Caller Location System Using Database Lookup for Emergency Dispatch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency service providers face challenges in accurately determining the location of callers using cellular phones and VOIP devices, as existing methods are unreliable and require significant investments in new hardware and software.
Innovation Solution
A caller location determination system that collects telemetry data from various sources, including GPS, cellular towers, and user-inputted information, to accurately determine and communicate the caller's location in real-time to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) without requiring expensive upgrades, using existing technologies and frameworks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional landline phone systems are used for emergency calls, then the location of the caller can be reliably determined by identifying the phone number, but the system lacks adaptability to modern portable communication devices such as cellular phones and VOIP phones
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple types of communication devices (landline, cellular, VOIP) through a unified architecture. The location determination system universally processes location data from various device types using the same database lookup mechanism, making it adaptable to different communication mediums while maintaining consistent location determination capabilities across all device types
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-populates a database with location information associated with phone numbers before emergency calls are made. By having location data readily available in advance through database lookups based on caller ID information, the system eliminates the need for real-time location calculation during emergencies, ensuring reliable and immediate location determination for all device types
2Measurement precision
If new hardware and software infrastructure is deployed to provide accurate dispatchable locations to PSAPs, then location determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying new physical infrastructure, the system creates a virtual copy of location information in a database that can be accessed by existing PSAP systems. The database stores dispatchable location data that mirrors what would be obtained from new infrastructure, allowing accurate location determination using current hardware and software resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary layer between communication devices and PSAP systems. This database acts as a mediator that stores and provides location information, eliminating the need for direct complex infrastructure changes at PSAPs while maintaining accurate location determination through standardized database queries
3Ease of manufacture
If triangulation techniques are used to determine caller location, then some location information can be obtained without additional infrastructure, but the location determination reliability is insufficient for emergency response
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing infrastructure resources (cellular towers, network elements) that automatically provide location-related information without requiring additional active participation or complex processing. The database queries utilize readily available network data that services itself through normal operational processes, eliminating the need for active triangulation while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Computer systems, according to various embodiments, are adapted to assist emergency services providers in determining the location of an individual who is in need of help. In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to determine a current dispatchable location for the individual who is in need of help, update a data structure associated with a public-safety answering point to indicate the individual's current location, and then initiate and/or mediate a call between the individual and the emergency services provider. In various embodiments, updating the database may provide more accurate information regarding the individual's location than would otherwise be available for the individual.