Emergency Call Location Tracking Across Cellular Network Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
During emergency communications, the transition between different cellular networks disrupts the continuity of location data transmission from user equipment (UE) to public safety answering points (PSAPs), leading to potential delays or loss of location data due to severed control plane connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The UE generates and transmits Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) headers containing location data via the user plane function, ensuring continuous location data delivery to PSAPs even when control plane functions are handled by a different network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transmits location data via control plane functions during emergency calls, then location data can be delivered through established protocols, but control plane connectivity is severed during network handoffs causing loss of location data continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SIP headers as an intermediary mechanism to carry location data through the user plane during network handoffs. Instead of relying solely on control plane functions that are severed during handoff, the location information is embedded in SIP headers that traverse the user plane, which remains connected. This intermediary approach allows location data to survive the handoff transition from one network to another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the location data transmission path by separating it from the control plane and embedding it within the user plane communication stream. The location data is extracted from traditional control plane messaging and placed into SIP header fields, creating an independent transmission channel that is not affected by control plane disconnections during network handoffs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE switches from the first cellular network to the second cellular network during an ongoing emergency call, then the call can be maintained across different providers, but control plane connectivity is lost causing interruption in location data delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The SIP header acts as an intermediary carrier that transports location data through the user plane during network switching events. When the UE hands off from the first cellular network to the second cellular network, the control plane connection is severed, but the user plane remains intact. The location data embedded in SIP headers continues to flow through this persistent user plane connection, ensuring reliable delivery across network boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves location data transmission from the control plane dimension to the user plane dimension. By embedding location information in SIP headers within the user plane traffic, the system creates a parallel transmission path that operates independently of control plane connectivity. This dimensional shift allows location data to survive network handoffs that disrupt the control plane.
3Device complexity
If the UE uses traditional control plane functions for location data transmission, then the system architecture remains simple and standardized, but location data continuity is disrupted during network handoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the user plane multifunctional by having it serve both its traditional data transmission role and the additional role of carrying location information via SIP headers. Instead of creating a separate dedicated path for location data, the solution reuses the existing user plane infrastructure, allowing it to handle both user data and location information simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach avoids significant architectural complexity while solving the handoff continuity problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location data transmission function with the existing user plane communication stream. By embedding location information within SIP headers that are part of the normal user plane protocol exchange, the system combines two functions (user data transmission and location reporting) into a single integrated path. This merging eliminates the need for separate control plane dependency while maintaining standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may receive input indicating an attempt to place an emergency call. The UE may communicate with a first cellular network to connect the emergency call. The UE may generate a first SIP header, the SIP header including first location data indicating a first location of the UE. The UE may transmit the SIP header including the first location data via a user plane function of the first cellular network. While the emergency call is ongoing, the UE may disconnect from the first cellular network and connect to a second cellular network. The UE may communicate with the second cellular network to continue the emergency call. The UE may then generate a second SIP header including second location data indicating a second location of the UE. The UE may transmit the second SIP header including the second location data via the user plane function of the first cellular network.