Caller Location Determination via Geolocation Cache
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency service providers face challenges in reliably determining the location of callers using cellular phones and Voice-over-IP devices, as existing methods often require substantial investments in new hardware and software, and may not function accurately in all situations, particularly when callers are unable to provide their location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a geolocation cache database to determine a dispatchable location for an individual making an emergency call, updating an ALI database to provide accurate location information to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), allowing for real-time location determination and communication of this information to emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If triangulation techniques or other location determination methods are used when callers cannot provide their location, then location information may be obtained, but the reliability and accuracy of location determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location determination and updates the ALI database with the caller's location information before the emergency call is actually placed. By proactively obtaining and storing location data in advance, the system ensures accurate location information is available immediately when the emergency call occurs, eliminating the need for unreliable triangulation techniques during the emergency situation.
2Measurement precision
If new hardware and software are deployed to provide accurate dispatchable locations to PSAPs, then location accuracy improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and maintains a copy of the caller's location information in the ALI database, which is then accessed by PSAPs during emergency calls. Instead of requiring complex new hardware and software deployments at PSAPs, the system provides accurate location data through existing database infrastructure, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining high location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ALI database serves as an intermediary between the caller's device and the PSAP. It stores and transmits location information, eliminating the need for direct complex communication systems between callers and PSAPs. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring accurate location data delivery.
3Loss of information
If emergency services ask callers for their location before obtaining additional information, then location information can be obtained, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines and stores the caller's location information in the ALI database before the emergency call is placed. When the emergency call arrives at the PSAP, the location information is already available and can be immediately displayed to the operator, eliminating the time-consuming process of asking callers for their location during the emergency situation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If VOIP phones are used that can be placed in any location, then communication flexibility improves, but location determination reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and stores the actual physical location information of the VOIP device in the ALI database, creating a reliable location record that is independent of the device's portable nature. This allows the system to maintain accurate location data for VOIP phones just as it does for traditional phones, ensuring reliable dispatchable location information is provided to PSAPs regardless of device type.
Data Source
AI summary
In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to: (1) monitor a user's behavior to anticipate that the user is likely to imminently place a request for emergency services; and (2) in response to determining that a request for emergency services is likely to be initiated imminently, facilitating the transmission of telemetry data from the user's mobile computing device to a remote computer for use in determining a dispatchable location for use by a PSAP that will handle the request for emergency services. The system may execute these steps in advance of the request for emergency services being initiated.