SMS Location Proxy for Emergency Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 911 infrastructure is inadequate during regional crises, as it relies on voice circuits that can become overloaded, preventing effective routing of emergency calls to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) without callback numbers or location information, especially in situations like hurricanes.
Innovation Solution
A Short Messaging System (SMS) location proxy is introduced to provide location information for emergency data messages, enabling non-persistent connections and routing SMS messages to PSAPs through a module that interfaces with the SMS center and emergency services providers, allowing for the delivery of location-based emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice circuits are used for emergency calls, then direct circuit connection between requestor and responder is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to overload during regional crises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMS-based emergency notification system as an intermediary alternative to traditional voice circuits. Instead of relying solely on voice call circuits that can overload, the system uses SMS messages routed through SMSC (Short Message Service Center) to deliver emergency alerts. This mediator approach allows emergency information to be transmitted through a different communication channel that has higher capacity and is less prone to overload during crises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from voice circuit-based transmission to SMS message-based transmission. By altering the fundamental parameter of how emergency information is transmitted (from real-time voice circuits to store-and-forward SMS messages), the system achieves better adaptability during crises while maintaining reliable emergency notification delivery.
2Loss of information
If automatic location information is provided for E911 calls, then callback number and location information is transmitted to PSAP, but the infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SMS location proxy serve multiple functions: it routes emergency SMS messages to appropriate PSAPs, provides location information for emergency messages, and interfaces with both SMSC and emergency services providers. By creating a multi-functional component that handles various emergency communication scenarios, the system reduces overall infrastructure complexity while ensuring location information is delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMS location proxy acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between the SMS center and emergency services providers. Instead of requiring complex direct integration between multiple systems, the proxy mediates the interaction, extracting and providing location information in a standardized manner that reduces infrastructure complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SMS location proxy is introduced for emergency data messages, then non-persistent connections are enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMS location proxy serves as a mediator that enables non-persistent connections for emergency messaging without requiring complex system-wide changes. By positioning the proxy as an intermediary component that handles location extraction and message routing, the system achieves connection flexibility while containing architectural complexity to a specific module rather than the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A data request is generated (e.g., text, email, SMS, multimedia messaging system (MMS), etc.) from a source device. The data request is delivered to a PSAP or other emergency monitoring service location in a useable format. Exemplary useable formats include a canned voice message, delivery to a call center that translates data to voice, text to speech, and text to instant messaging (IM). Additional information and location are staged for use by the PSAP or other monitoring service location.