GIS Confidence Indicator for Public Safety Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current public safety dispatch systems rely on GPS signals for locating personnel, which can be inaccurate due to indoor or obstructed areas, leading to delayed and ineffective response strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that visually displays a confidence indicator on a GIS map to indicate the likelihood of the accuracy of the last location of a mobile PS device, using elapsed time, update periods, and customized chronologies to assess the reliability of the location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used to locate PS devices, then location information can be obtained, but the accuracy deteriorates in indoor or obstructed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary confidence indicator between the GPS location data and the operator's decision-making process. This indicator mediates the uncertainty by providing a visual representation of location reliability, allowing operators to interpret GPS data with appropriate context about its accuracy in different environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring GPS signal quality and providing real-time confidence indicators to the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to understand the current reliability of location data and adjust their response strategy accordingly, rather than receiving raw uncontextualized location data.
2Productivity
If the operator assumes the displayed last location is accurate, then response decisions can be made quickly, but the response effectiveness deteriorates when location data is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of location accuracy by calculating and displaying confidence indicators before the operator makes dispatch decisions. This preliminary action of evaluating location reliability upfront allows the operator to quickly understand the trustworthiness of the displayed location without delaying the response process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter presentation by adding a confidence indicator parameter alongside the location data. This transforms the raw location information into a more informative composite parameter that includes both position and reliability metrics, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If GPS signal reception is blocked in certain areas, then location updates are lost, but continuous monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by displaying confidence indicators that warn operators of potential location accuracy issues before critical errors occur. This allows the operator to anticipate problems in areas with poor GPS reception and take alternative actions, cushioning against the impact of location data loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of location information, enabling faster and more effective incident response by providing operators with a clear indication of the confidence in the displayed location, thereby improving response times and assistance.
Implementation Method 1
based on a GPS signal received from a GPS sensor on the PS device
Data Source
AI summary
A computer aided dispatch (CAD) center operator can view a displayed location indicator indicative of a last location of a public safety (PS) device on a geographic information system (GIS) map, together with a displayed confidence indicator indicative of the likelihood that the displayed last location of the PS device is accurate, for use in dispatching a PS person to an incident scene, or locating the PS person.