Wireless Special Number Call Routing Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for routing wireless special number calls, such as 9-1-1 calls, are inefficient due to the difference in characteristics between cell towers and cell sectors, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming determination of which Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP) should receive calls, as cell sectors are polygon features while jurisdictional boundaries are also polygon features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that establish cell sector-special number areas and associate them with population areas to determine population portions, allowing for the logical assignment of call routing responsibilities based on population proportions, using a computing apparatus and Geographic Information Service (GIS) files to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If call routing is performed based on point feature (cell tower location), then the routing process is simple, but the routing accuracy deteriorates because cell sectors are polygon features that may extend into multiple PSAP jurisdictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell tower into multiple cell sectors, each treated as a separate polygon feature. This segmentation allows each sector to be independently evaluated against PSAP jurisdictional boundaries, improving routing accuracy by matching calls to the correct PSAP based on the specific sector from which the call originates, rather than routing all calls from a tower to a single PSAP
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based routing (cell tower location only) to polygon-based routing (cell sector boundaries). This dimensional change from 0D point to 2D polygon allows for more precise spatial matching between cell sectors and PSAP jurisdictional areas, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy
2Productivity
If trial and error methods are used to determine efficient line-up between cell sectors and PSAPs, then some routing efficiency can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trial-and-error mechanical process with an automated computer-based system that performs spatial analysis and routing assignments. The computer automatically processes cell sector polygon data, compares it with PSAP jurisdictional boundaries, and determines optimal routing assignments, eliminating time-consuming manual iteration and human error
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service routing assignment by automatically performing the analysis and assignment process without requiring manual intervention. The computer system independently evaluates the spatial relationships and generates routing assignments, freeing planners from repetitive trial-and-error work while maintaining or improving routing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning special number wireless call routing responsibilities among special number call answering positions, each respective special number call answering position having a respective designated special number service area, includes: (a) in no particular order: (1) establishing a plurality of cell sector areas for wireless call service; and (2) establishing respective special number service areas in the vicinities of the plurality of cell sector areas; (b) associating respective cell sector areas with the respective special number service areas to establish cell sector-special number areas; (c) establishing at least one population area in the vicinity of the cell sector-special number areas; (d) associating the cell sector-special number areas with the at least one population area to establish cell sector-special number-population areas; (e) determining portions of population attributed to each respective cell sector-special number-population area; and (f) assigning the responsibilities in proportion with the portions of population.