OpenRoaming Emergency Location Exposure Using DNS-Based Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi calling systems require manual configuration of user addresses, leading to inaccurate location determination during emergency situations, especially for mobile users, which hinders timely emergency response efforts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically determining a user's location using a Domain Name System (DNS) and databases, leveraging short-lived device-specific tags and access point locations, to accurately provide location information during emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual configuration of user addresses is used for Wi-Fi calling, then device complexity is reduced, but location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves location information from DNS databases without requiring user configuration. The Wi-Fi calling system queries DNS for location data associated with the accessed network, and the system self-updates location information when users move to different networks, eliminating manual configuration while maintaining accurate location tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DNS (Domain Name System) as an intermediary to provide location information. Instead of relying on manually configured user addresses, the system uses DNS databases that store and provide location data for Wi-Fi networks, acting as a mediator between the user device and the location information service
2Ease of operation
If static address configuration is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of emergency response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static address configuration to dynamic location retrieval. Location information is automatically updated when users connect to different Wi-Fi networks by querying DNS databases, ensuring that location data remains current and accurate without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving emergency response reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where location information is continuously retrieved and updated from DNS databases based on the current network connection. This automatic feedback loop ensures that the most current location data is always available for emergency calls without adding operational complexity for users
3Measurement precision
If DNS queries are performed for location information, then location accuracy is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs DNS queries for location information in advance, during the network connection establishment phase, rather than waiting until an emergency call is initiated. This preliminary retrieval of location data ensures that accurate location information is already available when needed, reducing response time during critical emergency situations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for exposing a location associated with an emergency call may include receiving, at a first network, a request to initiate an emergency session from a user device associated with a second network. The request may trigger the first network to determine location information of the user device. Data associated with the location information of the user device is maintained by the second network in one or more databases. The method may further include querying, by the first network, the DNS for the location information associated with the user device. The one or more databases may be updated by the second network. The method may further include receiving, at the first network and from the DNS via the one or more databases, the location information associated with the user device. The method may further include updating the emergency session based on the location information.