Creating a Personal Mobile Bodyguard

Summary

When a user presses the alarm button, the mobile client automatically sends a notification to the server. The server processes the signal and sends out push messages to other application users, who are located within a 1-km distance. The application shows the current location of the user and flags the place where the attack has occurred.

The customer

The customer is a Norwegian startup with an idea to help users protect themselves in case of emergency by using a mobile application.

The need

The customer wanted to have two application modes that would provide fast and convenient access to the alarm button—one can either press the alarm button once, or keep the button pressed and release it in case of emergency.

The challenges

Having no IT background, the customer had only an idea of the product with no detailed specification at hand, seeking for assistance. Our developers worked in close cooperation with the customer in order to brainstorm the necessary functionality options, work out the documentation, as well as transform the ideas into the working application.

The solution

The engineers developed an iPhone/Android application that uses geolocation services to track a person’s location with an ability to send alarm messages to the server in case of a threat.

When you register, your name and information will be saved on a server controlled by the customer’s team. When the application is registered and activated, it records your location based on the options you have chosen. You can decide if the app should record your location every second or every time you make a significant change of your location. This location data will be recorded on the server, but automatically deleted after 24 hours. The application limits the area to 1 km, but the user has the possibility to save three favorite contacts that will get an alarm notification, regardless of the distance. Users can also add several shortcuts to the emergency service phone numbers (police, etc.).

The outcome

The customer has got an easy-to-use application for Android and iPhone that safeguards a person 24/7. The innovative idea of a new emergency network can help save someone from a violent attack, as well as decrease the overall crime. The customer could focus on the business and marketing activities, while Altoros took care of development.