Roaming IMS Emergency Call Routing via P-CSCF Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VoLTE systems face operational challenges in providing accurate and efficient emergency call connections for roaming users, particularly in international scenarios, due to connection delays and global emergency number management issues.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that includes a reception unit for session establishment requests, a control unit to access databases for emergency number information based on the visited network's MCC and MNC, and a transmission unit to respond with rejection messages for unsupported emergency sessions, allowing the terminal to switch to alternative call domains like CS for connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal transmits an IMS emergency call through the home network in a roaming situation, then the emergency call can be connected to the PSAP, but connection delays occur and the emergency number may not be supported in the visited network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency call connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The P-CSCF performs preliminary detection of whether the terminal is in a roaming situation and whether the visited network supports the emergency number before the emergency call is fully established. This early detection allows the system to prepare alternative routing paths in advance, avoiding connection delays by pre-identifying potential routing issues and switching to appropriate PSAPs in the visited network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal uses the home network's IMS for emergency calls while roaming, then the call can be routed through the home network, but the emergency number may not be supported in the visited network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency call routing flexibilityVSAvoidemergency number support
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The P-CSCF acts as an intermediary that detects roaming situations and coordinates between the home network and visited network. It queries the visited network to determine support for the emergency number, and based on this information, selects an appropriate PSAP. This intermediary function enables adaptive routing that ensures reliable emergency number support by leveraging local network capabilities in the visited network while maintaining home network control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows IMS emergency calls in roaming situations, then global emergency service access is enabled, but connection delays and unsupported emergency numbers occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal emergency service accessVSAvoidconnection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the P-CSCF continuously monitors terminal location and network support status. When the terminal moves to a visited network, the P-CSCF detects this change, queries the visited network for emergency number support, and dynamically adjusts the routing path. This real-time feedback ensures that emergency calls are routed through networks that support the required emergency numbers, preventing connection delays and ensuring successful emergency service access globally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3316603B1Communication apparatus and method for handling IMS emergency calls in a roaming situation
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 NEC CORP
  • EP3316603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3316603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3316603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a communication apparatus that allows a call from a roaming destination to be connected accurately and efficiently according to a location where a subscriber is located. A communication apparatus includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a terminal, a reception unit that receives a call request transmitted by the terminal, a service identification unit that identifies a service of the request based on the location information of the terminal and a destination telephone number of the request, and a transmission unit that transmits a response to the terminal, when the service corresponding to the request cannot be provided.