WiFi Access Point Location Data for E911 PSAP Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) with E911 Phase I capabilities cannot translate GPS coordinates into address location information for non-cellular wireless devices, such as WiFi-enabled devices, leading to inadequate location services during emergency 911 calls.
Innovation Solution
Communicating address information of the WiFi access point, along with GPS coordinates, to PSAPs via a Type II caller ID data packet, enabling both E911 Phase I and Phase II configured PSAPs to display the location of WiFi-enabled wireless devices by using a network access point like a WiFi access point, and optionally employing a Type II caller ID device at the PSAP for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates are provided for WiFi-enabled devices during 911 calls, then location tracking precision is improved, but PSAP compatibility deteriorates because E911 Phase I systems cannot translate GPS coordinates into address information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism that converts GPS coordinates into address information compatible with E911 Phase I PSAP systems. This intermediary layer enables both GPS precision and broad PSAP compatibility by translating between the two data formats rather than requiring direct compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter format of location information based on the receiving PSAP's capabilities. GPS coordinates are transformed into address information when communicating with E911 Phase I systems, while maintaining GPS coordinate format for Phase II systems, thus adapting to different system requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Type II caller ID data packets are used to transmit address information, then PSAP compatibility is improved, but information transmission complexity increases due to additional data formatting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The Type II caller ID data packet format serves multiple functions: it carries both traditional caller identification information and location/address data. This multi-functional approach enables broad PSAP compatibility without requiring separate communication channels or protocols.
3Measurement precision
If both GPS coordinates and access point address information are transmitted, then location information accuracy is improved, but data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits both GPS coordinates and access point address information, providing more location data than strictly necessary. This excessive action ensures accuracy by providing redundant location information that can be used independently or together, depending on system capabilities and signal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing location information to a public safety answering point may include receiving, at a network access point, an emergency 911 call signal including GPS location information and mobile directory number of a wireless device. The GPS location information and mobile directory information may be communicated to a selective muter associated with a public safety access point servicing an area including the network access point. The network access point may be a WiFi access point. The access point address information may be communicated using a type II caller ID data packet after the public safety answering point goes off-hook By communicating both the access point address information and GPS location information, both PSAPs that are configured as E911 Phase I and E911 Phase II may display address location information of an emergency 911 caller.