Caller Location Determination for Emergency Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency service providers face challenges in reliably determining the location of callers using cellular phones and VOIP devices, as existing methods are often unreliable and require significant investments in new hardware and software.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses existing technological infrastructures to determine the current location of portable computing devices, updating a data structure to provide an accurate dispatchable location to public-safety answering points, and initiating emergency calls by communicating this location to emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triangulation techniques or other location determination techniques are used to locate callers, then location information can be obtained, but the reliability and accuracy of location determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that bridges the caller's device and the PSAP. This intermediary automatically determines the caller's location using multiple techniques (GPS, cell tower triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) and relays this information to the PSAP, resolving the contradiction by providing both reliable automated determination and accurate location data without requiring the PSAP to directly implement complex location tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location determination before the emergency call is fully processed. By pre-determining and caching the caller's location information, the system ensures that accurate location data is already available when the PSAP receives the call, eliminating the need for time-consuming location determination during the emergency response
2Measurement precision
If new hardware and software infrastructure is deployed to provide accurate dispatchable locations, then location accuracy improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal location determination system that works across multiple platforms (cellular phones, VOIP devices, computers) using existing infrastructure. The system leverages already-deployed technologies like GPS receivers, cell tower networks, and Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide accurate location data without requiring specialized hardware, thus maintaining high accuracy while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service location determination where the caller's own device contributes to location tracking. The caller's mobile device uses its built-in GPS, accelerometer, and other sensors to determine its own location, which is then transmitted to the PSAP. This approach achieves high accuracy without requiring the PSAP to deploy complex tracking infrastructure
3Loss of information
If emergency services ask the caller for their location, then location information can be obtained, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the location determination system continuously monitors the caller's position and automatically updates the PSAP with current location information. This feedback mechanism ensures that accurate location data is provided immediately upon call initiation, eliminating the time loss associated with manual caller reporting while ensuring complete location information availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual location reporting (caller verbally providing location to operator) with an automated electronic system. The automated system extracts location data from the caller's device, processes it through multiple determination techniques, and electronically transmits it to the PSAP, thereby eliminating the time delay inherent in human communication while ensuring accurate location information is captured
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.