Patent Publication Number: US-8538403-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for disambiguating an emergency call attempt during password entry for unlocking a mobile device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/570,844 filed Sep. 30, 2009, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,244,231 on Aug. 14, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The specification relates generally to communication devices, and specifically to a method, apparatus for unlocking a mobile communication device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mobile communication device often require input of character sequences, including device passwords, smart card PINs, SIM pins and the like, via an input dialog box provided at the display device from a lock screen. Many mobile communication devices are also enabled to allow emergency calls, such as 911 calls, from the lock screen. Indeed, in some jurisdictions, such functionality is legislated, in that character input such 911, 999, 112, 008, etc. causes an emergency call to be placed and/or to bring up an emergency call dialog box. Moreover, different keyboards map these numbers to different letters, and input of the mapped characters can also cause the emergency call to be placed: for example 911 can be mapped to “cww”, and determination of receipt of “cww” triggers the 911 call and/or the emergency call dialog. Hence, if character sequences contain emergency number sequences, then the emergency call dialog box will appear in front of the input dialog box asking that the “Send” button be pressed to make the emergency call. The emergency call dialog box must then be dismissed, for example by pressing any button other then the “Send” button to dismiss the dialog before the remainder of the password is received and/or access is granted to the device. Such a situation can force use of passwords that do not contain emergency character sequences, but also is a general waste of processing resources as the communication device is unnecessarily placed in an emergency call ready mode and/or wastes computing resources to provide the emergency call dialog box and/or causes an erroneous emergency call to be placed. The latter is a further waste of bandwidth, as well as a waste of resources at an emergency call centre as the erroneous call is received and processed, for example by a call centre management system. Such a call can also result in a delayed response to legitimate emergency calls. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts schematic diagram of a system for unlocking a mobile communication device, according to non-limiting embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of a method for unlocking a mobile communication device, according to non-limiting embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a representation of a dialog box including a prompt to unlock the mobile computing device of  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a representation of a dialog box including a prompt for a password to unlock the mobile computing device of  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting embodiments; and 
         FIG. 5  depicts a representation of instructions to initiate an emergency call upon receipt of input from a call send key, according to non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts further steps in the method of  FIG. 2 , according to non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  depicts further steps in the method of  FIG. 2 , according to non-limiting embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     A first aspect of the specification provides a method for distinguishing between password entry and emergency call initiation at a mobile communication device comprising an input device, and a display device, the mobile communication device enabled to initiate emergency calls in a locked state. The method comprises receiving password input data via the input device, when the mobile communication device is in the locked state, the password input data for unlocking the mobile communication device, the password input data comprising at least a sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, controlling the display device to provide a representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of emergency call initiate data from the input device. 
     The method can further comprise placing the mobile communication device in an unlocked state if the password input data matches stored password data. The method can further comprise placing the mobile communication device back in the locked state after a pre-determined period of time. 
     The method can further comprise receiving the emergency call initiate data and initiating the emergency call. 
     The method can further comprise controlling the display device to remove the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call if the emergency call initiate data is not received within a given time period. 
     The method can further comprise controlling the display device to remove the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call if a next input in the password input data received from the input device, following the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, is any input other than the emergency call initiate data. The next input can comprise a character in the password input data. 
     The password input data can be received within a password dialog box and the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of the emergency call initiate data may not obscure the password dialog box on the display device. 
     The input device can comprise a call send key such that the emergency call initiate data can be received via the call send key. 
     The input device can comprise a voice recognition input device. 
     A second aspect of the specification provides a mobile communication device configured for access when in a locked state. The mobile communication device comprises a processing unit interconnected with a communication interface, an input device, a display device and a memory device. The processing unit is enabled to initiate emergency calls in the locked state via the communication interface. The processing unit is further enabled to receive password input data via the input device, when the mobile communication device is in the locked state, the password input data for unlocking the mobile communication device, the password input data comprising at least a sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call. The processing unit is further enabled to, in response to receiving the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, control the display device to provide a representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of emergency call initiate data from the input device. 
     The processing unit can be further enabled to place the mobile communication device in an unlocked state if the password input data matches stored password data. The processing unit can be further enabled to place the mobile communication device back in the locked state after a pre-determined period of time. 
     The processing unit can be further enabled to receive the emergency call initiate data and initiate the emergency call. 
     The processing unit can be further enabled to control the display device to remove the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call if the emergency call initiate data is not received within a given time period. 
     The processing unit can be further enabled to control the display device to remove the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call if a next input in the password input data received from the input device, following the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, is any input other than the emergency call initiate data. The next input can comprise a character in the password input data. 
     The password input data can be received within a password dialog box and the representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of the emergency call initiate data may not obscure the password dialog box on the display device. 
     The input device can comprise a call send key such that the emergency call initiate data can be received via the call send key. 
     The input device can comprise voice recognition input device. 
     A third aspect of the specification provides a computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method for distinguishing between password entry and emergency call initiation at a mobile communication device comprising an input device, and a display device, the mobile communication device enabled to initiate emergency calls in a locked state. The method comprises: receiving password input data via the input device, when the mobile communication device is in the locked state, the password input data for unlocking the mobile communication device, the password input data comprising at least a sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call; and in response to receiving the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, controlling the display device to provide a representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of emergency call initiate data from the input device. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a system  100 , including a mobile communication device  110  that can be placed in a locked state and is enabled to make emergency calls to an emergency call centre  120 , according to non-limiting embodiments. Mobile communication device  110  comprises a processing unit  122 , a communications interface  124 , a non-volatile memory device  114 , a volatile memory device  115 , an input device  126  and display device  128  all in communication, for example, via a computing bus (not depicted). 
     In some embodiments, input device  126  can comprise a call send key  127  which, when activated, causes calls to be placed via a communications network  130 , for example to emergency call centre  120 . In some embodiments, call send key  127  can comprise a button/key, while in other embodiments call send key  127  can comprise a virtual button/key, which can be selected by way of a pointing device and/or touch input, in embodiments where mobile communication device  110  comprises a touch screen. 
     In other embodiments, input device  126  can comprise a voice recognition unit  134 , such that input data can be received via voice input data, said voice recognition unit converting voice input data to input data. Hence, calls can also be initiated via voice recognition unit  134  when suitable voice input data is received. 
     In general, non-volatile memory  114  stores at least stored password one  131  for unlocking mobile communication device  110 . For example, processing unit  122  can place mobile communication device  110  into a locked state including but not limited to, when mobile communication device  110  is turned on (e.g. upon start-up), after a given time period, when it is determined that mobile communication device  110  has been placed into a holster (e.g. the holster containing a magnet, and the mobile communication device  110  comprising a magnetic switch (not depicted) activated by the magnet), when input is received via input device  126  that mobile communication device  110  is to be locked, and the like. In any event, mobile communication device  110  can be unlocked if password input data  133 , received from input device  126 , comprising characters representing a password are received from input device  126 , the password input data  133  matching stored password data  131 . 
     Non-volatile memory further stores at least one emergency number  132 , including but not limited to 911, 999, 112, 008, and the like. In some embodiments at least one emergency number can include, but is not limited to, character sequences representative of mapping of emergency numbers to characters on a keyboard, including but not limited to “cww”, “mee”, “mre”, “mrr”, and the like. Furthermore it is understood that the at least one emergency number  132  can be jurisdictional and/or dependent on an operator of communications network  130 . It is further understood that character sequences representative of mapping of emergency numbers to characters on a keyboard can be device dependent. 
     Mobile communication device  110  further comprises an application  131  that can be stored in non-volatile memory  114 . Application  131 , upon being processed by processing unit  122 , causes processing unit  122  to control mobile communication device  110 , in the locked state, to provide a representation of a prompt  320  to receive an indication that mobile communication device  110  is to be unlocked via entry of password entry data and/or a password input dialog box  410 , as described below with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively. 
     In general, mobile communication device  110  comprises any suitable computing and/or communication device for processing application  131  including but not limited to any suitable combination of laptops, mobile electronic devices, PDA&#39;s, cell phones and the like. Other suitable types of mobile electronic devices are within the scope of present embodiments. 
     Non-volatile memory device  114  can comprise any suitable non-volatile memory device, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, magnetic computer storage devices (e.g. hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape), optical discs, and the like. 
     Volatile memory  115  can comprise any suitable volatile memory device, including but not limited to random access memory (RAM), and the like. In general. Volatile memory device  115  is enabled to store representation data for controlling display device  128  to display representations  159  (described below). 
     Communications interface  124  is enabled to communicate with emergency call centre  120  via communications network  130 . Accordingly, communications interface  124  is enabled to communicate via communications network  130  according to any suitable protocol which is compatible with communications network  130 . Further, communications interface  124  is enabled to communicate in a wireless or wired manner, as desired, compatible with communications network  130 , including but not limited to packet based protocols, Internet protocols, analog protocols, PSTN protocols, cell phone protocols (IX, UTMS, CDMA, GMS, and the like), WiFi protocols, WiMax protocols and/or a combination. Other suitable protocols are within the scope of present embodiments. Specifically, communication interface  124  is enabled to place an emergency call to emergency call centre  120  when mobile communication device  110  is in a locked state. 
     Similarly, communication networks  130 , can comprise any suitable combination of wired and/or wireless networks, including but not limited to packet based networks, the Internet, analog networks, the PSTN, LAN, WAN, cell phone networks, WiFi networks, WiMax networks and/or a combination. Other suitable types of communication networks are within the scope of present embodiments. 
     Input device  126  is generally enabled to receive input data, and can comprise any suitable combination of input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a track wheel, a touchpad, a touch screen and the like. In particular, input device  126  is enabled to receive password input data  133  comprising a sequence of characters for example via a keyboard (which can include a virtual keyboard provided at display device  128 ) and/or voice recognition unit  134 . Input device  126  is further enabled to receive emergency call initiate data  135 , for initiating an emergency call, for example via call send key  127  and/or voice recognition unit  134 , such that an emergency call is initiated upon receipt of emergency call initiate data  135  at processing unit  122 . 
     In particular, when mobile communication device  110  is in a locked state, call send key  127  can be dedicated to initiating a call to emergency call centre  120  when a sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call is received from input device  126  (e.g. “911” and the like), and call send key  127  is activated. Activation of call send key  127  is indicative of receipt of emergency call initiate data  135 . Alternatively, the sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call and emergency call initiate call data  135  can be received from voice recognition unit  134 . 
     Display module  128  comprises circuitry  158  for generating a representation  159 , described below. Display module  128  can include any suitable combination of CRT and/or flat panel displays (e.g. LCD, plasma and the like), and circuitry  158  can include any suitable combination of circuitry for controlling the CRT and/or flat panel displays etc., including but not limited to display buffers, transistors, electron beam controllers, LCD cells, plasmas cells, phosphors etc. In particular, display module  128  and circuitry  158  can be controlled by processing unit  122  to generate representations  159 ,  165 . 
     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 2  which depicts a method  200  for unlocking a mobile communication device. In order to assist in the explanation of the method  200 , it will be assumed that the method  200  is performed using system  100 , and specifically mobile communication device  110 . Furthermore, the following discussion of the method  200  will lead to a further understanding of system  100 , and its various components including but not limited to mobile communication device  110 . However, it is to be understood that system  100  and/or method  200  can be varied, and need not work exactly as discussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that such variations are within the scope of present embodiments. 
     At  201 , mobile communication device  110  is placed in a locked state. 
     In some embodiments, at  203  (optional), an indication is received that mobile communication device  110  is to be unlocked. For example, processing unit  122  controls display device  128  (for example via control of circuitry  158 ), to provide a representation  310 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , according to non-limiting embodiments. Representation  159  can comprise representation  310 . In any event, representation  310  comprises at least a prompt  320  to receive an indication that mobile communication device  110  is to be unlocked via entry of password entry data. Representation  159  can further comprise an icon  330  indicative that mobile communication device  110  is in a locked state. In some embodiments, processing unit  122  can control display device  128  to provide representation  330  upon receipt of any suitable input data at input device  126 . In some embodiments, the any suitable input data can comprise an indication that any suitable button at mobile communication device  110  has been activated. In any event, in these embodiments, prompt  320  can be selected, for example via a pointing device. 
     At  205 , a password input dialog box  410  is provided, for example as depicted in representation  420  in  FIG. 4 , according to non-limiting embodiments.  FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3 , with like elements having like numbers. Furthermore representation  159  can comprise representation  420 . In general, processing unit  122  controls display device  128  to provide representation  420 , for example upon activation of prompt  320 . In other embodiments, processing unit  122  controls display device  128  to provide representation  420  upon receipt of first password input data  133 , from input device  126 . In other words, when mobile communication device  110  is in a locked state, and input data comprising a first character in a password is received, processing unit  122  controls display device  128  to provide representation  420 , and specifically password input dialog box  410 . 
     At  207 , a password input data  133  character is received via input device  126 , for example a first character in stored password data  131 . In some embodiments,  207  can occur in parallel with  205 , in that receipt of first password input data  133  can cause processing unit  122  to control display device  128  to provide representation  420 , as has been described above. However, it is further noted that  207  can be repeated any suitable number of times, as will be described below, until all of password input data  133  is received: further, for each character in password input data  133  received, a symbol such as an asterisk and the like, is provided in password dialog box  410 , to indicate the number of characters in password input data  133  that have been received, as well as to hide details of the password input data  133 , for security purposes. 
     At  209 , processing unit  122  compares at least one emergency number  132  to the password input data  133  to determine if password input data  133  contains at least one emergency number  132 . In present embodiments, the comparison occurs after receipt of each password input data  133  character. For example, if password input data  133  comprises “dHk911ui”, each character received in order, and at least one emergency number  133  comprises “911”, then when the characters received comprises “dHk911”. It is determined that password input data  133  comprises at least one emergency number  132 . 
     If so, then at  215  processing unit  122  controls display device  128  to provide a representation  520 , comprising a representation  530  of instructions to initiate an emergency call upon receipt of emergency call initiate data  135 . Representation  520  is depicted in  FIG. 5 , according to non-limiting embodiments,  FIG. 5  being substantially similar to  FIG. 4 , with like elements having like numbers. In these embodiments, representation  530  comprises an icon  540  representative of call send button  127 , and the text “Press (icon  540 ) to Start Emergency Call”. Furthermore, representation  530  is provided in an area of representation  520  that does not obscure or interfere with password dialog box  410 . Neither is an emergency call dialog box provided, nor is an emergency call initiated. 
       FIG. 6  depicts further elements in method  200 , which continues at A. It is understood that after  215 , at  219  it is determined if emergency call initiate data  135  has been received (e.g. via call send key  127  and/or voice recognition unit  134 ). If so, an emergency call to emergency call centre  120  is initiated at  221 . Hence, the emergency call occurs and mobile electronic device  110  remains locked. In some of these embodiments, however, it is then determined at  223  if password entry is to continue. If so, then  210  occurs, described below. In these embodiments, the emergency call can occur and mobile communication device  110  can be unlocked. The determination at  223  can be made if the emergency call is made and display device  128  is controlled to provide a representation (not depicted) inquiring as to whether or not password entry is to continue, along with “yes/no” buttons. If a positive response is received, then  210  occurs (from “B”). Otherwise method  200  ends at  225  and mobile electronic device  110  remains locked. 
     It is furthermore understood that if emergency call initiate data  135  is not received within a given time period (for example 10 seconds, or any other suitable length of time) at  219 , processing unit  122  controls display device  128  to remove representation  530 . In addition, if emergency call initiate data  135  is not received at  219 ,  210  occurs (from “B”). 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , whether or not the password input data contains an emergency number,  210  is performed in which processing unit determines if password input data  133  is complete such that password input data  133  is to be compared with stored password data  131 . For example, in some embodiments, such a determination can be made if input data indicating that a return key (not depicted) has been pressed, a press of the return key indicating that password input data is complete. Alternatively, data indicating that password input data is complete can be received from voice recognition unit  124 . If password input data  133  is not yet complete, then further characters in password input data  133  can be received at  207 . 
     In some embodiments, if  209  and  215  have already occurred, then they are not repeated upon receipt of further characters in password input data  133 , when  207  is repeated. Furthermore, if  209  and  215  have occurred, and a next input from input device  126  is any input other than emergency call initiate data  134 , then processing unit  122  controls display device  122  to remove representation  530 . For example, a next input can comprise a character in password input data received at  207 . 
     In any event, if password input data  133  is complete, password input data  133  can then be compared with stored password data  131  by processing unit  122 , at  211 . If password input data  133  matches the stored password data  131  then, at  213 , mobile communication device  110  is placed in an unlocked state, otherwise mobile communication device  110  remains in a locked state, as indicated at  217 . In some embodiments,  203  through  215  can be repeated. 
     In some embodiments, after  213 , method  200  continues at optional  227 , where it is determined if representation  530  is still being provided at display device  128  (i.e. step  213  has occurred, but an emergency call has not been initiated). If not, then method  200  ends at  229 . Otherwise, method  200  continues at “C”, as depicted in  FIG. 7 , where it is determined at  231  if emergency call initiate data is received (similar to  219 ). If not (e.g. after a period of time), then method  200  ends at  233 . If so, then an emergency call is initiated at  235  (similar to  221 ). Hence, in these embodiments, mobile communication device  110  is unlocked and the emergency call is initiated. 
     As used in this application, making an emergency call that results in mobile communication device  110  being unlocked includes different levels of unlocking. For example, mobile communication device  110  can be unlocked only to the amount and level of functionality needed to make emergency calls, and for all other functionality remains locked, or unavailable. Alternatively, mobile communication device  110  can be unlocked for its phone application only (full phone functionality), but no others. In these cases, mobile communication device  110  can be configured to stay in this limited unlocked state, where call can be made or received at mobile communication device  110  (but no other functions can be used, nor can any stored information be accessed) for a duration of time after the emergency call has been completed. For example, a duration of time after the emergency call has been completed could be set in increments of any suitable time period, e.g. 5, 10, or 30 minute increments. Such a duration can be configurable at mobile communication device  110 . 
     Alternatively, mobile communication device  110  can be unlocked as an accepted password in addition to an emergency call being initiated, and can stay fully unlocked after the completion of the emergency call. The duration of the unlocked state can vary. For example, the implemented unlocked state can last as long as the emergency phone call is active plus a set amount of time after the call is completed, which allows incoming calls in response to the emergency call to be received. Alternatively, if the unlocked state corresponds to unlocking the phone application on mobile communication device  110 , mobile communication device  110  can stay in that form of unlocked state indefinitely. Alternatively, mobile communication device  110  can enter and stay in a fully unlocked state (e.g. all applications available) upon acceptance of an emergency call, but revert to a locked state after a designated amount of time has passed. In other words method  200  can further comprise placing mobile communication device ( 110 ) back in the locked state after a pre-determined period of time. These varying locking levels and time in those locking levels can be designed into mobile communication device  110  by the manufacturer, can be selectable by the device&#39;s owner when different from a user of mobile communication device  110 , can be selectable in part by the carrier (to minimize abuse, for example), or can be selectable in whole or in part by user of mobile communication device  110 . 
     In any event, by providing instructions to provide emergency call input data to initiate an emergency call, if a password contains an emergency number sequence, the password input process is not interrupted to either initiate an emergency call and/or require input to confirm that an emergency call is not to be made. Hence passwords containing an emergency number sequence become more practical, and further system resources are conserved by prevention of placing a communication device in an emergency call ready mode and/or provide the emergency call dialog box and/or cause an erroneous emergency call to be placed. This can further conserve bandwidth, saves resources at an emergency call centre, and enables legitimate emergency calls to be processed more efficiently at the emergency call centre. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the functionality of mobile communication device  110  can be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other embodiments, the functionality of mobile communication device  110  can be achieved using a computing apparatus that has access to a code memory (not shown) which stores computer-readable program code for operation of the computing apparatus. The computer-readable program code could be stored on a computer readable storage medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these components, (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, fixed disk, USB drive). Alternatively, the computer-readable program code could be stored remotely but transmittable to these components via a modem or other interface device connected to a network (including, without limitation, the Internet) over a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be either a non-wireless medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a wireless medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but&#39;otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible for implementing the embodiments, and that the above implementations and examples are only illustrations of one or more embodiments. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.