Anti-lock brakes back in 1978. They were the first to use them, and can always tout that fact, but released it for others to use. Apple could do the same thing here. While getting it to market in a future software release, Apple is protected from a competitor beating it to market. They can control the timing.

[kdarling]

None of this is exactly innovative. Pre-recorded voice and text messages have been done before. It's a good idea, but has potential problems.

I was reading up on the topic, and came across these comments from a company that sells similar equipment:

Pre-recorded auto-dialers often cause more of a problem than help. A child [...] can trigger them.

Another limitation is that a prerecorded message is incomplete and can be assigned a lower priority by a 911 operator.

Finally, in many cities, states and provinces pre-recorded 911 calls are illegal.

[el3ktro]

In the UK (and I presume elsewhere) several high-end cars come with an option of a system that detects if the vehicle has been in a serious crash, and if there's no user intervention within a short time, contacts the emergency services with a GPS location

I know that BMW offers a system that could detect if the car had an accident, and if such an accident has been detected, a BMW operator can actually call your car and talk to you. If you don't respond or if you're able to speak and tell the operator that you're injured, the operator can make an emergency call with your exact position. The car's sensors can also tell the operator what kind of accident happened, how fast you've been, if the car has been deformed a lot etc. so the operator can get a clue of how injured you might be. I like the idea posted above that a car could start sending some kind of beacon signal that other cars in the proximity could receive and tell their drivers that there has been an accident nearby, so they can go there and help or call for help.