WO2015183087A1

WO2015183087A1 - Mobile phone comprising easy-to-use emergency call system

Info

Publication number: WO2015183087A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050379
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miroslav POBUDA
Original assignee: Pobuda Miroslav
Priority date: 2014-05-28
Filing date: 2015-05-27
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile phone that comprises a touch-activated emergency call system which is configured to transmit an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device, said mobile phone comprising: - a processor; - a touch screen comprising a display panel and a touch panel; - a storage medium containing the phone number of the at least one pre-identified call receiving device; wherein the mobile phone has an unlocked active mode and a locked active mode; and wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time, e.g. of at least 3 seconds Smart watches and smart phones are examples of mobile phones that are encompassed by the present invention. The mobile phone of the present invention offers the advantage that it enables the user to send out an alarm call, even when the device is in locked mode, by simply touching the screen for several seconds. Thus, the mobile phone of the present invention allows a user to send out an emergency call at any time, even when said user is disoriented, suffers from impaired eyesight or is incapacitated.

Description

MOBILE PHONE COMPRISING EASY-TO-USE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile phone which comprises a touch screen- activated emergency call system which, when initiated by the user, transmits an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device. Examples of mobile phones encompassed by the present invention include smart watches and smart phones.

The mobile phone of the present invention offers the advantage that it enables the user to send out an alarm call, even when the mobile phone is in locked mode, by simply touching the screen for several seconds. Thus, the mobile phone of the present invention allows a user to send out an emergency call at any time, even when said user is disoriented, suffers from impaired eyesight or is incapacitated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays many of elderly and disabled people opt to live on their own, outside of assisted living or retirement communities where emergency response networks consisting of nurses, aids, call buttons, and other technologies are prominent. To these people who choose to live independently, everyday tasks pose a large threat which can lead to injury and the need for emergency care.

For whatever the reason, these elderly and infirm people regularly need assistance. It may be medical assistance or police assistance or something of a lesser problem, where just general assistance is needed. Thus, there is a strong and gowning need for these people to have some means to call for assistance.

Besides elderly and disabled people, also healthy individuals may suddenly find themselves in a situation where they need immediate assistance, e.g. after an accident. Mobile phones comprising an emergency call system have been described in the prior art. US 2012/0282877 describes a method of initiating a distress signal, comprising the steps of: sensing a first pressure by a sensor on a pre-determined portion of a surface of a mobile device; transmitting, by a signal transceiver in the mobile device, a stand-by signal to a remote monitoring system upon sensing the first pressure by the sensor; initiating a first security protocol by the remote monitoring system upon receipt of the stand-by signal;

sensing a second pressure by the sensor on the pre-determined portion of the surface, wherein the second pressure is different than the first pressure; transmitting, by the signal transceiver, a distress signal to the remote monitoring system upon sensing the second pressure by the sensor; and initiating a second security protocol by the remote monitoring system upon receipt of the distress signal.

US 2010/0003951 describes a wireless communications device, comprising: a housing; a user interface disposed on said housing configured to enable a user to type text messages for communication over a communications network; an emergency message button selectable by a user; and a processing unit in communication with said user interface and emergency message button, and configured to generate and send an emergency message to a public safety answering point in response to a user selecting said emergency message button.

US 2004/0072583 describes a mobile phone device with function of emergency notification, in which a mobile phone is provided to conduct send/receive operation of mobile radio communication, said device is characterized in that said mobile phone is provided with: a global positioning system receiver, for receiving satellite positioning signal and from which a location information is calculated; a memory cell, for temporary storing said location information and permanently storing an emergency notification message and an emergency phone number; and an emergency key, for commanding said mobile phone to send the location information and said emergency notification message to said pre-stored emergency phone number.

Smart phones that are currently widely available have an emergency call system that allows users to initiate an emergency call to an emergency service (such as 911 in the USA) when the device is locked. To do so a user has to select the emergency call function, e.g. by tapping a particular area of the touch screen, following which the emergency call can be made.

Also, a large number of Apps are currently available for smart phones and their users that enable submitting alarm calls to predefined call receiving devices in case of emergency. However, these Apps can only be used when the phone is in active mode and the relevant App must be selected by the user before the alarm call can be initiated.

A problem associated with the mobile devices of the prior art is that in case of a medical or other emergency, it can be hard to select the right button or to tap the right area of the touch screen, or to carry out a specific sequence of actions in order to initiate an emergency call, especially if the user is disoriented, is incapacitated, suffers from impaired eye sight or if the user is unable to execute these actions for other reasons.

Consequently, there is a need for a mobile phone with an easy-to-use emergency call system that can be operated by a user even if the user is disoriented, suffers from impaired eyesight or is incapacitated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mobile phone that allows a user to initiate an emergency call at any time, even when said user is disoriented, suffers from impaired eyesight, or is incapacitated. The mobile phone of the present invention comprises a touch- activated emergency call system which is configured to transmit an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device, said mobile phone comprising:

• a processor;

• a touch screen comprising a display panel and a touch panel;

• a storage medium containing the phone number of the at least one pre-identified call receiving device;

wherein the mobile phone has an unlocked active mode and a locked active mode; and wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time, e.g. of at least 3 seconds

An individual requiring urgent assistance and wanting to make an alarm call can do so at any time using the mobile phone of the present invention by simply keeping the fingers or palm of the hand against the touch screen for a preset time of at least 3 seconds. The mobile phone of the present invention offers the important advantage that the alarm call can be initiated by the user in a very simple way, even if the device is in locked mode. In other words, if the mobile phone of the present invention is in locked active mode, no prior authentication (e.g. entry of a pass code) is required before the alarm call can be initiated, nor is it necessary to press a particular button, to tap a certain area of the touch screen or to execute a certain sequence of actions. In the event of an emergency the mobile phone of the present invention enables a user to send out an alarm to a pre-identified call receiving device, e.g. a call receiving device of an alarm centre, a nurse, a relative, a friend etc. In a particularly useful embodiment of the present invention, the mobile phone can be programmed to transmit alarm calls to a sequence of phone numbers. Thus, it can be ensured that contact will be established, e.g. if the last call in the sequence goes out to an alarm centre.

One can think of various situations in which an individual needs help, but is unable to initiate an alarm call from an ordinary mobile phone that is in locked mode. Examples of such situations include:

• partial loss of consciousness, e.g. after stroke, heart failure, blood loss or head injury; · attention required for complex task (e.g. performing CPR)

• impaired vision due to, for instance, smoke, loss of eyesight or loss of spectacles;

• impaired eye hand coordination because user cannot see hands (e.g. when trapped);

• debilitating pain;

• threatening by one or more individuals. The mobile phone of the present invention makes it possible to send an alarm call in an extremely simple manner, allowing mobile phone users to transmit an alarm call in critical situations where existing mobile phones do not allow this. Examples of mobile phones encompassed by the present invention include smart phones and smart watches.

FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a flow chart depicting a procedure for initiating and transmitting an alarm call with a mobile phone according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a user holding a smart phone to initiate transmittal of an alarm call. Figure 3 shows a user pressing the touch screen of a smart watch to initiate transmittal of an alarm call.

Figure 4 shows a user pressing the touch screen of a smart watch that is paired with a smart phone to initiate transmittal of an alarm call.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a mobile phone that comprises a touch- activated emergency call system which is configured to transmit an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device, said mobile phone comprising:

• a processor;

· a touch screen comprising a display panel and a touch panel;

wherein the mobile phone has an unlocked active mode and a locked active mode, and wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time.

The term 'mobile phone' as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, refers to a phone that can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link by connecting to a cellular network, allowing access to the public telephone network. Examples of mobile phones include, for instance, smart phones, smart watches and paired combinations of a smart watch and a smart phone. Additionally, the term 'mobile phone' may refer to a mobile electronic device that has a touch screen and that can connect to wireless networks for data- communication, such as the Internet. Such mobile devices comprise portable computing devices (PDA's) and 'tablets' that can communicate over wireless digital networks using audio or video communication technologies similar to telephone services. In this respect a phone call may refer to voice or data communications over a telecommunications network or to an audio or video call over a data communications network. The term 'call receiving device' as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, refers to a device that can establish a (wireless) connection with the mobile phone and that is capable of receiving electronic data from the mobile phone.

The term 'recipient' refers to the user of a 'call receiving device' . The term 'touch screen' as used herein refers a touch-sensitive screen that can detect the location of touches within a display area on the touch screen. The touch screen employed in the mobile phone of the present invention contains a touch panel that is sensitive to touch or contact, and a display panel that is capable of presenting graphics, text etc. Typically, the touch panel is transparent and covers the display panel.

The term 'active mode' as used herein refers to a mode of the mobile phone in which both the display panel and the touch panel are active. In active mode the mobile phone is registered with a telecommunications network service or a data communications network service.

The term 'unlocked active mode' as used herein refers to an active mode of the mobile phone in which a user is allowed to make phone calls to randomly selected phone numbers. In other words, the user is 'logged in'.

The term 'locked active mode' as used herein refers to an active mode in which a user is not allowed to make phone calls to randomly selected phone numbers, and wherein the user can enter an identifier (e.g. a pass code, finger print, swipe pattern or iris scan) to switch to the unlocked active mode. In other words, the user is not 'logged in'.

The term 'stand-by mode' as used herein refers to a mode in which the display panel is not active and in which a user is not allowed to make phone calls to randomly selected phone numbers. In this mode, the touch panel is active, allowing the user to activate the display panel by touching the touch panel. During stand-by mode the mobile device is registered with a telecommunications network service or a data communications network service.

The terminology 'transmittal of an alarm call', unless indicated otherwise, refers to the establishing of a wireless connection between the mobile phone and the pre-identified call receiving device. Thus, transmittal of an alarm call is achieved when, for instance, the alarm call triggers a call receiving device to 'ring' . The terminology 'initiation of transmittal of an alarm call', unless indicated otherwise, refers to the start of an automatic procedure that, unless aborted by the user, leads to the transmittal of an alarm call by the mobile phone to a pre-identified call receiving device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mobile phone is configured to allow a user to enable or disable the touch-activated emergency call system. Thus, a user can decide whether or not to activate the emergency call system. Typically, the user can select to enable or disable the emergency using the ' Settings' function of the mobile phone.

It will be appreciated that the term 'phone number' can relate to a destination on a telecommunications network but also to a network address of a communications receiving device on a datacommunications network.

The mobile phone of the present invention preferably is a smart watch, a smart phone or a paired combination of a smart watch and a smart phone. Pairing of a smart watch with a smart phone makes it possible to use the smart watch as a remote for the smart phone. Thus, pairing of a smart watch with a smart phone allows a user to initiate transmittal of the alarm call when the smart phone is in the locked active mode using the touch screen of the smart watch. In this particular embodiment, if the processor of the smart watch or smart phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel of the smart watch for the preset period of time, the emergency call system initiates transmittal of the alarm call by the smart phone. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention the mobile phone comprises a smart watch and a smart phone, said smart watch being paired to the smart phone, wherein the smart phone has an unlocked active mode and a locked active mode, and wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the smart phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the smart watch or the processor of the smart phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel of the smart watch for a preset period of time.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the mobile phone is configured to allow a user to define the length of the preset period of time after which the touch activated transmittal of the alarm call is initiated. As explained herein before, the mobile phone of the present invention offers the important advantage that an alarm call can be initiated in a very simple way when the device is in locked active mode. Preferably, the emergency call system is also arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call in such a simple way when the phone is in unlocked active mode. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the emergency systems is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call when the phone is in unlocked mode in the same way as when it is in locked active mode, i.e. transmittal is initiated when the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time. If the mobile phone is in stand-by mode, transmittal of an alarm call may be initiated by a user by first switching from stand-by mode to the locked active mode and by

subsequently continuously touching the touch panel for the preset period of time. However, in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call if the phone is in stand-by mode in the same way as when it is in locked active mode, i.e. transmittal is initiated when the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time. This advantageous embodiment can be realized in a simple manner if in stand-by mode the touch panel is active and the display panel is inactive. Thus, energy consumption in stand-by mode is minimized whilst at the same time it is ensured that an alarm call can be initiated immediately by continuously touching the touch panel for the preset period of time. Most commercially available mobile phones have a stand-by mode in which both the touch panel and the display are inactive.

The mobile phone of the present invention allows the alarm call to be initiated when the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, this can be achieved by the user by simply holding the device for the preset period of time. However, the mobile phone of the present invention offers the advantage that the alarm call may also be initiated in other easy ways, e.g. by continuously touching the screen with an elbow, a toe, chin or forehead. These alternatives can be of crucial importance in case a user cannot use his hands to initiate transmittal of the alarm call.

In order to avoid unintentional initiation of an alarm call, the user should continuously touch the screen for a considerable period of time. Preferably, the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call when the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time of at least 3 seconds, more preferably of at least 6 seconds, even more preferably for at least 10 seconds, yet more preferably for at least 12 seconds and most preferably for at least 15 seconds.

In order to minimize the risk that an alarm call is transmitted unintentionally, the mobile phone advantageously generates an alerting signal once the transmittal of the alarm call has been initiated to alert the user that an alarm call is about to be transmitted and it allows the user to abort the procedure leading to the actual transmittal of the alarm call. More particularly, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the mobile phone is configured to generate an alerting signal upon initiation of the alarm call to alert the user that an alarm call will be transmitted and to allow the user to abort transmittal of the alarm call by stopping the touching of the touch panel within a second pre-set period after the alerting signal has been generated. Preferably, this second pre-set period does not exceed 15 seconds, more preferably it does not exceed 10 seconds and most preferably it does not exceed 5 seconds. The aforementioned embodiment of the invention may employ various alerting signals to alert the user. Examples of alerting signals that may be employed include vibration, sound and combinations thereof. Most preferably the alerting signal comprises vibration.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the mobile phone is configured to allow a user to define the length of the second preset period of time within which the transmittal of the alarm call can be aborted after the alerting signal has been generated.

Preferably, the mobile phone is configured to allow the user to discontinue the transmittal of the alarm call once transmittal is ongoing. In a preferred embodiment, the transmittal of the alarm call can be discontinued by using the 'end call' functionality of the mobile phone, e.g. by pressing an 'end call' button. In order to allow the recipient of the alarm call to respond adequately without unnecessary delay, information may suitably be transmitted from the mobile device to the call receiving device following transmittal of the alarm call. This information may be stored on the storage medium of the mobile phone, especially if it is personal information about the user, and is automatically transmitted after transmittal of the alarm call to one of the pre- identified call receiving devices.

Relevant information that may suitably be transmitted includes information about the identity of the user. Besides the identity of the user also other relevant information about the user, such as gender, age and mother tongue may be transmitted.

Further information that can suitably be stored on the storage medium of the mobile phone and that is advantageously transmitted to the call receiving device during the alarm call includes medical information about the user. This medical information may include, for instance, blood type, handicaps, diseases etc..

According to another preferred embodiment, the mobile phone is configured to determine the GPS coordinates of the actual position of the device when the alarm call is initiated and to transmit these coordinates to the call receiving device following transmittal of the alarm call. Thus, in case the exact location of the user is unknown, assistance may be directed to the location of the user with the help of the transmitted GPS coordinates. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile phone or mobile device can be configured to determine its actual position by use of so-called geolocation functions in the data

communications network.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the speaker and microphone of the mobile phone are activated when the alarm call is answered. Thus, user and recipient are enabled to communicate following transmittal of the alarm call without the user having to hold the mobile phone near mouth and ear. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the speaker is activated at maximum volume to maximize the chance that information provided by the recipient will be understood by the user. Likewise, it is preferred that the microphone is activated at maximum sensitivity when the alarm call is answered.

Naturally, after transmittal of the alarm call also video data may be transmitted to the call receiving device if the mobile phone comprises a camera.

Another advantageous embodiment of the present mobile phone allows information about the actual medical condition of the user to be transferred after transmittal of the alarm call. Accordingly, it is preferred that the mobile phone, e.g. the touch panel, is configured to register the heartbeat in the palm and/or fingers of a human hand, when in direct contact with the mobile phone (e.g. the touch panel). Even more preferably, the mobile phone is configured to register the heartbeat of the user during the at least 3 seconds when the user is continuously touching the touch panel and to transmit the registered heartbeat data to the call receiving device during the alarm call. Thus, the recipient can establish, for instance, if the user is suffering from heart failure, cardiac arrest, etc.

As explained herein before, advantageously the mobile phone can be programmed to transmit alarm calls to a sequence of phone numbers to ensure that contact will be established with a recipient. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the emergency call system, when, initiated by the user, is programmed to transmit a sequence of two or more alarm calls to at least two pre-identified call receiving devices, said sequence of alarm calls including a first call to a first pre-identified call receiving device and a second call to a second pre-identified call receiving device, wherein the second alarm call to the second pre-identified call receiving device is initiated if the first alarm call to the first pre-identified call receiving device is not answered. Preferably, the one or more pre-identified call receiving devices include an call receiving device of an emergency service organization. Even more preferably, the pre- identified call receiving devices include a call receiving device of an emergency service by default. According to a particularly preferred embodiment the storage medium of the mobile phone contains contact details (e.g. phone number) of emergency service organizations in multiple countries and when the alarm call is initiated the mobile phone selects one of these emergency service organizations for transmittal of the alarm call, the selection being based on the actual location (e.g. GPS-location) of the mobile phone. In accordance with yet another advantageous embodiment, the mobile phone automatically connects when one of the pre-identified call receiving devices calls within a pre-set period of time, e.g. within 2 hour, after transmittal of the alarm call to said call receiving device. Even more preferably, the mobile phone is configured to automatically activate the speaker and microphone when an incoming call is received from one of the pre- identified call receiving devices within said pre-set period of time. Here 'automatically' means that the user does not have to 'accept' the call in order to enable communication. Typically, this functionality should be active for up to 30 minutes after transmittal of the alarm call.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for initiating a transmittal of an alarm call by a mobile phone as defined herein before when said mobile phone is in locked active mode, the method comprising:

• touch screen generates a touch signal;

• processor receives touch signal and compares the duration of the reception of the touch signal with a preset period of time, said preset period of time being at least 3 seconds; and · when the duration of the reception of the touch signal exceeds said preset period of time, the processor initiates transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device.

A further aspect of the invention concerns a computer program on a computer- readable storage medium that, when executed by a processor of a mobile phone as defined herein before, causes the mobile phone to operate in accordance with the aforementioned method.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an electronic device comprising:

• a processor; • a memory;

• a transceiver device for communication over a network;

• a touch screen display;

• the processor being coupled to the touch screen display, the memory and the transceiver device; and

• a program, wherein the program is stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, the program including:

o instructions for determining the duration of a touch signal received from the touch screen display;

o instructions for comparing the duration of the reception of the touch signal with a preset period of time; and

o instructions for controlling, after the processor has established that the duration of the reception of the touch signal exceeds the preset period of time, the transceiver device to initiate transmittal of an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device, when the electronic device is in a locked active mode.

Figure 2 shows a user (2) holding a smart phone (1) to initiate transmittal of an alarm call (A) which is received by a mobile phone mast (3) that is connected to a GSM network.

Figure 3 shows a user (2) pressing his fingers (2a) against the touch screen of a smart watch (4) to initiate transmittal of an alarm call (A) which is received by a mobile phone mast (3) that is connected to a GSM network. The smart watch (4) shown in Figure 3 features full mobile phone capability. Alternatively, a smart watch may be used that is paired with a smart phone, allowing the user to employ the smart watch as a remote for the smart phone.

Figure 4 shows a user (2) pressing his fingers (2a) against the touch screen of a smart watch (4) that is paired with a smart phone (1). The smart watch (4) transmits a signal (S) to the smart phone (1) which, in response to this signal (S), initiates transmittal of an alarm call (A) which is received by a mobile phone mast (3) that is connected to a GSM network.

The functionality of a mobile phone according to the present invention is illustrated by means of the following examples. Successful transmittal of alarm call to first call receiving device The mobile phone is in locked active mode.

• Pre-set time period for initiating transmittal of alarm call: 4 seconds

• Pre-set time period for aborting transmittal of alarm call: 5 seconds

· Per-set time period for automatic opening of communication channel: 1 hour

Procedure:

a) User presses fingers against touch screen of the mobile phone and holds his fingers in this position. After 4 seconds the mobile phone starts vibrating and beeping.

b) User keeps his fingers pressed against the touch screen. After 5 more seconds the

vibrating and beeping stops and the mobile phone sends a text message to the first pre- identified call receiving device. The message contains preprogrammed content, e.g.

announcement of an emergency, name of the user and actual GPS coordinates of the mobile phone. Furthermore, the mobile phone dials the phone number of the first pre- identified call receiving device

c) Recipient answers the incoming alarm call. Speaker and microphone of the mobile phone that transmitted the alarm call are set to maximum, and the camera is switched on. Camera images are transmitted to the call receiving device. In addition, pre-programmed information is transmitted to the call receiving device, including medical information about the user.

d) User of the mobile phone communicates with recipient. Alarm call ends when the user or recipient disconnects.

Successful transmittal of alarm call to second call receiving device

The mobile phone is in stand-by mode (touch panel of touch screen is active).

• Pre-set time period for initiating transmittal of alarm call: 10 seconds

• Pre-set time period for aborting transmittal of alarm call: 3 seconds

• Per-set time period for automatic opening of communication channel: 2 hours Procedure:

a) User presses chin against touch screen of the mobile phone and holds chin in this position.

After 10 seconds the mobile phone starts vibrating and beeping. b) User keeps his chin pressed against the touch screen. After 3 more seconds the vibrating and beeping stops and the mobile phone sends a text message to the first pre-identified call receiving device containing preprogrammed content, e.g. announcement of an emergency, name of the user and GPS coordinates of the mobile phone. Furthermore, the mobile phone dials the phone number of the first pre-identified call receiving device c) The first recipient does not answer. The mobile phone dials the second pre-identified call receiving device, in this case the call receiving device of an emergency call centre.

d) The emergency call centre answers the incoming alarm call. Speaker and microphone of the mobile phone that transmitted the alarm call are set to maximum, and the camera is switched on. Camera images are transmitted to the call receiving device. In addition, preprogrammed information is transmitted to the call receiving device, including the identity of the user and medical information about the user. Furthermore, the actual GPS coordinates of the mobile phone and heartbeat data are transmitted.

e) User of the mobile phone communicates with the emergency call centre. Alarm call ends when the user or emergency call centre disconnects.

f) After 90 minutes the first recipient calls the mobile phone. When the call arrives, the mobile phone detects that the call comes from one of the pre programmed recipients and automatically activates the speaker and microphone at maximum volume. This call ends when the user or the first recipient disconnects.

Abortion of alarm call after unintentional initiation.

The mobile phone is in locked active mode.

• Pre-set time period for initiating transmittal of alarm call: 4 seconds

• Pre-set time period for aborting transmittal of alarm call: 7 seconds

Procedure:

a) User erroneously initiates transmittal of an alarm call by continuously touching the touch screen of the mobile phone for 4 seconds. After 4 seconds the mobile phone starts vibrating and beeping.

b) User quickly removes his fingers from touch screen. The mobile phone stops vibrating and beeping. No alarm call is transmitted

Claims

A mobile phone that comprises a touch activated emergency call system which is configured to transmit an alarm call to at least one pre-identified call receiving device, said mobile phone comprising:

• a processor;

• a touch screen comprising a display panel and a touch panel;

wherein the mobile phone has an unlocked active mode and a locked active mode; and wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal generated by the touch panel during a preset period of time, preferably a preset period of time of at least 3 seconds.

Mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the mobile phone is a smart watch, a smart phone or a paired combination of a smart watch and a smart phone.

Mobile phone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile phone is configured to allow a user to enable or disable the touch-activated emergency call system.

Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile phone is configured to generate an alerting signal upon initiation of the alarm call to alert the user that an alarm call will be transmitted and to allow the user to abort transmittal of the alarm call by discontinuing the touching signal on the touch panel within a second pre-set period after the alerting signal has been generated.

Mobile phone according to claim 4, wherein the transmittal of the alarm call is aborted if the touching signal on the touch panel is discontinued within a second pre-set period of at most 15 seconds after the alerting signal has been generated.

Mobile phone according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the alerting signal is selected from vibration, sound and combinations thereof.

7. Mobile phone according to claim 6, wherein the alerting signal is vibration.

8. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pre-programmed alarm message is transferred from the mobile phone to the call receiving device during transmittal of the alarm call.

9. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the alarm call information about the identity of a user is transmitted to the call receiving device.

10. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the alarm call medical information about a user is transmitted to the call receiving device.

11. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the alarm call the GPS coordinates of the actual position of the mobile phone are transmitted to the call receiving device.

12. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the alarm call speaker and microphone of the mobile phone are activated.

13. Mobile phone according to claim 12 wherein the speaker is activated at maximum

volume.

14. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the touch panel is configured to register the heartbeat in the palm and/or fingers of a human hand, when in direct contact with said touch panel.

15. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency call system, when, initiated by the user, is programmed to transmit a sequence of two or more alarm calls to at least two pre-identified call receiving devices, said sequence of alarm calls including a first call to a first pre-identified call receiving device and a second call to a second pre-identified call receiving device, wherein the second alarm call to the second pre-identified call receiving device is initiated if the first alarm call to the first pre- identified call receiving device is not answered.

16. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more pre- identified call receiving devices include an emergency service organization.

17. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phone

automatically connects when one of the pre-identified call receiving devices calls within a pre-set time after transmittal of the alarm call.

18. Mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency call system is arranged to initiate transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre-identified call receiving device when the phone is in the locked active mode and the processor of the phone continuously detects a touch signal on the touch panel for a preset period of time of at least 10 seconds.

19. Method for initiating a transmittal of an alarm call by a mobile phone according to any one of the preceding claims when said mobile phone is in locked active mode, the method comprising:

• touch screen generates a touch signal;

• processor receives touch signal and compares the duration of the reception of the touch signal with a preset period of time, said preset period of time being at least 3 seconds; and

• when the duration of the reception of the touch signal exceeds said preset period of time, the processor initiates transmittal of the alarm call to the at least one pre- identified call receiving device.

20. Computer program on a computer-readable storage medium that, when executed by a processor of a mobile phone as defined in any one of claims 1-18, causes the mobile phone to operate in accordance with the method according to claim 19.

21. An electronic device comprising:

• a processor;

• a memory;

• a transceiver device for communication over a network;

• a touch screen display; • the processor being coupled to the touch screen display, the memory and the transceiver device; and

• a program, wherein the program is stored in the memory and configured to be

executed by the processor, the program including:

o instructions for controlling, after the processor has established that the duration of the reception of the touch signal exceeds the preset period of time, the transceiver device to initiate transmittal of an alarm call to at least one pre- identified call receiving device, when the electronic device is in a locked active mode.