IMS Emergency Routing for Text-to-911 Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency communication systems face challenges in reliably handling text messaging due to the uneven implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) capabilities across public safety answering points (PSAPs), leading to inconsistencies in text message session routing and fallback solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network with an emergency call routing function that checks for NG911 support and routes text message sessions accordingly, using a location retrieval function and routing determination function to assign sessions to either NG911 or interim text-to-911 systems, ensuring backwards compatibility and seamless emergency service access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PSAPs are upgraded to NG911 architecture to support modern text messaging, then text message session routing reliability is improved, but system complexity and transition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network as an intermediary layer between user devices and PSAPs. The IMS network contains emergency call routing functions that detect NG911 capabilities and automatically select appropriate routing paths (NG911 or legacy text-to-911), shielding users from the complexity of dual-system coexistence while ensuring reliable text message delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency call routing function dynamically adjusts routing behavior based on real-time detection of NG911 support at the user's location. The system transitions from static routing tables to dynamic capability-based routing, where the routing path is determined at call setup time based on network queries to location retrieval and routing determination functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy text-to-911 systems are maintained for backwards compatibility, then service coverage is improved, but routing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The IMS emergency call routing function serves multiple functions: it detects NG911 capability, queries location and routing information, determines the appropriate routing path, and manages both NG911 and legacy text-to-911 sessions through a unified interface. This multi-functional approach ensures consistent routing logic while supporting diverse service types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the emergency call routing function queries location retrieval functions and routing determination functions to obtain real-time information about NG911 support at the user's location. This feedback mechanism ensures that routing decisions are based on current network capabilities rather than static configurations.
3Reliability
If NG911 routing is implemented without fallback options, then service quality is improved, but service availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency call routing function is designed with built-in fallback mechanisms that prepare alternative routing paths in advance. When NG911 routing is attempted, the system has pre-configured legacy text-to-911 paths as backup options, ensuring that service availability is maintained even when primary NG911 routing fails or is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for handling a request for a text message session on an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) capable network. For example, a device is communicatively coupled at a location of the IMS capable network. The method includes receiving a request from the device for a text message session on the IMS capable network and determining whether the IMS capable network supports next generation 911 (NG911) or interim text-to-911 at the location of the device. Upon determining that the IMS capable network is incapable of supporting NG911, redirecting the request for the text message session to a text control center (TCC). The method further includes causing the TCC to establish the text message session with a public safety answering point (PSAP) that supports text-to-911.