VoIP Positioning Center for Emergency Call Routing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency call services face challenges in accurately routing calls and providing location information for mobile and VoIP units, particularly due to the reliance on cell antenna location data, which can lead to mis-routing and delayed dispatching, and the need for substantial upgrades to accommodate emerging technologies like VoIP and next-generation 911 systems.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves obtaining and provisioning actual mobile unit location information independently of wireless network cell antenna data, using methods such as hotspot location, satellite-based technologies, and node mapping, and interposing a VoIP positioning center between the VoIP gateway and call routing center to ensure accurate call routing and dispatching, leveraging existing infrastructure to support VoIP, NG911, and legacy wireless systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cell antenna location information is used for call routing, then call routing can be implemented using existing network infrastructure, but call routing accuracy deteriorates leading to mis-routed calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Position Determining Entity (PDE) as an intermediary component that receives location information from multiple sources (GPS, WiFi, cell towers) and processes it to determine accurate mobile unit location. This PDE acts as a mediator between the mobile unit and the call routing system, enabling accurate routing without requiring direct integration of multiple location technologies into the core network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to accept and process multiple types of location information sources (GPS coordinates, WiFi hotspot locations, cell antenna data) through a universal interface at the PDE. This multi-functional capability allows the system to work with various location technologies without requiring separate routing mechanisms for each source, maintaining ease of implementation while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If mobile unit location information is obtained independently from communications network, then call routing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination methods (GPS satellite-based location, WiFi hotspot location, cell antenna triangulation) into a single unified location provisioning system. The PDE merges these different location sources and their respective data formats into a standardized location information output that can be used by the call routing system, reducing the apparent complexity by presenting a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs location determination and validation in advance before call routing is needed. The PDE pre-processes location information from multiple sources and prepares accurate location data that can be quickly retrieved and used for call routing, rather than performing complex location calculations at the moment of call initiation.
3Measurement precision
If accurate location information is provisioned at call time, then call routing accuracy is improved, but information delivery time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines and validates location information in advance through the PDE before the call routing process begins. By pre-processing location data from multiple sources and verifying accuracy beforehand, the system has location information ready for immediate use when a call needs to be routed, avoiding time-consuming location calculations during the call setup phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit itself participates in providing location information by enabling its GPS receiver and WiFi capabilities to contribute location data. This self-service approach allows the mobile unit to generate its own location information locally without requiring extensive network-based processing, reducing the time needed for information delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and architectures for improving operation of 9-1-1 and other emergency services networks. Enriched data (e.g., text messages, videos, phase II location information, etc.) may be transmitted to a PSAP via a secondary communication channel (i.e., data), wherein the primary communication channel is a voice telephony trunk. Disclosed embodiments may increase the speed with which accurate location information is made available to improve call routing accuracy and decrease dispatch time. Some embodiments may also enable continued operation of legacy emergency services systems during and after transition to next generation systems.