Abstract:
The disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for allowing a person to transform their mobile device into a device optimized to provide security-related features and services. Users can initiate a Make Ready (MR) signal, to make their mobile device ready to output audio and video, capture audio, video, and biometric data, prolong battery life, enhance memory and processing capabilities specifically for security features, and increase the usability of the mobile device in a threatening situation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/862,117, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/236,265, filed on Aug. 24, 2009. The present application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/551,877, filed on Oct. 26, 2011. The contents of each of the afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of personal safety management, and more specifically, to systems and methods optimizing a mobile device in order so that it can efficiently provide security-related features and services. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Recent advances in mobile computing and wireless technology have transformed traditional mobile phones into invaluable tools that help users with not only communicating with others, but also with managing all aspects of their personal lives and business activities. Mobile devices are increasingly being used for personal safety management as well, where mobile devices can be used to capture evidence, thwart potential perpetrators, and transmit an alarm for help. 
         [0006]    However, mobile phones are very visually intensive devices, whereby users must look at the device in order to manipulate it. It is very difficult for current mobile devices to be correctly operated while the devices are concealed. A user cannot normally discern the current state of the device without looking at it, and therefore cannot be sure as to the current location or state of various on-screen buttons and controls at any given time. This makes it difficult to control the device while it is one&#39;s pocket, or while one is engaged in a situation or task that prevents one&#39;s ability to look at the device. 
         [0007]    For example, consider a scenario when a victim is abducted and is being threatened with violence. In the presence of a perpetrator, it is likely that the victim is hesitant to take out their mobile phone in plain sight and call or text for help, since the perpetrator would most certainly escalate violence and/or confiscate or destroy the mobile phone. The victim is only a single call away from help, but ironically remains helpless because they cannot use their mobile phone in plain sight. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that overcome the deficiencies of traditional mobile devices so that users can easily manipulate and operate a mobile device while it is concealed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    In an embodiment, the present invention provides a communication device for use in a concealed environment, comprising a casing; a communication means located within the casing; and at least one mechanical switch located on the casing, wherein the communication means is configured to transmit a signal to a remote location upon actuation of the mechanical switch. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides a communication device that provides haptic feedback, comprising a handset having a screen; a communication means coupled to the handset; and at least one pressure-sensitive trigger region located on a pre-determined portion of the screen, wherein the communication means is configured to transmit a signal to a remote location upon application of pressure to the trigger region. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile device for personal safety management, comprising a casing; a screen placed adjacent to the casing; at least one switch located on the casing or on the screen, the switch configured to provide tactile feedback; and a communication means located within the casing, the communications means configured to transmit a distress signal to a remote location signal upon receipt of a pre-determined input to the at least one switch. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be discussed with reference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, in which like elements are numbered similarly, and where: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of personal safety communications network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of a mobile device with protruding portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of a mobile device with protruding portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of a mobile device with protruding shaped portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is an elevated side view of a mobile device with protruding shaped portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a front view of a mobile device with flush portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of a mobile device with flush portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a mobile device with indented portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a mobile device with an indented portion with a button in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of a mobile device with a mechanical slide switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of a mobile device with a mechanical slide switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a mobile device with touch-sensitive buttons in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a mobile device with a Braille-type manipulation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a mobile device with an access switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a mobile device with a dedicated alarm region on the screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a mobile device with a dedicated slide region on the screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the steps of triggering a distress signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of personal safety communications network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the personal safety communications network can include a mobile device  102  which is located on or near the user  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the user  100  can be a person, such as a child, elderly person, disabled person, a person living alone, a real estate agent, a mail courier, an undercover law enforcement agent, a postal delivery worker, a teenager, a single female, a disabled person, etc., each having a personalized suite of security services and third-party responses based on their activity, accessibility, vulnerability, and potential occupational hazards. 
         [0031]    The mobile device  102  is communicatively coupled to a network  104 , which can consist of a satellite communication system, at least one cellular phone tower, a wireless communication node, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any type of standard or non-standard communication system/protocol which allows for positioning and data transmission can be used. 
         [0032]    The network  104  is communicatively coupled to various third-party response providers, such as first responders  106 , private monitoring/security providers  108 , and/or a user&#39;s personal friends/family network  110 . 
         [0033]    The first responders  106  can include police departments, emergency medical service (EMS) providers, fire and rescue departments, volunteer organizations, volunteers, employees, 911 emergency centers, include federal agencies, task forces, non-governmental agencies, relief agencies and workers, and the military. 
         [0034]    The user&#39;s personal friends/family network  110  can include a pre-determined list of contacts to which a distress signal is automatically transmitted. The contacts can receive a text message, multi-media message (MMS), email, Facetime alert, a phone call with a recorded distress message, live phone call from a 911 or private monitoring center dispatch, live audio from the user&#39;s mobile device, a social network notification (i.e., Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, LinkedIn, etc.), an instant messenger notification, or any combination thereof as an indication of the distress signal. 
         [0035]    The private monitoring/security providers  108  can offer a subscription-based service that monitors the mobile device  102  as described in co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/862,117, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, entitled “Methods and Systems for Threat Assessment, Safety Management, and Monitoring of Individuals and Groups”, which is incorporated entirely by reference herein. 
         [0036]    The safety communications network depicted in  FIG. 1  allows for multi-directional (i.e., two-way, and three-way) communications. That is, a third-party response provider can receive data from the mobile device  102 , and can also transmit data to the mobile device  102  via the network  104 , as well as to the other third-party response providers. 
         [0037]    The mobile device  102  can be a standalone personal safety device, or can be incorporated into a cellular phone, portable music player, keychain, pager, PDA, or other portable communication device. In another embodiment, the mobile device  102  can be worn on the user  100 , such as around the user&#39;s neck (i.e., necklace or dog collar), ankle (i.e., anklet or ankle bracelet), or as a wristband (i.e., watch strap, watch). In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device  102  is a multi-function device that includes signal reception and transmission capabilities, and includes a cellular phone capability that allows the user  100  to communicate with a remote location. 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device  102  is an off-the-shelf smart phone or device, such as an iPhone, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, Android, or other similar system. The off-the-shelf device can be loaded with applications or software that enables the off-the-shelf device to act as a mobile device  102  of this invention. For example, a user can download an application from the Internet, Android Marketplace, and/or the Apple Apps Store that includes facilitates the triggering of the distress signal by the user  100  as described below. In an embodiment, the user can pay a one-time or monthly subscription fee to the software provider to gain access to the downloadable applications. Alternatively, the user can download the applications for free, and receive a limited-time or limited-feature access to try the distress signal functionality. The user must then purchase a subscription to “unlock” the full capabilities and have unlimited access to the software application. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment, the mobile device  102  is a standalone device that includes hardware features as described below. While software applications may be downloaded or programmed onto the mobile device  102 , the casing, screen and physical construction of the device facilitate the triggering of the distress signal by the user  100 . 
         [0040]    The distress signal can be a data signal indicating an alarm, and can include position data. In an embodiment, the distress signal can also include audio data, so that once the distress signal is activated on the mobile device  102 , a microphone on the mobile device  102  can capture and transmit any audible sounds from the user&#39;s environment to the third-party response provider in real-time. In yet another embodiment, a camera on the mobile device  102  can automatically be activated once the distress signal is activated. In the event the mobile device  102  is removed from its concealed location (i.e., pocket, purse, handbag, etc.), any video/image data from the user&#39;s environment will automatically be streamed to the third-party response provider in real-time. The audio and video data can also be stored on a memory located on the mobile device  102 . 
         [0041]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention is incorporated into a traditional land-line phone system, where the receiver does not need to be lifted in order for a distress signal to be transmitted to a third-party response provider. The landline phone base can have a dedicated button or set of buttons through which the user  100  can activate a distress signal. The buttons can be part of the keypad or located on another part of the phone base. For example, the user can enter a pre-determined sequence onto the keypad that triggers a distress signal (assuming that the keypad is on the base and not on the receiver). This embodiment may be applicable to hotel settings or environments which do not receive a strong wireless signal, and the only viable option to communicate is a landline phone. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of a mobile device  102  with protruding portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  can include a casing  201  that has protrusions  202  located on each of the opposite sides of the casing  201 . In an embodiment, the protrusions  202  are slightly raised from the casing  201 , so that the user  100  can easily locate the protrusions  202  by feel. Upon a simultaneous depression of both protrusions  202 , the mobile device automatically transmits a distress signal to a remote location, such as to at least one of the third-party response providers. For example, the user  100  can simply grasp the mobile device  102  and squeezes the protrusions  202  without having to look at the mobile device  102 . Thus, the user  100  can activate the distress signal without taking it out of their pocket, purse, handbag, etc. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of a mobile device  102  with protruding portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The protrusions  202  can be located on any side, front, or back portion of the casing  201 , and their placement is not limited to the embodiment show in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Furthermore, multiple protrusions can be located on either side of the casing  201 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of a mobile device with protruding shaped portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The casing  104  includes multiple protrusions  302 - 306 , each of which has a unique shape as showing in  FIG. 3B . For exemplary purposes, indentation  302  can be a square, indentation  304  can be a circle, and indentation  306  can be a triangle. The protrusions  302 - 306  can be located on a single side of the casing  104 , or they can be located on any side, front, or back portion of the casing  201 , and their placement is not limited to the embodiment show in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0045]    In an embodiment, the user  100  can input a pre-determined sequence which can trigger a distress signal, such as (1) triangle, (2) square, (3) circle, or (1) circle, (2) circle, (3) square, etc. In this embodiment, the distress signal is only transmitted upon the exact sequence being entered into the mobile device  102 , thus preventing accidental transmission of the distress signal. 
         [0046]    In yet another embodiment, each of the different protrusions  302 - 306  can initiate a different command to the mobile device  102 . For example, depression of the square protrusion  302  can initiate a distress signal. Depression of the circular protrusion  304  can activate audio capturing and transmission capabilities. Finally, depression of the triangular protrusion  306  can activate video/image capturing and transmission capabilities. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front and side views, respectively, of a mobile device with flush portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The button  402  shown in  FIG. 4B  is on the same plane as the casing  104 , so that it is not protruding or jutting out from the casing  104 . Thus, the mobile device  102  has a clean, streamlined look. In this embodiment, the button  402  can be a haptic button, such that when the user  100  places their fingers over the button, the button  402  can vibrate or provide another touch-sensitive sensation to the user  100 . The user  100  can easily locate the button  402  without looking at the mobile device  102  by simply feeling around for the haptic sensation. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the button  402  can be located on any side, front, or back portion of the casing  201 , and its placement is not limited to the embodiment show in  FIG. 4B . Furthermore, multiple haptic buttons can be located on either side of the casing  201 . 
         [0049]    In yet another embodiment, multiple haptic buttons, each providing a different sensation can be utilized. For example, a first haptic button can provide a short vibration, while a second haptic button can provide a long vibration. The user  100  could then enter a sequence, such as, for example, two short haptic button presses and one long haptic button press, in order to trigger a distress signal. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a mobile device with indented portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  includes indentations  502  on the casing  201 . The indentations  502  can include a touch sensitive layer  504  that can sense the user&#39;s finger pressure. Upon sensing the finger pressure, the distress alarm can be triggered. Similar to the other embodiments described above, the indentations  502  can be located on any side, front, or back portion of the casing  201 , and its placement is not limited to the embodiment show in  FIG. 5A . Furthermore, multiple indentations can be located on either side of the casing  201 , and can be used in conjunction with each other so that the user can either simply apply pressure to one or more indentations simultaneously, or in a pre-determined sequence or order to trigger the distress alarm. 
         [0051]    In yet another embodiment, the touch sensitive layer  504  can include fingerprint recognition technology. The mobile device  102  can include stored fingerprint data of multiple users. When the distress signal is sent, the fingerprint data of the user  100  is transmitted so that a third-party response provider can know the identity of the user  100 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a mobile device with an indented portion with a button in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a button, such as a switch, click-button, slide-mechanism, tab, etc. is located within the indentation  502 . Upon toggling the button, a distress signal is triggered. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of a mobile device with a mechanical slide switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  includes a mechanical slide switch  604  on the casing  201 . In an embodiment, the slide switch  604  is mounted on a runner  606 . When the slide switch  604  is moved from one end of the runner  606  to the opposite end of the runner  606 , and back again, within a pre-determined time period, a distress signal is triggered. For example, the distress signal would only be triggered if the user  100  moves the slide switch  604  back and forth two times within a three second period. The number of back-and-forth movements of the slide switch  604 , and the time in which these number of movements needs to be completing in, can be pre-determined or pre-set by the user  100  or the mobile device manufacturer. The slide switch  604  and runner  606  can be located on any side, front, or back portion of the casing  201 , and its placement is not limited to the embodiment show in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6B  is side view of the mobile device  102  with the slide switch  604  located on the side  206  of the mobile device  102 . 
         [0054]    In yet another embodiment, instead of a slide switch, a rotary dial or turning dial can be used to trigger the distress signal. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a mobile device with touch-sensitive buttons in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  includes a plurality of touch-sensitive buttons  702  is located on the casing  201 . In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of touch-sensitive buttons  702  are arranged in a straight row or column on the casing  201 . In operation, the user  100  can slide their finger across the row or column of touch-sensitive buttons  702 , effectuating a sliding motion. Such a movement would be difficult to emulate by accidental brushing while the mobile device  102  is in a pocket or purse. 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a mobile device with a Braille-type manipulation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The side  206  of the mobile device  102  (or any other portion of the casing  201 ) can include a Braille embossed section where the user  100  can trigger a distress signal, or send a message using the Braille alphabet. The message can be in the form of a text message or email that is transmitted from the mobile device  102  to a remote location. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a mobile device with an access switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The casing  201  of the mobile device  102  includes an access port  906  having a liftable cover  902  supported by a hinge. In an embodiment, the cover  902  includes tactile portions so that a user can locate the cover  902  without looking at the mobile device  102 . In yet another embodiment, the cover  902  is slidable, and can slide into the casing  201  to reveal the access port  906 . Within the access port  906  is a recess having a button  908 . The user  100  can depress the button  908  to trigger a distress signal. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the access port  906  can include a touch sensitive layer, instead of a button, that can sense the user&#39;s finger pressure. Upon sensing the finger pressure, the distress alarm can be triggered. 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a mobile device with a dedicated alarm region on the screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  includes a screen  204 . Within the screen  204  is a dedicated region  1002  that the user  100  can touch in a pre-determined fashion to trigger a distress signal. In an embodiment, when the user&#39;s finger glides over the dedicated region  1002 , a haptic sensation is triggered, indicating to the user  100  that they have located the dedicated region  1002 . The user  100  can then enter an activation sequence of inputs, such as three long taps, or two short taps following by one long tap, etc. to trigger the distress signal. 
         [0060]    The dedicated region  1002  can be software controlled, allowing for the user  100  or the mobile device manufacturer to set and modify the dedicated region  1002 , as well as the activation sequence. In another embodiment, the dedicated region  1002  can be an embedded chip (i.e., hardware) placed within the screen  204 . In this embodiment, the dedicated region  1002  is pre-set and cannot be changed. In yet another embodiment, the dedicated region  1002  is not on the screen  204 , and can be on any portion of the casing  201  of the mobile device  102 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a mobile device with a dedicated slide region on the screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  102  includes a screen  204  that is configured to sense a pre-determined sliding motion in order to trigger a distress signal. In an embodiment, when the user&#39;s finger glides over a starting point  1104 , a haptic sensation is triggered, indicating to the user  100  that they have located the starting point  1104 . In operation, the user  100  can slide their finger  1102  from the starting point  1104  to an ending point  1106  in the direction  1108  to trigger a distress signal. The starting point  1104  and the ending point  1106  can be software controlled, allowing for the user  100  or the mobile device manufacturer to set and modify the sliding region and start and end points. In yet another embodiment, more than two points can be used, such as three points connecting in a Z-shape pattern to trigger the distress signal. 
         [0062]    In an embodiment, once the user  100  triggers the distress signal, an audible or visual indicator can be emitted from the mobile device  102 . For example, an LED light on the mobile device  102  can be illuminated or can start to blink. In another example, a message can automatically be displayed on the screen  204  stating that a distress signal has been initiated. In another example, a pre-recorded message can automatically be played through a speaker on the mobile device  102 . 
         [0063]    In another embodiment, upon activation of the distress signal by the user  100 , a pre-programmed event can be triggered in addition to the distress signal being transmitted to a third-party response provider. For example, the event can be turning on an automobile engine, activating an automobile or home security alarm system, turning on automobile or home lights, opening a garage door, locking or unlocking automobile or home doors and/or windows, activating a security camera or a web camera, etc. 
         [0064]    Furthermore, the user  100  can enter a different sequence or touch a different combination of buttons or touch points on the mobile device  102  in order to activate different events. For example, referring to  FIG. 11 , as mentioned earlier, a vertical finger swipe from starting point  1104  to ending point  1106  can trigger a distress signal. In an embodiment, a horizontal swipe from starting point  1104  to ending point  1110  can trigger an event signal for turning on an automobile engine. Whereas a diagonal swipe from starting point  1112  to ending point  1110  can trigger an event signal to activate a home security alarm system. 
         [0065]    In each of the embodiments described in  FIGS. 2-11 , the mobile device  102  can be in a locked or sleep state in the user&#39;s pocket, purse, handbag, etc. in order for the various distress signal triggering mechanisms to be activated. By having the device in a locked state, this would prevent the accidentally triggering of the distress signal. 
         [0066]    In an embodiment, the mobile device  102  can include accelerometers and/or gyroscope mechanisms to determine its physical orientation. When the orientation is in flux based on accelerometer and gyroscope readings, this can be an indication that the device is in a pocket, purse, handbag, etc., and the mobile device  102  can automatically be placed in a locked mode, thereby enabling the distress signal triggering mechanisms. 
         [0067]    In yet another embodiment, the mobile device  102  can include a camera. When the camera senses a transition from a lighted environment to a dark environment, indicating that the device has been placed in a pocket or handbag, the mobile device  102  can automatically be placed in a locked mode, thereby enabling the distress signal triggering mechanisms. 
         [0068]    In another embodiment, if the mobile device  102  is in a purse, handbag, backpack, etc., the accelerometers and/or gyroscope mechanisms can determine if the user  100  is swinging their bag in a manner consistent with using the bag as a defensive tool. For example, if a woman is being chased or attacked, she may use her purse to beat or fend off the perpetrator. The swinging motion of the purse is likely to be extremely erratic. Upon sensing this erratic motion by the accelerometers and/or gyroscope mechanisms, the mobile device  102  inside the purse can trigger a distress signal. 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart of the method of triggering a distress signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  1202 , the user  100  initiates an input according to one of the aforementioned methods that does not require the user  100  to look at the mobile device  102 . Next, in step  1204 , the mobile device  102  receives an input signal corresponding to the user input, and subsequently processes the input to determine a corresponding action. In step  1206 , the mobile device  102  determines if the input signal corresponds to a distress signal, or to an event signal. 
         [0070]    If the input signal corresponds to a distress signal, then in step  1208 , the mobile device  102  transmits a distress signal to a remote location, such as to a third-party response provider. The distress signal can include position, audio, and video/image data, as well as any other identifying or information data that can assist the third-party response provider in assessing the user&#39;s environment/situation. 
         [0071]    Alternatively, if the input signal corresponds to an event signal, then in step  1210 , the mobile device  102  transmits an event signal to a third-party event system, such as a home security system, an automobile controller, etc. 
         [0072]    In step  1212 , the third-party response provider can initiate a two-way communication with the mobile device  102 . For example, the third-party response provider can speak through a speaker or loudspeaker on the mobile device  102 . In another embodiment, the third-party response provider can trigger an audible alarm or a pre-recorded message stating that the situation is being monitoring, and law enforcement officials are en route to the scene. 
         [0073]    In another embodiment, instead of sending an automatic distress signal upon receipt of the aforementioned methods, the mobile device  102  can include a “Release 911” feature, which was described as “911-On-Call” in co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/862,117, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, entitled “Methods and Systems for Threat Assessment, Safety Management, and Monitoring of Individuals and Groups”, which is incorporated entirely by reference herein. Upon feeling uncertain or uneasy about a particular environment or situation, the user  100  can activate a stand-by signal by applying a constant, steady pressure to a certain portion of the mobile device  102 . This stand-by signal is transmitted to a third-party response provider. 
         [0074]    For example, the user  100  can depress a button, or touch a portion of the mobile device  102 , in a pre-determined fashion as described above. As long as the user  100  keeps a constant, steady pressure on this particular portion of the mobile device  102 , the stand-by signal is transmitted to a third-party response provider, namely a 911 emergency center or a private monitoring/security provider. Upon receipt of the stand-by signal, the response provider is put on alert that the user  100  is in a potentially threatening situation, but perhaps not necessarily in immediate danger. If the user  100  removes pressure from the portion of the mobile device  102 , such as loosening their grip or letting go of the mobile device  102 , the third-party response provider requests the user  100  to enter a code (either by input into the mobile device  102 , or an audible code) to verify that the user  100  is not in danger. If such as input is not received within a pre-determined period of time, the third-party service provider escalates the situation in order to provide immediate assistance to the user  100 . 
         [0075]    In another embodiment, the distress signal can be triggered by voice commands. For example, the mobile device  102  can have an active microphone, such that the microphone is constantly picking up audible sounds, and the mobile device  102  is constantly processing these sounds in real-time. In the event of an attack, if the user  100  yells certain distress words, such as “Rape”, “Help”, “Attack”, “Burglar”, “Kidnapping”, “Robbery”, etc., the distress signal is automatically triggered. The microphone can be a highly sensitive microphone that can detect sounds even while the mobile device is in a concealed environment. 
         [0076]    In another embodiment, the mobile device  102  can include voice recognition software so that only a registered user&#39;s voice can activate the distress signal. In another embodiment, a family may choose to register the voices of all family members (e.g. parents, children, elderly grandparents) into the mobile device  102  so that it can be activated by numerous family members. 
         [0077]    In yet another embodiment, the distress signal can be triggered based on the user&#39;s physiological condition. The user  100  can have body sensors communicatively coupled to the mobile device  102  that are specifically tuned to recognize extreme stress consistent with attack, robbery, rape, hostage, and/or kidnapping situations. For example, the mobile device  102  can monitor the heart rate of the user  100 . If the user&#39;s heart rate becomes abnormally elevated, is erratic, or if no pulse is detected, a distress signal is automatically triggered. In this embodiment, the mobile device  102  is communicatively coupled to the user&#39;s body sensors via short-range wireless communication protocols, such as RFID or Bluetooth. 
         [0078]    In yet another embodiment, upon receipt of an indication, such as a button press, touch screen input, remote distress signal, accelerometer, gyroscope, or other internal or external sensor reading, the mobile device  102  can be optimized so that it can more effectively provide security and response features. Such functionality is coined “Make Ready  911 ”. 
         [0079]    In an embodiment, upon receiving the Make Ready  911  indication, software on the mobile device  102  configures various settings of the device. For example, the microphone on the mobile device  102  can be optimized so that the recording volume of audible sounds is increased, memory on the mobile device  102  can be made available for storing captured sounds, and filters can be activated to process received remove unwanted noise and static to increase the quality of recorded sounds. In addition, the sound capturing distance of the microphone can be adjusted. 
         [0080]    In yet another embodiment, the memory on the mobile device  102  is parsed and any non-essential data, such as Internet browser cache or temporary files are deleted in order to maximize space for any security-related data capture and storage. In addition, the volume of the speaker on the mobile device  102  can be increased or decreased based on the user&#39;s environment. For example, if the mobile device  102  senses a high degree of ambient sound, the speaker volume is increased so that the mobile device  102  speaker can be heard in the environment. 
         [0081]    In another embodiment, the speaker volume on the mobile device  102  can automatically be adjusted to its highest or lowest levels, based on a pre-defined user setting. 
         [0082]    Furthermore, the sensitivity of the display on the mobile device  102  can be increased or decreased. In an embodiment, the capacitance of a touch screen or touch sensitive display can be increased so that a lighter touch or a touch of a shorter duration is recognized and processed by the mobile device  102 . In another embodiment, the capacitance of the touch screen or touch sensitive display can be decreased so that a harder touch or a touch with a more prolonged duration is required for the touch to be recognized and processed by the mobile device  102 . 
         [0083]    In yet another embodiment, the sensitivity of a physical button or set of buttons on the mobile device  102  can be adjusted so that a higher or lower amount of pressure is required to actuate the button. 
         [0084]    In another embodiment, the threshold of voice recognition capabilities of the mobile device  102  is reduced so that typical phrases that would not be considered a command or a distress call would be recognized and processed. For example, yelling “Help!” would traditionally elicit a response protocol by the mobile device  102 . After the mobile device  102  is enhanced in anticipation of a security or risk, the voice recognition software would also process common misspellings such as “hell” or “yelp” or “elp”, in order to capture muffled sounds that could be emitting by the victim during an attack. 
         [0085]    In an embodiment, the processor can filter audible sounds and voice and isolate pre-determined words, phrases, and voices to identify or discern events around the mobile device  102 . For example, the mobile device  102  can proactively listen for names of people spoken aloud that match any names of contacts stored on the mobile device  102 . In addition, the mobile device  102  can filter in or out the voice of the registered user, and isolate any other sounds for processing or transmission to a remote center. 
         [0086]    In yet another embodiment, the sensitivity of motion and movement sensors on the mobile device  102  can be adjusted to a heightened or lessened sensitivity. For example, accelerometers and gyroscopes on the mobile device  102  can be adjusted so that a drop, shake, swinging, throwing, or pull-cord type movement can more easily be determined and sensed, which can then in turn be used to activate other features or provide data to the mobile device  102  and/or remote monitoring center. The orientation sensitivity, velocity sensitivity, and rotational sensitivity can each be adjusted. 
         [0087]    In addition, the mobile device  102  can automatically terminate, close, and/or disable all non-essential applications or features, such as video and music players, Internet browsers, and games, so that the processor and battery of the mobile device  102  can be fully utilized for the security features described above. Furthermore, the brightness of the display on the mobile device  102  can be dimmed in order to conserve battery life or increased in order to maximize viewing or attention. 
         [0088]    In yet another embodiment, the mobile device  102  can enter a shock mode, where the internal electronic components and circuitry are locked so that they are resistant to movement, thereby helping to prevent a memory loss due to a drop or impact on the mobile device  102 . 
         [0089]    The mobile device  102  can further enter a locked mode or initiate neuron jamming procedures if, after initiation of Make Ready  911 , no further input is received from the user, or if the user&#39;s voice is no longer detected, operation and manipulation of the phone can be disabled. The only features active on the phone would be audio and video capture and recording functions, as well as third-party communication functions, so that the mobile device  102  can continue to capture and transmit data to a remote location for processing, even if the user is no longer deemed to be manipulating the mobile device  102 . 
         [0090]    While the principles of the disclosure have been illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the principles of the disclosure are not limited thereto and include any modification, variation or permutation thereof.