Method and system for wireless communication in emergency situations

• US 20070049251A1
• Filed: 08/31/2005
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Mock, Von, Eaton, Eric
• Application Number:
  US11/216,290
• Publication Number:
  US 20070049251A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/411
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72421 with automatic activation of emergency service functions, e.g. upon sensing an alarm
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/30 Security of mobile devices; Security of mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/63 Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/288 taking into account the usage mode, e.g. hands-free, data transmission, telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/50 for emergency connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

A method and a system for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device (102) are disclosed. The method includes receiving (502) an authorization message from an authority (104) that is capable of communicating wirelessly with the mobile communication device. The authorization message is then checked (504) for authenticity of the authority. On authentication of the authorization message, the enhanced operating mode of the mobile communication device is enabled (506), allowing communication between the authority and the mobile communication device, even in emergencies.

Claims

1. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving an authorization message from an authority;

authenticating the authorization message; and

enabling the enhanced operating mode of the mobile communication device in response to authenticating the authorization message.

2. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 1, wherein the enhanced operating mode comprises adjusting at least one transmit parameter of the mobile communication device.

3. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises increasing a transmit power to an enhanced level.

4. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises adjusting a transmit timing sequence of the mobile communication device.

5. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises transmitting a response signal on receiving a request signal from the authority.

6. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises periodically transmitting an information signal.

7. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises transmitting location information of the mobile communication device.

8. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein adjusting at least one transmit parameter comprises enabling a direct communication mode between the mobile communication device and the authority.

9. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the enhanced operating mode further comprises enabling a power-saving mode of the mobile communication device.

10. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 9, wherein the power-saving mode of the mobile communication device comprises disabling a receiving mode of the mobile communication device.

11. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 1, wherein the enhanced operating mode comprises indicating to a user of the mobile communication device that the authorization message has been received.

12. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 1, wherein the enhanced operating mode comprises establishing a communication link with the authority.

13. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 12, wherein the enhanced operating mode comprises indicating to a user of the mobile communication device that the link has been established with the authority.

14. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 1, wherein receiving the authorization message from the authority comprises receiving a digital authorization certificate.

15. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises identifying a location of the mobile communication device.

16. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 15, wherein identifying the location of the mobile communication device comprises processing an information signal transmitted by the mobile communication device to identify location of the mobile communication device.

17. A method for enabling an enhanced operating mode of a mobile communication device as defined in claim 15, wherein identifying the location of the mobile communication device comprises using a triangulation technique.

18. A mobile communication device having an enhanced operating mode, comprising:

means for receiving an authorization message, the authorization message being received from an authority;

means for authenticating the authorization message; and

means for providing the enhanced operating mode of the mobile communication device.

19. A mobile communication device as defined in claim 18, wherein the means for authenticating the authorization message comprises a means for authenticating a digital authorization certificate received in the authorization message.

20. A mobile communication device as defined in claim 18, wherein the means for providing the enhanced operating mode comprises a means for varying the transmit power.