GPS-Assisted VoIP 9-1-1 Call Routing Architecture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 9-1-1 infrastructure is unable to reliably route Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) emergency calls to the geographically closest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and often provides inaccurate location information, which can hinder emergency dispatch when the caller cannot verbally relay their location.

Innovation Solution

A system that detects VoIP 9-1-1 calls and captures Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data to identify the appropriate PSAP for routing the call, ensuring accurate location information is transmitted and periodically updated, allowing for precise dispatch and location verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VoIP 9-1-1 calls are routed using traditional wireline or wireless infrastructure, then calls can be routed to PSAPs, but the routing is not reliable and location information is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall routing reliabilityVSAvoidlocation identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a GPS-based location determination system as an intermediary between the VoIP caller and the PSAP. Instead of relying on traditional wireline infrastructure or wireless cell ID methods, the system uses GPS coordinates obtained from the caller's device to accurately determine location and route calls to the appropriate PSAP, thereby improving both reliability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for location identification from traditional telephone number-based ANI or wireless cell ID to GPS coordinates. This parameter change enables precise location determination for VoIP callers, resolving the issue of inaccurate location information while improving routing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If traditional wireline 9-1-1 infrastructure is used for VoIP calls, then routing can be attempted, but automatic routing to the geographically closest PSAP cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic PSAP routingVSAvoidgeographic routing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/infrastructure-based routing system (wireline switches and cell towers) with a GPS-based location service. This substitution enables automatic routing of VoIP calls to the geographically closest PSAP by using satellite-based location data rather than traditional network infrastructure, achieving both automation and geographic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If cell ID-based location information is used for wireless 9-1-1 calls, then PSAP can determine caller location, but accuracy is reduced due to nomadic nature of cellular service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determinationVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses GPS coordinates as a more accurate copy or replacement for the traditional cell ID-based location determination. Instead of relying on the approximate cell tower location which changes with user movement, the system obtains direct GPS coordinates from the caller's device, providing precise location information that accurately reflects the caller's current position regardless of mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8280341B2GPS-assisted architecture for VoIP 9-1-1

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A system receives a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 9-1-1 call and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data from a first network device and identifies a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) using the received GPS data.