Softphone Location Update via Type II Caller ID for E911
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current E911 Phase I systems in public safety answering points (PSAPs) are unable to handle GPS coordinates from WiFi-enabled softphones, limiting their ability to determine address location information during emergency 911 calls, as these systems are not configured to process GPS data, and there is no existing solution for softphones connecting to wireless network access points.
Innovation Solution
Softphones are designed to store and communicate current address locations using type II caller ID data packets, with a DHCP server notifying the softphone to update its location when it changes, allowing the softphone to provide accurate address information to PSAPs through a network access point, soft-switch, and gateway system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If E911 Phase I systems are used in PSAPs, then system simplicity and existing infrastructure compatibility are maintained, but the ability to handle GPS coordinates and provide accurate address location information from WiFi-enabled softphones is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the softphone client generates type II caller ID data packets that include address location information, and a gateway/PSAP system processes this data. The gateway acts as a mediator between the softphone and the PSAP, converting GPS coordinates and network location data into format compatible with existing E911 Phase I systems, thereby enabling GPS handling without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format parameters by implementing type II caller ID data packets that carry address location information alongside traditional caller ID data. This allows the system to transmit both GPS coordinates and network-based location data in a compatible format with existing PSAP infrastructure, enabling enhanced location capabilities without breaking backward compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If softphones use GPS capabilities to determine location, then location precision is improved, but the usefulness of this information in emergency situations is reduced because emergency services need address information rather than just coordinates
Solution Approach 1:
The softphone client acts as an intermediary that receives GPS coordinates from the GPS receiver, processes this location data, and converts it into address location information through type II caller ID data packets. This intermediary processing transforms raw GPS coordinates into meaningful address data that emergency services can directly use for response operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct use of GPS coordinates with a data packet-based communication system that carries address information. Instead of relying solely on GPS coordinates being directly understood by emergency services, the system substitutes a structured data communication mechanism that delivers address information in a format suitable for emergency response operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If softphones move between network access points, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but the ability to maintain consistent location information for emergency calls is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the softphone client continuously monitor network connections and update location information before emergency calls are placed. The system proactively detects when a softphone moves between network access points and updates the associated location data in advance, ensuring that when a 911 call is made, the most current location information is already ready and transmitted through the type II caller ID data packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the softphone client continuously monitors network status and location changes, and this information feeds back into the location database and type II caller ID data packets. This feedback loop ensures that location information is automatically updated in response to movement between network access points, maintaining reliability despite mobility.
4Loss of information
If type II caller ID data packets are used to communicate address information, then the ability to provide location details to PSAPs is improved, but compatibility with existing E911 Phase I systems is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the type II caller ID data packet format with existing E911 Phase I system protocols. By combining the enhanced location information capabilities of type II packets with the existing infrastructure and processing capabilities of Phase I systems, the system achieves both improved location information transmission and maintained compatibility. The gateway integrates both data types, allowing Phase I systems to process enhanced location data without requiring complete system replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing location information to a public safety answering point from a softphone may include receiving, at a network access point, an emergency 911 call from the softphone. The emergency 911 call may be communicated to a public safety answering point. In response to a call connection message being received, an address location of the network access point to which the softphone is in communication in placing the emergency 911 call to the public safety answering point may be communicated in a type II caller ID data packet. The softphone may generate the type II caller ID data packet with the address location in a data field, such as a data field typically used for name information of a caller.