Web-Based ALI Transfer for First Responder Location Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional emergency call systems lack an efficient method to digitally transfer location information from a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to first responders, leading to delays and potential errors in emergency responses.

Innovation Solution

A web-based system that allows first responders to access and view location information related to emergency calls through an Internet Protocol (IP) based interface, enabling digital transfer of Automatic Location Identification (ALI) data from the PSAP to first responders, including real-time updates and access to additional caller information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional verbal relay methods are used to transfer location information from PSAP to first responders, then the system is simple to operate, but the response time is delayed and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal communication system with an electronic/digital system. First responders use mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, or specialized terminals) to access location information electronically through wireless networks, eliminating the need for verbal relay and reducing response time while maintaining operational simplicity through user-friendly interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a wireless network and a database server that mediates between the PSAP and first responders. The PSAP enters location data which is stored in the database, and first responders retrieve this data through mobile devices, creating an automated information bridge that reduces both time loss and potential errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If digital transfer systems are implemented to improve information delivery speed, then the response efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal system where a single database server can serve multiple PSAPs and multiple first responders simultaneously through wireless networks. The mobile devices used by first responders can also perform other functions beyond just displaying location information, reducing the need for specialized equipment and lowering overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of location information that can be replicated and distributed to multiple first responders simultaneously. Instead of transferring information sequentially or through complex point-to-point connections, the system stores location data in a database that can be accessed and copied by any authorized first responder's mobile device, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If web-based access is provided to multiple first responders, then the information sharing capability improves, but the security requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation sharing capabilityVSAvoidsecurity system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where first responders authenticate themselves using existing credentials (such as department IDs or personal identification numbers) and automatically gain appropriate access levels. The system automatically manages permissions, session timeouts, and data visibility based on the responder's role, eliminating the need for manual security configuration and reducing complexity while maintaining strong security controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8681946B2Mobile automatic location identification (ALI) for first responders
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC
  • US8681946B2 patent drawing
  • US8681946B2 patent drawing
  • US8681946B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Automatic Location Indication (ALI) data is digitally transferred from a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to a first responder via a web site accessed by the first responder. The web site lists each live E911 call within their jurisdiction, and appends the caller's ALI and/or other location data relative to each call. Preferably the first responders (e.g., police car, paramedic, ambulance, fire truck, etc.) can view not only the emergency caller's information for those E911 calls that they are responding to, but also information about other emergency callers that other first responders are responding to. This facilitates the actual response to individual emergency calls as well as the overall management of multiple responders to multiple emergency calls.