Temporary Emergency Route Back Number Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency contact centers face challenges in reaching callers back after an emergency call, especially when the caller's device is not associated with a dedicated phone number, such as shared lines or devices without SIMs, leading to difficulties in re-establishing communication.
Innovation Solution
A temporary emergency route back number (ERBN) is assigned to devices making emergency calls, acting as a dedicated phone number for a configurable period, allowing emergency services to reconnect with callers even after call drops or disconnections, and is reassigned or released based on timer expiration or subsequent emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared line or device without SIM is used for emergency calls, then emergency call access is enabled, but the ability to call back the caller is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emergency route back number (ERBN) as an intermediary element between the PSAP and the caller. When a caller using a shared line or device without SIM makes an emergency call, the system assigns a temporary ERBN to that caller. This ERBN serves as a mediator that allows the PSAP to call back the caller even though the original calling number was shared or non-dedicated. The ERBN is temporarily bound to the caller's device identifier and can be used for callback purposes during the emergency situation.
2Reliability
If a dedicated phone number is assigned to each device, then callback capability is ensured, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic number assignment system where ERBNs are temporarily assigned to callers based on their device identifiers rather than being permanently bound to specific devices. The ERBN assignment is dynamic in that it is created on-demand when an emergency call is made from a shared line or device without SIM, and it is automatically released after a predetermined time period or when no longer needed. This dynamic approach allows the same ERBN to be reused for different callers at different times, significantly reducing the total number of phone numbers required in the system while ensuring callback capability when needed.
3Reliability
If emergency route back numbers are permanently assigned, then callback reliability is improved, but number availability for other users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic action mechanism where ERBNs are assigned for a predetermined time period rather than permanently. The system automatically releases the ERBN after the time period expires or when it is no longer needed for callback purposes. This periodic assignment ensures that ERBNs become available again for reuse by other callers who may need emergency callback capability. The system manages the lifecycle of each ERBN with creation, active use period, and automatic release phases, ensuring both callback reliability during the active period and number availability for other users after release.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency route back number (ERBN) may be assigned for use in emergency calls. A telecommunication network associated that may be associated with a wireless service provider, may identify an emergency call directed to an emergency number (e.g., 9-1-1) that originated from a device that is not associated with a unique phone number such as a shared line, or a communication that utilizes some other indicator to establish the emergency call (e.g., an email address, or some other identifier). When an emergency call is detected that does not have a dedicated phone number, an ERBN is assigned to the communication. This ERBN may be reserved for some period of time after the emergency call ends such that emergency contact centers are able to reach callers back in case of dropped calls, fails, and/or additional emergency services that may need to reach the callers directly.