PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10241642-B2
Application Number: US-201715727370-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Emergency information access on portable electronic devices

Abstract:
Improved techniques for facilitating emergency access to one or more contacts stored on a portable electronic device are disclosed. One or more contacts on the portable electronic device are designated as emergency contacts. While the portable electronic device is password-locked, a request to display the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device is received. Without requiring a password, the one or more emergency contacts are displayed on the portable electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for displaying emergency information associated with a registered user, the method comprising, at a locked portable electronic device that stores the emergency information:
 displaying a lock screen that includes (i) a first keypad for inputting a passcode for unlocking the lock screen, and (ii) an emergency user interface (UI) control for accessing an emergency information screen; 
 displaying the emergency information screen in response to receiving a first selection of the emergency UI control, wherein the emergency information screen includes (i) an emergency information UI control for accessing the emergency information stored at the locked portable electronic device, and (ii) a second keypad for initiating an emergency phone call; and 
 in response to receiving a second selection of the emergency information UI control:
 displaying the emergency information associated with the registered user that includes different subcategories of the emergency information that is associated with the registered user. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the different subcategories of the emergency information include at least two or more of a blood type, a medical condition, allergies or existing medications associated with the registered user. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the emergency information was previously designated as lock-accessible by the registered user of the locked portable electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in response to receiving the first selection of the emergency UI control, the method further comprises:
 preventing any other information associated with the registered user from being displayed. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the emergency phone call corresponds to an emergency contact number that is stored at the locked portable electronic device. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the emergency information includes at least one emergency contact UI control having (i) a name of an emergency contact, and (ii) a phone number associated with the emergency contact. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein, in response to receiving a third selection of the at least one emergency contact UI control, the method further comprises:
 accessing the phone number associated with the name of the emergency contact; and 
 causing the emergency phone call to be initiated in accordance with the phone number. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first keypad is concurrently displayed with the emergency UI control at the lock screen. 
     
     
       9. A computing device for displaying emergency information associated with a registered user, the computing device comprising:
 at least one processor; and 
 at least one memory storing instructions that, in response to being executed by the at least one processor, cause the computing device to:
 store the emergency information associated with the registered user of the computing device; 
 display a lock screen that includes (i) a first keypad for inputting a passcode for unlocking the lock screen, and (ii) an emergency UI control for accessing an emergency information screen; 
 display the emergency information screen in response to receiving a first selection of the emergency UI control, wherein the emergency information screen includes (i) an emergency information UI control, and (ii) a second keypad for initiating an emergency phone call; and 
 in response to receiving a second selection of the emergency information UI control:
 display the emergency information associated with the registered user that includes different subcategories of the emergency information that is associated with the registered user. 
 
 
 
     
     
       10. The computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the different subcategories of the emergency information include at least two or more of a blood type, a medical condition, allergies or existing medications associated with the registered user. 
     
     
       11. The computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the emergency information was previously designated as lock-accessible by the registered user of the computing device. 
     
     
       12. The computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the first keypad is concurrently displayed with the emergency UI control at the lock screen. 
     
     
       13. The computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the emergency information includes at least one emergency contact UI control having (i) a name of an emergency contact, and (ii) a phone number associated with the emergency contact. 
     
     
       14. The computing device of  claim 13 , wherein, in response to receiving a third selection of the at least one emergency contact UI control, the at least one processor further causes the computing device to:
 access the phone number associated with the name of the emergency contact; and 
 cause the emergency phone call to be initiated in accordance with the phone number. 
 
     
     
       15. At least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, in response to being executed by at least one processor included in a computing device, cause the computing device to:
 store emergency information associated with a registered user of the computing device; 
 display a lock screen that includes (i) a first keypad for inputting a passcode for unlocking the lock screen, and (ii) an emergency UI control for accessing an emergency information screen; 
 display the emergency information screen in response to receiving a first selection of the emergency UI control, wherein the emergency information screen includes (i) an emergency information UI control for accessing the emergency information stored at the computing device, and (ii) a second keypad for initiating an emergency phone call; and 
 in response to receiving a second selection of the emergency information UI control:
 display the emergency information associated with the registered user that includes different subcategories of the emergency information that is associated with the registered user. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 15 , wherein the different subcategories of the emergency information include at least two or more of a blood type, a medical condition, allergies or existing medications associated with the registered user. 
     
     
       17. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 15 , wherein the emergency information was previously designated as lock-accessible by the registered user of the computing device. 
     
     
       18. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 15 , wherein the emergency phone call corresponds to an emergency contact number that is stored at the computing device. 
     
     
       19. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 15 , wherein the emergency information includes at least one emergency contact UI control having (i) a name of an emergency contact, and (ii) a phone number associated with the emergency contact. 
     
     
       20. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein, in response to receiving a third selection of the at least one emergency contact UI control, the at least one processor further causes the computing device to:
 access the phone number associated with the name of the emergency contact; and 
 cause the emergency phone call to be initiated in accordance with the phone number.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/041,891, filed Feb. 11, 2016, entitled “EMERGENCY INFORMATION ACCESS ON PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/526,397, filed Oct. 28, 2014, entitled “EMERGENCY INFORMATION ACCESS ON PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,311,498 issued Apr. 12, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/028,276, filed Feb. 8, 2008, entitled “EMERGENCY INFORMATION ACCESS ON PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,299 issued Dec. 9, 2014, the contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     In general, the invention relates to portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to accessing emergency information on portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices, including mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and portable media players have become a near-ubiquitous part of daily life. As these devices evolve, more and more people are turning towards portable electronic devices that combine two or more of these functions into a single device (e.g., PDA phones or “smart” phones). The utility of these devices has made it increasingly likely that people who own them will rarely leave their homes without them. 
     One type of application that runs on many of the aforementioned portable electronic devices is an address book application. This address book application is typically used to store contact information, including telephone numbers, such that the owner of the portable electronic device is able to retrieve this contact information at will. However, the address book and other information on the portable electronic device is often accessible only to the person who owns the portable electronic device, since it is common for this type of device to be “locked” by the user to prevent unauthorized access. 
     Many portable electronic devices incorporate a password-lock feature, wherein a password must be entered before the device can be utilized. For example, on a typical password-locked mobile phone, any person who attempts to access information stored on the mobile phone will be presented with a password prompt and prevented from using the mobile phone until such a time as the correct password has been entered. 
     Typically, access to a locked portable electronic device is prevented by the use of a “screen lock”. Hence, to gain access to the address book, the user can enter a password to unlock the “screen lock”. However, there are situations when it would be desirable for someone who does not know the password to unlock a password-locked portable electronic device to be able to access at least some of the information on that portable electronic device. Currently, some PDAs and PDA phones display a ‘welcome screen’ that allows their owners to display information determined by the user when a device powers up, while maintaining the privacy of the other data on the device by requiring a password for access other information beyond that contained in the welcome screen. However, the owner of the device may not care to include identifying information or any other personal information on a device&#39;s welcome screen for many reasons including, for example, privacy concerns. Thus, there is a need for improved methods for allowing the owner of a portable electronic device to specify and customize information that can be accessed on a password-locked portable electronic device without entering the password. 
     Additionally, the portability and increasingly smaller sizes of portable electronic devices have the drawback of making them susceptible to loss. The design of most portable electronic devices is such that it is difficult or impossible to identify the owner of the device without extensive detective work, which is undesirable for a variety of reasons, including owner privacy concerns. Thus, there is also a need for improved methods to provide information to aid in the return of a lost portable electronic device to its rightful owner. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains for techniques for presenting personal information, such as contact information, emergency contact information, and/or owner health-related information on a portable electronic device. In the case of a password-locked portable electronic device, limited, predetermined personal information can be presented without requiring password entry and without sacrificing the benefits of a password-lock. The personal information is typically for use in emergency situations; therefore, the personal information can also be referred to as emergency information. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any portable electronic device capable of presenting emergency information, such as emergency contact information, and/or owner health-related information. Examples of portable electronic devices can, for example, include a mobile telephone, a pager, an electronic organizer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, a smart phone, a PDA phone, a laptop computer, or a palmtop computer, as well on any of number of devices that incorporate more than one of the above functions. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus (including as a computer readable medium or graphical user-interface.) Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     In one embodiment, an emergency contact list can be displayed on a password-locked portable electronic device by designating one or more emergency contacts on the portable electronic device, activating a password-lock on the portable electronic device, subsequently receiving a request to display the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device, displaying the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device even though the portable electronic device is password locked. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, emergency alerts that have been entered by the user are displayed on the portable electronic device, without requiring entry of a password. The emergency alerts can include, but are not limited to medical conditions, food allergies, and medication allergies. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, emergency medical information can be accessed on a password-lockable portable electronic device by an authorized medical care provider. The authorization of the medical care provider can be implemented as a docking station in a medical facility that authenticates the medical care provider and prevents unauthorized access to the password-locked portable electronic device. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, non-emergency information on a password-locked portable electronic device can be accessed by an authorized medical provider. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1( a )  is a block diagram of an emergency environment according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1( b )  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a state diagram modeling various states of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a password-lock bypass information designation process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a password-lock bypass process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an emergency-unlock process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6( a )-6( d )  are exemplary user interfaces according to several embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention pertains for techniques for presenting personal information, such as contact information, emergency contact information, and/or owner health-related information on a portable electronic device. In the case of a password-locked portable electronic device, limited, predetermined personal information can be presented without requiring password entry and without sacrificing the benefits of a password-lock. The personal information is typically for use in emergency situations; therefore, the personal information can also be referred to as emergency information. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any portable electronic device capable of presenting emergency information, such as emergency contact information, and/or owner health-related information. Examples of portable electronic devices can, for example, include a mobile telephone, a pager, an electronic organizer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, a smart phone, a PDA phone, a laptop computer, or a palmtop computer, as well on any of number of devices that incorporate more than one of the above functions. 
     Many portable electronic devices incorporate a password-lock feature, wherein a password must be entered before the device can be utilized. For example, on a typical password-locked mobile phone, any person who attempts to access information stored on the mobile phone will be presented with a password prompt and prevented from using the mobile phone until such a time as the correct password has been entered. 
     There are various reasons for password-locking a portable electronic device. For example, failure to protect a device with a password-lock can cause serious harm in the form of misappropriated private and/or secret information if the device is ever stolen. However, in situations where the owner of a password-locked device is incapacitated or deceased, the password-lock on the device can actually hinder efforts to contact the owner&#39;s family. For example, if a person is traveling alone and becomes incapacitated, a delay can occur while police or other officials attempt to locate the family of that person, especially when that person is far from home. Notwithstanding the conventional method of keeping one&#39;s emergency contact information in a wallet or purse, one potential source of emergency contact information is a mobile phone or PDA. Thus, several of the various embodiments of the invention are directed towards a portable electronic device that can present at least emergency contact information. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1( a )-6( d ) . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given here in with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1( a )  is a block diagram of an emergency environment  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The emergency environment  100  includes a portable electronic device  101 . The portable electronic device  102  can interact with a wireless network  103 , a personal computer  105 , an emergency health care provider  107 , and/or a non-emergency health care provider  109 . The portable electronic device  101  can interact with the wireless network  103 . The wireless network  103  can refer to a cellular network or other wireless network, for example, IEEE 802.11(a), (b) or (g) (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMax), or Ultra-Wideband (UWB). The portable electronic device  101  can also interact with the personal computer  105 . The portable electronic device  101  can connect to the personal computer  105  using the wireless network  103 . Alternately, the portable electronic device  101  can connect to the personal computer  105  using a wired network (not shown), a docking station, a cable connection (e.g., USB or FireWire cable), or a hardware connection. 
     The portable electronic device  101  can also interact with an emergency health care provider  107 . The emergency health care provider  107  can be, for example, an emergency medical technician (EMT) or an emergency room care provider. Still further, the portable electronic device  101  can interact with a non-emergency health care provider  109 . The portable electronic device  101  can interact with the non-emergency health care provider  109  using a personal computer located at the non-emergency health care provider  109  in a manner similar to that as described above for the interaction between the portable electronic device  101  and the personal computer  105 . 
     The portable electronic device  101  can store personal information (or emergency information) for its user. The portable electronic device  101  can also provide a “software lock” to restrict access to the personal information. For example, once the “software lock” is engaged, the personal information on the portable electronic device  101  is generally not accessible unless the “software lock” is disengaged. However, a user (e.g., owner) of the portable electronic device  101  can designate certain personal information stored on the portable electronic device  101  to be available in the event of an emergency. 
     In one embodiment, the user of the portable electronic device  101  can enter various personal information, namely, emergency information, into the portable electronic device  101  where it is stored. Typically, the portable electronic device  101  have the “software lock” engaged when the portable electronic device  101  is turned on or when unutilized for a period of time. However, even with the “software lock” engaged, the emergency information for the user can be made available while other information stored on the portable electronic device  101  remains unavailable. In one embodiment, the “software lock” can be bypassed to gain access to the emergency information. 
     As one example, assume that the owner of the portable electronic device  101  has entered predetermined medical information into the portable electronic device  101  that is to be available even if the “software lock” is engaged. In such case, the medical information remains available to anyone possessing the portable electronic device  101 . If the owner is injured in an accident, the portable electronic device  101 , if it accompanies the owner, can be used to access the predetermined medical information. For example, a health care provider  107 ,  109  can easily interact with the portable electronic device  101  to cause the portable electronic device  101  to present (e.g., display). In doing so, the health care provider  107 ,  109  is not required to unlock the “software lock”; instead, the “software lock” can be bypassed such that the predetermined information can be accessed even though the “software lock” remains engaged. The predetermined medical information can, for example, provide medical information (such as allergies, existing medications, blood type, medical conditions or other health information, etc.) and/or emergency contacts. Emergency contacts are persons that can be contacted in case of an emergency. These emergency contacts are identified by the portable electronic device  101  can, in some embodiment, be directly called via the portable electronic device  101  if the portable electronic device  101  supports wireless voice calls. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can, for example, correspond to a portable computing device (e.g., personal computer), mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), digital media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), media storage device, camera, remote control, and/or the like. The electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combine two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can further be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
       FIG. 1( b )  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device  150  according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile multi-function device  150  can include the circuitry of a portable electronic device that can perform the operations described herein. The mobile multi-function device  150  includes hardware and software components to provide at least two functions, namely, a media playback function (including display screen/menu presentations) and a wireless voice communications function. When providing media playback, the mobile multi-function device  150  can operate as a media player capable of playing (including displaying) media items. The media items can, for example, pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). When providing wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  150  can operate as a mobile telephone (e.g., cellular phone). 
     The mobile multi-function device  150  includes a processor  152  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mobile multi-function device  150 . The mobile multi-function device  150  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  154  and a cache  156 . In one embodiment, the file system  154  is implemented by a storage disk or a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, the file system  154  is implemented by EEPROM or Flash type memory. The file system  154  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the mobile multi-function device  150 . However, because the access time to the file system  154  can be relatively slow, the mobile multi-function device  150  can also include a cache  156 . The cache  156  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  156  is substantially shorter than for the file system  154 . However, the cache  156  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  154 . Further, the file system  154 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  156 . The power consumption is often a concern when the mobile multi-function device  150  is a portable mobile multi-function device that is powered by a battery  174 . The mobile multi-function device  150  also includes a RAM  170  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  172 . The ROM  172  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The ROM  172  can be implemented by an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or Flash type memory so as to provide writable non-volatile data storage. The RAM  170  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  156 . 
     In one embodiment, to support wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  150  includes a transceiver  176  and a SIM card  178 . The transceiver  176  supports wireless communication with a wireless network (such as a wireless cellular network). The SIM card  178  includes an identifier (e.g., SIM identifier) can be used by the mobile multi-function device  150  to gain access and utilize the wireless network. In other embodiments, a SIM card  178  is not utilized. 
     The mobile multi-function device  150  also includes a user input device  158  that allows a user of the mobile multi-function device  150  to interact with the mobile multi-function device  150 . For example, the user input device  158  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the mobile multi-function device  150  includes a display  160  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  152  to display information to the user. A data bus  161  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  154 , the cache  156 , the processor  152 , and the coder/decoder (CODEC)  162 . 
     In one embodiment, the mobile multi-function device  150  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in the file system  154 . When a user desires to have the mobile multi-function device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  160 . Then, using the user input device  158 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  152 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  162 . The CODEC  162  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  164 . The speaker  164  can be a speaker internal to the mobile multi-function device  150  or external to the mobile multi-function device  150 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the mobile multi-function device  150  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The mobile multi-function device  150  also includes a bus interface  166  that couples to a data link  168 . The data link  168  allows the mobile multi-function device  150  to couple to a host device (e.g., host computer or power source). The data link  168  can also provide power to the mobile multi-function device  150 . 
       FIG. 2  is a state diagram  200  modeling various states of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. In state diagram  200 , the portable electronic device is at least capable of placing phone calls, displaying information as text and/or graphics, activating/deactivating a password lock, and connecting to other devices (via wireless, cable or dock). 
     In a device unlock state  201 , the portable electronic device is unlocked and can be used normally. For example, normal use of a mobile phone can include all the conventional uses of a mobile phone such as accessing the mobile phone&#39;s phonebook application (which stores contact information), placing calls and sending text messages. 
     In a device password-locked state  203 , the portable electronic device is password-locked. For example, in the device password-locked state  203 , the portable electronic device has a “software lock” engaged or activated. In device password-locked state  203 , all information stored on the portable electronic device is inaccessible unless otherwise specified. Once the portable electronic device placed in the device password-locked state  203 , the portable electronic device cannot be unlocked without entering a password or employing some other authentication, for example voice recognition. 
     In a device lock-accessible information designation state  205 , lock-accessible information can be designated by the owner of the portable electronic device. Lock-accessible information is information that the user designates as accessible even though the portable electronic device has been password-locked. That is, lock-accessible information is accessible even if the password to unlock the portable electronic device is unknown. Examples of lock-accessible information can include, for example, emergency information and contact information for the owner of the portable electronic device. 
     In device emergency-unlock state designation state  207 , emergency-unlock accessible information can be designated by the owner of the generic portable electronic device. Emergency-unlock accessible information is information that can be accessed after an emergency-unlock has been performed on a locked portable electronic device. Emergency-unlock accessible information can be any subset of the total information contained on the corresponding unlocked portable device. For example, emergency-unlock accessible information can include information that a user would want his doctor to have access to in the event of an emergency but would not want a stranger to be able to access without his permission. Examples of emergency-unlock accessible information could include medical records, emergency contact information, and medical alerts such as medicine allergies. 
     From the device password-locked state  203 , the state diagram  200  can transition to a device emergency-unlock display state  209 . In the device emergency-unlock display state  209 , the portable electronic device displays emergency-unlock accessible information if it has been designated by the owner of the portable electronic device. The device emergency-unlock display state  209  can allow an authorized user to have limited access to information on the generic portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the device emergency-unlock display state  209  can only be entered when authorized medical personnel initiate an emergency-unlock. For example, medical personnel could enter a medical password or could place the portable electronic device in an authorized docking device. 
     Moreover, from the device password-locked state  203 , the state diagram  200  can transition to a device emergency call state  211 . In the device emergency call state  211 , emergency phone calls can be made from the portable electronic device (assuming the device has the capability to make phone calls). A well-known example of device emergency call state  211  is the dialing of 9-1-1, which is required for mobile phones in United States, regardless of whether the mobile phone is locked. Device emergency call state  211  typically does not allow access to any information contained on the portable electronic device. 
     Alternatively, from the device password-locked state  203 , the state diagram  200  can also transition to a display lock-accessible information  213 . In display lock-accessible information  213 , the portable electronic device displays lock-accessible information if it has been designated by the owner of the portable electronic device. The display lock-accessible information  213  can allow anyone with physical access to the portable electronic device to view lock accessible information (e.g., predetermined personal information). In one embodiment of the invention, any person who operates the portable electronic device can access the lock-accessible information that has been designated by the owner, but cannot not access any other information contained on the portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a password-lock bypass information designation process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The password-lock bypass information designation process  300  can be used to designate information that can be displayed on a password-locked portable electronic device without requiring that the user know the password to unlock the portable electronic device. The password-lock bypass information designation process  300  can be used, for example with the portable electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The information that can be designated by the password-lock bypass information designation process  300  can include, for example, a list of emergency contacts designated by the owner of a portable electronic device. Further, in one embodiment of the invention, the list of emergency contacts can include names of the emergency contacts, but does not display contact information. Instead, according to this embodiment, the list of emergency contacts is composed of icons or buttons representing each emergency contact, and selection of the icon or button associated with an emergency contact can sends a text-message or dial a phone number associated with that emergency contact without displaying a phone number. 
     The password-lock bypass information designation process  300  begins with the designation  301  of one or more contacts (i.e., password-lock bypass accessible contacts) on the portable electronic device that will be available for display on a particular portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the invention, contacts that are contained in a contact database that is stored on the portable electronic device are used. For example, one or more individual telephone numbers in a contact database stored on a mobile telephone can be designated as password-lock bypass accessible contacts. Alternately, password-lock bypass accessible contacts can be manually entered independently of a contact database. 
     Next, the list of password lock bypass accessible contacts can prioritized  303  with a call-order preference according to the device owners wishes. For example, if the device owner designates  301  his wife, his mother, and his brother as password lock bypass accessible contacts, he can also designate (i.e., prioritize  303 ) that his wife, his mother, and his brother are to be contacted in that order. Although the password-lock bypass information designation process  300  need not prioritize the list of password lock bypass contacts, prioritizing the password lock bypass accessible contacts (e.g., emergency contacts) can assist others in contacting the highest priority contact that is available. 
     If the user so desires, then one or more password-lock bypass accessible alerts can also be entered  305  into the portable electronic device. According to one embodiment of the invention, password-lock bypass accessible alerts are alerts that can be displayed on the portable electronic device in order to inform, alert, or warn any person who has bypassed the password-lock on that portable electronic device. For example, an informational alert can be entered announcing to anyone who comes across a misplaced portable electronic device to inform others how to contact the owner for return of the portable electronic device (and maybe a reward for the return of the portable electronic device). Alternately, if a person has a medical condition that requires special attention, a medical alert can be entered  305  into the device. A medical alert can serve to alert others of a medical condition of the owner, such as during an emergency involving the owner. 
     Optionally, the owner of a portable electronic device can upload and store any other information that the regards as important to be accessible in the event of an emergency. In one embodiment of the invention, the owner of the portable electronic device can upload  307  medical records into his portable electronic device, with the hope that a medical practitioner will think to check the portable electronic device in the event of an emergency. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a password-lock bypass process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The password-lock bypass process  400  can be used to access owner-designated information on a password-locked portable electronic device. 
     The password-lock bypass process  400  can begin with a decision  401  that determines if a request to interact with a password-locked portable electronic device has been received. If not, the password-lock bypass process  400  awaits until such time as the decision  401  determines that the password-lock has been activated. Next, a password-prompt can be displayed  403  (e.g., on an unlock-screen). Subsequently, a decision  405  can determine if a correct password has been entered in response to the password-prompt. If the decision  405  determines that the correct password has been entered, then the device is unlocked  407 . Once unlocked  407 , the portable electronic device can be permitted  409  normal device operation (e.g., display the device main menu, etc.). 
     If, on the other hand, the decision  405  determines that the correct password has not been entered, then a decision  411  can determine if a request has been made to bypass the lock-screen. If the decision  411  determines that a request to bypass the lock screen has been made, then a lock screen bypass screen can be displayed  413 . If, on the other hand, decision  411  does not detect a request to bypass the lock screen, then the password-lock bypass process  400  returns to block  403  and subsequent blocks. 
     Once the lock screen bypass screen is displayed  413 , several options are available. These options can include, but are not limited to, the option to place an emergency call, the option to display emergency contacts, and the option to display medical alerts. If the password-lock bypass process  400  detects a request to make an emergency call  415 , (e.g., “911” is dialed), then emergency call can be placed  417 . Upon completion of the emergency call, the password-lock bypass process  400  returns to block  403  and subsequent blocks. If the password-lock bypass process  400  detects a request to access emergency contacts  419 , then one or more emergency contacts can be displayed  421 . The one or more emergency contacts can be, for example, a type of lock-accessible information as described in above in reference to the device lock-accessible information designation state  205  of  FIG. 2 . Once the emergency contacts have been displayed  421 , then the portable electronic device-lock process  400  can return to block  403  and subsequent blocks. 
     If the password-lock bypass process  400  detects a request to view medical alerts  423 , then one or more medical alerts can be displayed  425 . Medical alerts can be, for example, a type of lock-accessible information as described above in reference to state  205  of  FIG. 2 . Once the medical alerts have been displayed  425 , then the password-lock bypass process  400  can return to block  403  and subsequent blocks. If none of decisions  415 ,  419 , or  423  detect a request, then the password-lock bypass process  400  returns to block  413  and subsequent blocks. In one embodiment of the invention, after a set period of time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed, the portable electronic password-lock bypass process  400  returns to block  403 . The transition from block  413  to block  403  is not shown on  FIG. 4 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, decisions  415 ,  419 , and  423  are implemented as buttons or icons displayed  413  on the lock screen bypass screen. The decisions  415 ,  419  and  423  are presented in no particular order. Accordingly, decisions  415 ,  419  and  423  can be executed in any order or simultaneously. Furthermore, if emergency contacts or emergency alerts have not been entered into the portable electronic device, then the options to display  421  emergency contacts and display  425  medical alerts can be omitted. Further still, in devices that are not capable of making telephone calls, the decision  419  and the block  417  can be omitted. 
       FIG. 5  is an emergency-unlock process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The emergency-unlock process  500  can be used to access owner designated emergency information on a password-locked portable electronic device. 
     The emergency-unlock process  500  can begin with a decision  501  that detects a request to initiate an emergency-unlock of a password-protected portable electronic device. The request to initiate an emergency unlock can be initiated, for example, by an authorized healthcare provider. In one embodiment of the invention, an authorized healthcare provider is recognized by an authentication system that is connected to a personal computer located on the premises of the healthcare provider. The authentication system prevents unauthorized access to the password-protected portable electronic device. For example, special hardware such as a docking station may be required to be connected to the password-protected portable electronic device in order to initiate the emergency-unlock of a password-protected portable electronic device. 
     If decision  501  does not detect an emergency-unlock request, then the emergency-unlock process  500  can wait until such time as a request for an emergency emergency-unlock of the password-protected portable electronic device is detected. If, on the other hand, a request for an emergency unlock of the password-protected portable electronic device is detected, then a second decision  503  can determine if requested emergency-unlock is authorized. If the requested emergency-unlock is authorized, then an emergency unlock screen can be displayed  505 . However, if decision  503  determines that the requested emergency-unlock is not authorized, then the emergency-unlock process  500  can return to decision  501  and subsequent blocks. 
     Once the emergency unlock screen is displayed  505 , several options are available. These options can include, but are not limited to, the option to display one or more emergency contacts  509 , the option to display one or more medical alerts  513 , and the option to upload (or print) medical records that are stored on the portable electronic device. Once the emergency-unlock screen has been displayed  505 , the emergency-unlock process  500  can continue to decision  507  which detects a request to access emergency contacts on the emergency-unlocked portable electronic device. If decision  507  detects a request to access emergency contacts on the emergency unlocked portable electronic device, then one or more emergency contacts  509  can be displayed on the emergency-unlocked portable electronic device. Once the one or more emergency contacts  509  have been displayed, the emergency-unlock process  500  can continue to block  505  and subsequent blocks. If decision  511  detects a request to view medical alerts, then one or more medical alerts  513  can be displayed. Once the one or more medical alerts  513  have been displayed, the emergency-unlock process  500  can continue to block  505  and subsequent blocks. If decision  515  detects a request for medical records, then medical records can be delivered  517  (e.g., downloaded to an authorized healthcare provider computer or printer). Once the requested medical records are delivered  517 , then the emergency-unlock process  500  can continue to block  505  and subsequent blocks. If none of decisions  507 ,  511  or  515  detect a request, then the emergency-unlock process  500  can return to block  505  and subsequent blocks. 
     The decisions  509 ,  513  and  517  are presented in no particular order. Accordingly, the decisions  509 ,  513  and  517  can be executed in any order or simultaneously. Furthermore, if any of the one or more of the emergency contacts, emergency alerts, or medical records have not been entered into the portable electronic device, then the corresponding options to display emergency contacts  509 , display medical alerts  513 , and/or deliver medical records  517  can be omitted. 
       FIGS. 6( a )-6( d )  are exemplary user interfaces according to several embodiment of the invention. The exemplary user interfaces depict, respectively, a lock-screen display  601 , an emergency dial pad display  621 , a medical alert display  641 , and an emergency contact list display  661 . The exemplary user interfaces are shown on a large display mobile phone having PDA capabilities (e.g., a PDA phone). 
       FIG. 6( a )  depicts the lock-screen display  601  according to one embodiment of the invention. The lock-screen display  601  includes a password (or pass-code) prompt  603 , an alphanumeric keypad  605 , and a lock-screen bypass control  607 . When the lock-screen bypass control  607  is selected, the emergency dial pad display  621  of  FIG. 6( b )  can be presented of the display of the mobile phone. 
       FIG. 6( b )  depicts the emergency dial pad display  621  according to one embodiment of the invention. The emergency dial pad display  621  depicts a standard telephone keypad  623  for use in making an emergency phone call, a medical alert display control  625 , and an emergency contact display control  627 . In one embodiment, when the medical alert display control  625  is selected, the medical alert display  641  of  FIG. 6( c )  can be presented on the display of the mobile phone. Also, in one embodiment, when the emergency contact display control  627  is selected, the emergency contacts list display  661  can be presented on the display of the mobile phone. 
       FIG. 6( c )  depicts the medical alert display  641  according to one embodiment of the invention. The medical alert display  641  presents two medical alerts  643 . The alerts  643  can be entered by the owner of the mobile phone. The medical alerts can alert the viewer to any kind of medical condition, for example food allergies, medication allergies, and chronic medical conditions. 
       FIG. 6( d )  depicts the emergency contacts list display  661  according to one embodiment of the invention. The emergency contacts list display  661  presents a plurality of emergency contacts  663 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6( d ) , the emergency contacts list display  661  illustrates four contacts. However, beyond relationship identifiers, no other contact information is displayed in this embodiment, thereby minimizing release of personal information. In one embodiment, selection of one of the displayed contacts can invoke automatic dialing of the telephone number associated with the corresponding displayed contact (without disclosing the telephone number to the dialer). In another embodiment, the emergency contacts list display  661  can present the names and telephone numbers of the emergency contacts. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that predetermined personal information can be made available on a portable electronic device even though the portable electronic device is access protected by a “software lock”. Another advantage of the invention is that a user can designate personal information, such as emergency contacts or medical alerts, that is to be made available. Still another advantage of the invention is that medical records can be made accessible to authorized medical personnel. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20171006
Publication Date: 20190326
Grant Date: 20190326
Priority Date: 20080208
Inventors: MICHALSKE, STEVEN CHARLES
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W12/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27475", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/673", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W12/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/629", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/629", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27475", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/673", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04842", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6775", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6775", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72541", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6775", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F19/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/629", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W12/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04842", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27455", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/31", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72536", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/673", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72563", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72424", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72418", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72448", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72424", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/31", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/31", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40940041