Call Throttling State Machine for Emergency Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 911 infrastructure is unable to dynamically manage voice circuit availability and location information delivery, especially during crises when wireless infrastructure becomes overloaded, and cannot leverage the diversity, redundancy, and resiliency of IP networks.
Innovation Solution
A central call routing system with a state machine monitors communications for service providers, throttling calls and data messaging by determining if the number of simultaneous communications exceeds predetermined limits, and dynamically initiates actions to prevent resource monopolization, allowing multiple voice service providers to use shared circuits and enabling IP-based routing with location information integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current 911 infrastructure routes all voice calls through dedicated circuits to PSAPs, then reliable emergency communication is ensured, but the system becomes vulnerable to overload during crises and cannot leverage IP network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emergency call handling system into multiple components: IP-based routing for normal traffic, dedicated TDM circuits for critical calls, and a hybrid gateway for transition. This segmentation allows the system to handle different traffic types through appropriate paths, preventing overload on any single infrastructure while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal call handling architecture that can process both traditional TDM voice calls and IP-based communications (including SMS and data) through a common platform. The selective router and media gateway enable the system to adapt to different communication types and routing requirements, leveraging both IP network resources and dedicated circuit infrastructure.
2Reliability
If voice circuits are dedicated to each service provider for 911 calls, then service quality is maintained, but resource utilization is inefficient and providers cannot share infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service provider traffic streams into shared IP network infrastructure through a media gateway and selective router. Multiple providers can simultaneously use the same physical circuits and network resources, with intelligent routing ensuring call quality is maintained through proper resource allocation and prioritization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a media gateway and selective router as intermediary components between service providers and the PSAP network. These intermediaries manage resource allocation, perform protocol conversion, and ensure call quality requirements are met while enabling efficient sharing of underlying infrastructure among multiple providers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows unlimited simultaneous calls from any service provider, then service provider flexibility is maximized, but system resources become monopolized and other providers suffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through a state machine that continuously monitors system capacity and adjusts call admission limits in real-time. Providers can dynamically access more resources when system capacity is available, while automatic throttling prevents monopolization when resources are constrained, maintaining both flexibility and fairness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the state machine monitors system load, call completion status, and resource availability, then adjusts throttling decisions accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that service provider flexibility is maintained when resources are abundant while preventing resource monopolization when capacity is limited, through continuous adaptation based on system state.
Data Source
AI summary
A system monitors calls for a service provider. A number of simultaneous communications of a given technology type is monitored for either inbound communications and/or outbound communications associated with at least one service provider. A determination is made if the number of simultaneous communications from the service provider is in excess of a adjustable but set number of simultaneous communications of a given technology type that are permissible. A predetermined action is taken if the number of simultaneous calls or text messages (e.g., SMS, IM, email) is in excess of the set limit, e.g., the call may be terminated or other action taken. Both voice communications and/or non-voice communications (such as SMS, IM, Email, or MMS) can be monitored and throttled.