Mobile Device Location Determination via Private Response Call Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 911 emergency system faces challenges in accurately determining the location of mobile device calls, as existing location finding technology is not accessible to third parties or application layer software, and landline addresses are more reliable than mobile device addresses, making it difficult to dispatch emergency services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a mobile device can contact a private response call center, initiating a conference call with a public safety answering point, and transmitting location information, with the device operating in different modes for location determination and communication, allowing for real-time location updates during emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location finding technology is restricted to PSAPs only, then security and control are maintained, but accessibility and utility for third parties and applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary location determination system that sits between the mobile device and third-party applications/PSAPs. This intermediary can be a service provider server or network element that receives location requests, determines location using available technologies (GPS, cell tower triangulation, WiFi positioning), and returns location information to authorized parties without exposing the core location finding technology itself. This mediator approach maintains security while enabling broad accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If location updates are continuous during emergency calls, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location update mechanisms where the update frequency and method adapt based on call phase, emergency type, and mobility detection. During initial call setup, frequent updates occur to establish accurate location. Once stabilized, updates reduce frequency unless motion sensors detect movement or the user changes position. This dynamic approach maintains necessary accuracy while reducing energy consumption during prolonged calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic location updates at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous updates. The periodicity is adjusted based on call duration, emergency severity, and detected user activity. This allows the system to maintain acceptable location accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption and network traffic compared to continuous real-time tracking during the entire call duration.
3Measurement precision
If multiple location determination methods are used simultaneously, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides location determination into separate modular components: satellite-based GPS/GLONASS positioning, cellular network triangulation using base station signals, WiFi positioning using access point signals, and inertial sensing using accelerometers and gyroscopes. Each module operates independently and can be selectively activated based on availability and reliability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high accuracy through multiple methods without creating a monolithic complex system, as each component can be optimized and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of different location methods based on environmental conditions. For example, GPS is prioritized when satellite signals are available, cellular triangulation is used when in indoor environments with poor GPS reception, and WiFi positioning is activated when near known access points. The system adjusts weighting and update frequencies of different methods based on their current reliability, maintaining accuracy while managing complexity through adaptive parameter adjustment rather than fixed multi-method operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method, system and device for determining information about a location of the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to contact a private response call center (PRCC), e.g., by pressing or selecting one or more buttons or a softmenu. A PRCC operator can identify a potential emergency situation and, upon such an identification, initiate a conference call between a PRCC operator, a user of the mobile device, and a public safety answering point (PSAP) operator. The mobile device may transmit location information previously determined before PRCC call and be commanded to gather new location information during the call. The mobile device may also, while on a call with the PRCC, determine and transmit to the PRCC location information.