Multi-Channel Language Interpretation System for Emergency Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency response systems are inadequate for users with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and those unable to communicate verbally, as they rely solely on voice-based communication, limiting the effectiveness of emergency service dispatching.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel language interpretation system that enables real-time translation across various communication modes (text, voice, video, etc.) between a PSAP communication device and an interpreter, allowing users to request emergency services in their native language, with optional gated or non-gated configurations for discretion on translation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice-based communication is used in emergency response systems, then the system can operate with simple communication protocols, but LEP users and users with disabilities cannot communicate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interpreter system comprising an interpreter computing device and interpreter voice communication device that acts as an intermediary between LEP users and PSAP call takers. The interpreter device receives communications from users in their native language, translates them to English, and relays them to the PSAP, thereby enabling communication without requiring the PSAP system itself to become complex and multilingual.
2Reliability
If real-time language translation is provided to LEP users, then communication effectiveness improves, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the interpretation system into distinct functional components: an interpreter computing device that handles translation processing, an interpreter voice communication device that manages communication protocols, and a PSAP device that maintains its existing simple architecture. This segmentation allows the complex translation functionality to be isolated in dedicated devices without complicating the core PSAP system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interpreter voice communication device serves as a mediator between the complex interpreter computing device and the simple PSAP device. It receives translated communications from the computing device and transmits them to the PSAP using standard protocols, thereby shielding the PSAP system from complexity while ensuring reliable communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-channel communication modes are supported, then users with various disabilities can communicate, but the system becomes more complex to implement and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The interpreter computing device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various communication modes including text, voice, video, and image transmissions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the system achieves high adaptability without requiring separate specialized systems for each communication mode, thereby simplifying overall implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, computer program product, and process are provided for multi-channel language interpretation. An interpreter voice communication device receives, from a PSAP communication device on a first channel, a request for language translation of a communication. The interpreter voice communication device also receives data through the first channel that assists a language interpreter in performing the translation. An interpreter computing device establishes a language interpretation session through a second channel with a PSAP workstation. The interpreter computing device also provides a real-time language translation of the communication based upon the data received through the first channel.