Mobile Device Network for Emergency Calling Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency calling systems, such as eCall, rely on dedicated hardware in vehicles, which can be unreliable and limited in range and connectivity, especially in accidents involving older vehicles or situations outside vehicles, and may be damaged during crashes, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system that leverages existing mobile devices to enhance emergency calling by forming a network of devices to act as e-calling nodes, selecting the best device based on operational status and resource availability, and establishing a virtual multiple antenna system for improved connectivity and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated vehicle hardware is used for emergency calling, then emergency call functionality is provided, but reliability is reduced due to potential damage during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices as intermediary elements between the vehicle emergency situation and the emergency call network. Instead of relying solely on vulnerable vehicle-integrated hardware, the system leverages independently operated mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that passengers already possess. These devices act as mediators that can initiate and maintain emergency calls even when vehicle hardware is damaged, thereby improving reliability without exposing critical calling functionality to crash damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates functional copies of emergency calling capability across multiple mobile devices rather than relying on a single dedicated vehicle hardware system. By enabling multiple independent devices to perform the same emergency calling function, the system ensures that if one device or the vehicle hardware fails, other copies can take over, significantly improving reliability while avoiding the single point of failure inherent in dedicated vehicle systems.
2Reliability
If dedicated vehicle hardware is used for emergency calling, then emergency call capability is provided, but connectivity range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency calling capabilities of multiple mobile devices into a unified networked system. By combining the resources, connectivity, and signaling capabilities of multiple devices through wireless communication, the system achieves extended connectivity range that exceeds what any single device or vehicle hardware could provide alone. This merged network can maintain emergency calls even when individual devices experience poor signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices universal emergency calling nodes that can serve multiple functions: initiating calls, maintaining calls, relaying signals, and providing location information. These multi-functional devices replace the single-function dedicated vehicle hardware, enabling the system to adapt to various connectivity scenarios and extend operational range through the diverse capabilities of different mobile device types.
3Reliability
If mobile devices are used to enhance emergency calling, then reliability and range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where mobile devices automatically perform emergency call initiation and management without requiring complex external coordination. The devices autonomously detect emergency conditions, select appropriate network nodes, and maintain calls using built-in sensors and communication capabilities. This self-service approach reduces the complexity burden on external system infrastructure while maintaining high reliability through the inherent robustness of consumer mobile devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for leveraging mobile devices to enhance emergency calling. The connectivity processor determines a request to initiate at least one call from at least one device. Next, the connectivity processor determines one or more devices with connectivity to the at least one device. Then, the connectivity processor determines at least one main devices from among the at least one device and the one or more other devices to initiate the at least one call based, at least in part, on operational status information, device capability information, resource availability information, or a combination thereof.