Emergency Services Request Broadcast via LTE Direct for Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency response systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of a mobile device during emergency calls, often providing only building-level accuracy, and may not account for changes in the user's location or awareness of nearby emergencies among responders.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting emergency situations and sending Emergency Services requests using LTE Direct, WiFi Direct, or Peer-to-Peer services, which include discovery information and emergency indications, to facilitate more precise location determination and awareness among responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional network-based location services are used during emergency calls, then the system can provide location information to PSAP, but the location accuracy is limited to building level and cannot identify specific floor or unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floor indicator device as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the mobile device and the PSAP system. This device receives the mobile device's location data and adds floor level information, then transmits the enhanced location data to the PSAP, thereby improving location accuracy without requiring complex modifications to the core network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination system is segmented into multiple independent components: the mobile device for initial location tracking, the floor indicator device for adding floor level information, and the PSAP system for receiving and processing the combined data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimal simplicity while achieving high overall location accuracy
2Reliability
If the system only provides location information at the time of the emergency call, then the initial location can be obtained, but it cannot account for user movement during or after the call
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous location tracking of the mobile device throughout the emergency call and beyond. The location services continuously update the device's position, and this continuous location information is made available to responders, ensuring that the most current location data is always accessible without interrupting the emergency response process
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile device's current location is continuously monitored and fed back to the PSAP and responders. This feedback loop ensures that any movement by the user is detected and communicated, allowing responders to adjust their approach in real-time based on the user's current position
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional emergency calling systems are used, then the PSAP can be notified of the emergency, but nearby potential responders remain unaware of the emergency in their vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency alert system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it notifies the PSAP of the emergency, provides location information to authorized responders, and disseminates emergency information to nearby potential responders through wireless communication. This multi-functionality ensures that emergency information is widely distributed to all who may be able to assist, without requiring separate systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of assisting an emergency situation at a first User Equipment (UE) may comprise detecting the emergency situation; and sending an Emergency Services (ES) request comprising discovery information, wherein the ES request is sent by broadcast using a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Direct service, a WiFi Direct service, or a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) service. Disclosed embodiments also pertain to methods of assisting an emergency situation at a first UE, wherein the method is performed on a second UE and comprises receiving from the first UE an ES request comprising the discovery information for the first UE, wherein the ES request is received using an LTE Direct service; a WiFi Direct service or a P2P service. Disclosed embodiments further pertain to methods of communicating by first UE and/or second UE with a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in order to assist discovery of the second UE by the first UE.