Alert call sequence without a seniorTOH? [not relevant]
asked 2014-01-25 10:03:01 +0300
A simple idea occured while looking through the various other half subjects here. Could some of those ideas be done without the use of a Other Half?
One of my own suggestions for a OH is the sort of alert system that is called a "senior phone" here in Sweden. A senior phone has a button on the back that, when activated, makes the phone call a list of numbers. It's a really simple system, but does it really make sense to have a special Other Half that only adds one button? A special grip or tap combination could activate an alert app instead and start calling that list of numbers. A fruitless waiting for a seniorTOH could thus be changed into an app idea/request.
Activating the alert system could be configured to send a SMS message first before calling, as people respond very quickly to SMS. The message would prepare the person on the ICE list that an important call is coming. Messaging would also alert those with answering services activated.
Some senior phones are equipped with fall sensors. The jolla has an accelerometer that would allow for similar functionality.
Update
Motorola's smartphones can now alert your close contacts in an emergency
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/13/motorola-alert/
I don't see why an Other Half with the special button would be a bad or nonsensical idea. It should be easy enough to prototype (3D print + PCB). A large physical button is better for someone with shaky or stiff hands: double tap, swipe, tap, wait for answer vs. press button, wait for answer. Of course you could test the phone side of the software with the app.
jsiren ( 2014-01-25 14:11:52 +0300 )editA one-button Other Half is probably easy to make. But if the Senior Phone is implemented with the First Half then that would free the Other Half for other chores, wouldn't it? The screen registers five points so the alert functionality could be activated with a multifinger press.
vattuvarg ( 2014-01-25 15:05:45 +0300 )editmultifinger for alert is absolutely no go. alert must be as simple as possible for any age/ability.
t0mps0 ( 2014-01-25 22:10:53 +0300 )editStrange. I thought some kind of multitouch would be easier. Anyway... My mother has to press three times on the backside button and acknowledge the request on the front of her phone to start the alert sequence. ...as a comparison...
vattuvarg ( 2014-01-25 22:36:39 +0300 )editButton's not a bad idea at all and easier to handle in case of emergency. My father's phone has that. It doesn't only call a list of numbers (the last of which usually is an "official" emergency number), it also requires the persons called to give some kind of input (don't remember if DTMF or text messages). This way, it can distinguish successful calls from, say, mailboxes. So some sort of back channel would be required, making it more difficult to write the software for this other half. Also, one would have to check for patents. I wouldn't be surprised to find existing manufacturers having patented this emergency button.
ossi1967 ( 2014-03-25 00:30:37 +0300 )edit