Emergency Call Location Routing via Segmented Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency call systems face delays in obtaining accurate user equipment (UE) location, which can lead to incorrect routing of emergency calls and inefficient dispatch of responders, especially when cell coverage spans multiple jurisdictions.
Innovation Solution
The system requests an approximated UE location initially for rapid call routing and then uses a refined location with higher accuracy for proper dispatch, allowing for immediate routing while the more accurate location is determined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If assisted GPS (AGPS) is used to determine UE location, then location accuracy is improved, but the time required to obtain location information increases to 20 seconds or more
Solution Approach 1:
The location determination process is segmented into two phases: an initial rapid location estimate obtained from cell tower triangulation or other quick methods, and a subsequent refined location obtained through AGPS. This segmentation allows the system to provide immediate location information for call routing while continuing to gather more precise location data in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location estimation using available cellular network information (such as cell tower triangulation) before the more time-consuming AGPS location determination is complete. This preliminary action provides sufficient location accuracy for initial call routing decisions, eliminating the need to wait for the full 20+ seconds for AGPS to complete.
2Loss of time
If the known location of the cellular base station is used for rapid routing, then call routing time is reduced, but the risk of sending the emergency call to the incorrect PSAP increases when cell size crosses boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously updating the location estimate as more precise information becomes available. The initial base station location provides a starting point for routing, and as the AGPS location determination progresses, the system receives feedback on the improving location accuracy and can adjust routing decisions accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The location information used for routing is dynamic rather than static. The system transitions from using static base station location data to dynamic, progressively refined location estimates as AGPS data becomes available. This dynamic approach allows routing accuracy to improve over time while maintaining rapid initial response.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for providing user equipment (UE) location during an emergency call (e.g., an E911 call) includes: receiving, at a positioning node (e.g., a gateway mobile location center (GMLC)), a notification of an emergency call; requesting, by the positioning node, an approximated location of the UE; requesting, from the UE, a refined location of the UE, wherein the refined location has a higher expected accuracy than the approximated location; receiving the approximated location; based on at least the approximated location, selecting an emergency service responder point (e.g., a public safety answering point (PSAP)) from among a plurality of emergency service responder points; instructing a call routing destination of the emergency call as the selected emergency service responder point; receiving the refined location; and transmitting the refined location to the selected emergency service responder point. A rapid approximate location enables selecting the PSAP while waiting for a more accurate location report.