Emergency Location Response Routing via Multi-Source Estimates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current E911 technologies face delays and inaccuracies in providing timely and accurate location information to PSAPs during emergency calls, especially due to the sequential waiting for location estimates from E-CID, A-GNSS, and DBH methods, which can lead to incorrect routing of emergency calls based on cell tower locations rather than the caller's precise location.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows user equipment and network nodes to send multiple location responses immediately, enabling the PSAP to receive accurate location estimates from the most suitable method (A-GNSS for outdoors and DBH for indoors) without waiting for all location estimates, ensuring timely and accurate location-based emergency call routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system waits for all location estimates (E-CID, A-GNSS, DBH) to arrive before routing the emergency call, then the location accuracy is improved, but the call routing time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by requesting multiple location estimates simultaneously and preparing routing decisions in advance. The network node sends location requests to multiple sources (E-CID, A-GNSS, DBH) at the same time rather than sequentially, and pre-prepares multiple potential routing destinations before the call actually needs to be routed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the best location estimate and routing destination based on real-time availability and accuracy. Instead of using a fixed sequential approach, the network node continuously monitors which location estimates have arrived and selects the most appropriate one for routing, adapting the process to current conditions.
2Speed
If the system uses only E-CID location method, then the call routing is fast, but the location accuracy deteriorates especially in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite approach by combining multiple location estimation methods (E-CID, A-GNSS, DBH) rather than relying on a single method. Each method has strengths in different environments, and the system composite-synthesizes their results to achieve accurate location determination across diverse settings including indoor, outdoor, urban, and rural environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of location estimation by adjusting which methods are used based on environmental conditions. The network node can prioritize different location methods depending on whether the device is indoors or outdoors, in urban or rural areas, effectively changing the operational parameters to match the situation.
3Measurement precision
If the system requests multiple location estimates simultaneously, then the location accuracy is improved, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple location estimation methods simultaneously. It can process E-CID, A-GNSS, and DBH estimates through a unified framework, selecting and routing based on a single set of criteria regardless of which methods are used, thereby managing complexity through universal processing logic.
4Ease of operation
If the system routes calls based on cell tower location rather than caller location, then the routing process is simplified, but the emergency response accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary between the location estimation process and the call routing system. It receives multiple location estimates, processes and evaluates them against quality criteria, determines the most accurate caller location, and then provides this refined information to the routing system. This intermediary layer adds complexity to the location determination process but simplifies the overall routing decision by providing a single, validated location answer.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing timely location estimates when a user equipment initiates a call to an emergency number are disclosed. The system enables a user equipment and network nodes (e.g., eSMLC/LMF) to send multiple location responses instead of just one so that the PSAP can benefit from accurate location techniques in a timely manner. For example, when a user equipment is located in an outdoor environment, it can immediately send its A-GNSS location after meeting quality-of-service (QoS) criteria, and the eSMLC/LMF can forward the location estimate to the PSAP immediately without first waiting for all of the other location estimates. When location estimates become available from other technologies (e.g., E-CID, or DBH, or both), the eSMLC/LMF can send to the PSAP another location response for that technology. As a result, the PSAP can always have the most accurate and up-to-date location information available to timely and accurately respond to emergency calls.