Blockchain Relay for Emergency Data in Out-of-Coverage Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency call systems face challenges in delivering emergency-related data, especially in out-of-coverage areas, where traditional network infrastructure is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method utilizes a customized blockchain system to relay emergency-related data. This involves a first user equipment receiving a precursory minimum set of data from a second UE, starting a timer, waiting for a report, creating a third block based on the receipt of the report, and transmitting this block to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network infrastructure is used for emergency calls, then service quality is improved, but coverage is limited to in-coverage areas only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment (UE) as intermediary nodes to relay emergency calls and data from out-of-coverage areas to the network. These UEs act as mobile base stations, forwarding MSD and emergency communication between accident victims without network coverage and the emergency response system, thereby extending coverage while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the emergency communication function into distributed user equipment nodes rather than relying on a monolithic network infrastructure. Each UE can independently receive, store, and forward emergency data, creating a mesh network that provides coverage extension without requiring continuous network infrastructure presence.
2Reliability
If blockchain is used to ensure data integrity, then information security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates Minimum Set of Data (MSD) blocks in advance with pre-computed cryptographic hashes and chain identifiers before emergency events occur. This preliminary structuring of data with embedded integrity verification mechanisms allows blockchain functionality to be implemented without adding complexity during the critical emergency response moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where receiving UEs verify the cryptographic integrity of incoming MSD blocks by checking hashes and chain identifiers against expected values. This automated verification provides continuous feedback on data integrity, ensuring security while keeping the system operationally simple through standardized check procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A first user equipment (UE) receives, from a second UE, a precursory minimum set of data (MSD) via a first block. The 5 first UE starts a timer upon receiving the precursory MSD from the second UE, and waits to receive a report via a second block while the timer is running. The first UE makes a third block based on whether or not the report via the second block has been received, and transmits, to a network, the third block.