VoIP E911 Location Update System for PSAP Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

PSAP operators cannot receive accurate physical address locations from VoIP and WiFi-enabled wireless devices during emergency 911 calls, as these devices often move and do not provide reliable GPS coordinates that E911 Phase I systems can interpret, leaving 82% of PSAPs unable to determine the caller's address location effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to automatically update physical address location information for E911 services by determining the current geographic coordinates of a wireless device and updating its associated physical address when it moves beyond a predetermined distance, using a processing unit and network server to store and retrieve historical location data, enabling accurate address determination even when devices change access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS coordinates are used for location tracking, then precise geographical location can be determined, but physical address location information cannot be provided to PSAPs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeographic coordinate precisionVSAvoidphysical address information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a database mapping GPS coordinates to physical addresses, and a server that translates coordinate data into address information. This intermediary layer converts the GPS coordinate data (which PSAPs cannot interpret) into physical address information (which PSAPs can use), resolving the incompatibility between GPS precision and PSAP requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter format of location information from GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude) to physical address parameters (street address, city, state, ZIP code). This parameter transformation makes the location data compatible with E911 Phase I systems while preserving the precision benefits of GPS tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If E911 Phase I systems are used, then compatibility with existing PSAPs is maintained, but accurate location information for moving VoIP devices cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePSAP system compatibilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal location information system that serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with E911 Phase I systems by providing physical address information, while simultaneously supporting moving VoIP devices through continuous GPS tracking and automatic address updates. The system adapts to different device types and PSAP capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking the device's GPS location and pre-updating the associated physical address information before an emergency call is placed. This ensures that when a 911 call occurs, the most current address information is already available, eliminating the need for manual address entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual address entry is required, then accurate address information can be obtained, but response time during emergencies is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress accuracyVSAvoidemergency response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically performing location tracking, address lookup, and database updates without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously maintains current address information based on its GPS location, eliminating the need for manual address entry during emergencies while ensuring address accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If continuous location tracking is implemented, then current address information is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information reliabilityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by updating the location information at intervals rather than continuously. The address is updated when the device moves beyond a predetermined distance from its last recorded location, rather than constantly monitoring and transmitting position data. This periodic update approach maintains location reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8880021B2System and method for updating location information of voice-over-internet protocol based devices for E911 services

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

A system and method for updating physical address location information of a wireless device for E911 services. The updating may include determining that the current geographical coordinate location of the wireless device has moved beyond a predetermined distance from a last recorded geographical coordinate location. A physical address location associated with the current geographical coordinate location may then be updated. The physical address location may be updated in the wireless device and/or a data repository operating on a data packet network. The physical address location may be communicated to a public safety answering point (PSAP) in response to an emergency 911 call being placed.