Emergency Location Service for Proxy Network Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the location of network devices and individuals in emergency situations, particularly those using proxy network devices like analog terminal adapters and wireless base stations, are inadequate due to lack of accuracy, automation, and rapid location determination, especially in remote or hostile environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for providing an emergency location information service (E-LIS) that enables proxy network devices to send unique identification information and request location-by-reference components to determine the location of connected network devices during emergencies, utilizing existing wireless networks and communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional navigation methods (maps and visual observation) are used, then human operators can determine location, but the process is not automated and requires time and attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of location determinationVSAvoidtime for location determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device automatically performs location determination functions without human intervention. The device self-manages the entire process of acquiring location data from multiple sources (GPS, cellular towers, Wi-Fi), processing this data, and transmitting it to emergency services, thereby eliminating the need for human operators to manually navigate or calculate position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously acquires and processes location information in advance before an emergency occurs. By maintaining ready-to-use location data through continuous monitoring of GPS signals, cellular tower triangulation, and Wi-Fi positioning, the system eliminates the time delay that would occur if location determination had to start from scratch during an emergency situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual navigation and observation methods are used, then location can be determined, but the process is slow and not suitable for rapid emergency response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of location determinationVSAvoidtime for emergency response
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously performs location determination operations without interruption. Multiple positioning methods (GPS satellite tracking, cellular tower signal triangulation, Wi-Fi network scanning) operate simultaneously and continuously, ensuring that location data is always current and ready for immediate transmission to emergency services, thereby maximizing response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Location data is acquired and processed in advance before emergency services are contacted. The system maintains a ready state with current position information through continuous background operations, eliminating the time delay that would occur if location determination had to be initiated after an emergency event occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If navigation requires human observation and attention, then location can be determined, but the process fails when visibility is impacted or personnel are incapacitated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of location determinationVSAvoiddependence on human operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device autonomously performs all location determination functions without requiring human operation. The device automatically acquires position data from GPS satellites, cellular towers, and Wi-Fi networks; processes this data through location algorithms; and transmits the results to emergency services, ensuring the process continues even when the user is incapacitated or unable to observe their surroundings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple intermediary positioning methods (cellular tower triangulation, Wi-Fi network positioning) that do not depend on human observation or visual conditions. These intermediary systems provide location data through automated signal processing, ensuring reliability even when traditional visual navigation methods fail due to smoke, flame, darkness, or hostile fire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If proxy network devices are used for communication, then connectivity is enabled in remote areas, but the location of the actual network device cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capability in remote areasVSAvoidlocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the communication function from the positioning function. The proxy network device (such as a cellular base station or satellite terminal) handles communication and can operate independently in remote areas, while a separate positioning subsystem using GPS receivers, cellular triangulation, and Wi-Fi positioning determines the precise location. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary positioning technologies (GPS satellite signals, cellular tower triangulation, Wi-Fi network positioning) that act as mediators between the proxy communication device and the actual physical location. These intermediary systems provide independent location determination capability that does not depend on the communication infrastructure, thereby maintaining measurement precision even when using proxy devices for communication in remote areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11463860B2Method and system for an emergency location information service (E-LIS) for proxy network devices
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 RED SKY TECH
  • US11463860B2 patent drawing
  • US11463860B2 patent drawing
  • US11463860B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An emergency location information service (E-LIS) for network devices connected to proxy network devices. The proxy network devices are both analog and digital network devices. The proxy network devices send unique identification information for the network device connected to it and request either a location-by-reference (indirect location information) component or location-by-reference (direct location information) component to identify the network device for when an emergency event occurs.