SMS E911 Messaging for Network Overload Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 911 infrastructure is prone to overload during emergencies, particularly in regional crises, as voice telecommunications networks become overwhelmed, leading to service failures and the inability to accurately route emergency calls without callback numbers or location information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Short Messaging System (SMS) based emergency services system that allows text message E911 requests, enabling geographic location association and delivery to emergency services, thereby providing a non-voice communication alternative for emergency contact during network overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice circuits are used for 911 emergency calls, then direct circuit switched voice connection is established, but the network becomes overwhelmed and service failures occur during regional crises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from voice-based circuit switching to data-based packet switching. By transforming the emergency call mechanism from traditional voice circuits to SMS text messages, the system utilizes available non-voice data capacity, thereby avoiding network overload while maintaining emergency communication reliability during regional crises
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice circuit switching system with a data messaging system. Instead of using traditional circuit-switched voice networks, the invention uses SMS text messaging over data networks, substituting the communication mechanism to bypass network capacity limitations during emergencies
2Loss of information
If automatic location identification is implemented, then location information is provided to PSAP, but the system cannot deliver location data without callback number or location information displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to automatically provide its own location information through SMS text messages. The system uses the device's inherent capability to send text messages and automatically attaches location data, eliminating the need for manual entry or complex PSAP configuration. The location information is self-delivered along with the emergency message
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile device with location capabilities and automatically associating location data with outgoing SMS text messages. Before the emergency call is initiated, the system has already prepared the location information to be included in the message, ensuring immediate availability to PSAP without requiring additional setup or configuration during the emergency
Data Source
AI summary
A short messaging system (SMS) emergency services 911 system (SMS E911). Excess non-voice capacity is used to establish a Short Message Service (SMS) capability for generating an emergency 911 “equivalent” call, together with location information required by emergency services and to meet Federal 911 requirements. 911 requests for emergency assistance are delivered using non-voice centric sources such as SMS, email, and/or autonomous data/message generation devices. SMS 911 capability enables SMS savvy consumers to generate requests for emergency assistance to the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The SMS 911 emergency services request can be understood by an otherwise conventional PSAP, including provision of location information, and translated to provide first responders with the emergency services information they need to offer timely assistance.