Patent Application
20240214775
Embodiments of the technology described herein are directed to, among other things, systems and methods for determining a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call. More particularly, parcel specific information available in a nationwide parcel database can be retrieved and utilized to determine the accuracy of a reported civic address and assign an appropriate confidence level. To do so, a request by a public safety answer point (PSAP) for a civic address corresponding to user equipment (UE) initiating a call for emergency services is initially received at a node. The node receives from UE a geodetic location corresponding to the UE. The geodetic location corresponding to the UE can be utilized to retrieve parcel information from a database. Based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, a confidence level of the civic address can be determined.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Aspects of the present technology are described in detail herein with reference to the attached figures, which are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting, wherein:
The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, it is contemplated that the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations are employed to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope of embodiments described in the present disclosure. The following is a list of these acronyms:
Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. A definition of such terms can be found in, for example, Newton's Telecom Dictionary by H. Newton, 31st Edition (2018). These definitions are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the ideas disclosed herein but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The definitions and terms should be interpreted broadly and liberally to the extent allowed by the meaning of the words offered in the above-cited reference.
Embodiments of the technology may take the form of, among other things: a method, system, or set of instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media. Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Media examples include but are not limited to information-delivery media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.
By way of background, a traditional telecommunications network employs a plurality of base stations (i.e., cell sites, cell towers) to provide network coverage. The base stations are employed to broadcast and transmit transmissions to user devices of the telecommunications network. An access point may be considered to be a portion of a base station that may comprise an antenna, a radio, and/or a controller. In aspects, an access point is defined by its ability to communicate with a user equipment (UE), such as a wireless connection device (WCD), according to a single protocol (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and the like); however, in other aspects, a single access point may communicate with a UE according to multiple protocols. As used herein, a base station may comprise one access point or more than one access point. Factors that can affect the telecommunications transmission include, e.g., location and size of the base stations, frequency of the transmission, among other factors.
A UE or a WCD can include any device employed by an end-user to communicate with a wireless telecommunications network. A WCD can include a mobile device, a mobile broadband adapter, or any other communications device employed to communicate with the wireless telecommunications network. A WCD, as one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, generally includes one or more antenna coupled to a radio for exchanging (e.g., transmitting and receiving) transmissions with a nearby base station.
The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and computer readable media that systems and methods for determining a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call. More particularly, parcel specific information available in a nationwide parcel database can be retrieved and utilized to determine the accuracy of a reported civic address and assign an appropriate confidence level. To do so, a request by a public safety answer point (PSAP) for a civic address corresponding to user equipment (UE) initiating a call for emergency services is initially received at a node. The node also receives from UE a geodetic location corresponding to the UE. The geodetic location corresponding to the UE can be utilized to retrieve parcel information from a database. Based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, a confidence level of the civic address can be determined.
In some aspects, based on the confidence level of the civic address satisfying a configurable threshold, the civic address is provided to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has one structure and one address and the geodetic location is within the structure boundary. In another example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has more than one structure or the parcel contains more than one address or the geodetic location is not within the structure boundary but is within the parcel boundary.
In contrast, if the confidence level of the civic address does not satisfy a configurable threshold, the civic address is not provided to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may not satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the geodetic location is not within the parcel boundary.
According to aspects of the technology described herein, a method for determining a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call is provided. The method comprises receiving, at a node, a request by a public safety answer point (PSAP) for a civic address corresponding to user equipment (UE) initiating a call for emergency services. The method also comprises receiving from UE, at the node, a geodetic location corresponding to the UE initiating a call for emergency services. The method further comprises utilizing the geodetic location corresponding to the UE, retrieving a parcel information from a database. The method also comprises, based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, determining a confidence level of the civic address. The method further comprises upon the confidence level of the civic address satisfying a configurable threshold, providing the civic address to the PSAP.
According to further aspects of the technology described herein, one or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations for determining a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call. The operations comprise receiving, at a node, a request by a public safety answer point (PSAP) for a civic address corresponding to user equipment (UE) initiating a call for emergency services. The operations also comprise receiving from UE, at the node, a geodetic location corresponding to the UE initiating a call for emergency services. The operations further comprise utilizing the geodetic location corresponding to the UE, retrieving a parcel information from a database. The operations also comprise, based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, determining a confidence level of the civic address.
According to even further aspects of the technology described herein, a system for determining a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call. The system comprises a user equipment (UE). The system also comprises a node configured to: receive a request by a public safety answer point (PSAP) for a civic address corresponding to the UE initiating a call for emergency services; receiving from UE a geodetic location corresponding to the UE initiating a call for emergency services; utilize the geodetic location corresponding to the UE, retrieving a parcel information from a database; and based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, determine a confidence level of the civic address.
Turning to
A network cell may comprise a base station to facilitate wireless communication between a communications device within the network cell, such as communications device 600 described with respect to
The UE 106 may utilize network 104 to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., mobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.). In embodiments, network 104 is a telecommunications network, or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include an array of devices or components, some of which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as terminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) may provide connectivity in some embodiments. Network 104 may include multiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the present disclosure. Network 104 may be part of a telecommunications network that connects subscribers to their immediate service provider. In embodiments, network 104 is associated with a telecommunications provider that provides services to user devices, such as UE 106. For example, network 104 may provide voice services to user devices or corresponding users that are registered or subscribed to utilize the services provided by a telecommunications provider. It is contemplated network 104 can be any communication network providing voice and/or data service(s), such as, for example, a 1× circuit voice, a 2G network (e.g. GSM, CDMA), 3G network (e.g., CMDA2000, WCDMA, UMTS), a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA), a 5G network or the like.
The network environment 100 may include a database (not shown). The database can be any type of medium that is capable of storing information. The database can be any collection of records (e.g., network or device information or a civic address database comprising a mapping of geodetic location to civic address and its corresponding geocoded locations). In one embodiment, the database includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.
As previously mentioned, the UE 106 may communicate with other devices by using a base station, such as base station 102. In embodiments, base station 102 is a wireless communications station that is installed at a fixed location, such as at a radio tower, as illustrated in
As stated, the base station 102 may include a radio (not shown) or a remote radio head (RRH) that generally communicates with one or more antennas associated with the base station 102. In this regard, the radio is used to transmit signals or data to an antenna associated with the base station 102 and receive signals or data from the antenna. Communications between the radio and the antenna can occur using any number of physical paths. A physical path, as used herein, refers to a path used for transmitting signals or data. As such, a physical path may be referred to as a radio frequency (RF) path, a coaxial cable path, cable path, or the like.
The antenna is used for telecommunications. Generally, the antenna may be an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves and converts radio waves into electric power. The antenna is typically positioned at or near the top of the radio tower as illustrated in
In practice, a user of a UE 106 may need emergency services. The user places a call to emergency services (e.g., 911) and the base station 102 facilitates wireless communication between UE 106 and PSAP 108 via the network. In order to dispatch an emergency vehicle 110 to the proper location, PSAP 108 needs the civic address of the UE 106 so the emergency vehicle 110 can provide assistance to the user at that location.
Continuing, the network environment 100 may further include a civic address confidence engine 112. The civic address confidence engine 112 may be configured to, among other things, determine a confidence level of a civic address associated with an enhanced 911 call, in accordance with the present disclosure. Though civic address confidence engine 112 is illustrated as a component of network 104 in
Referring now to
Location component 202 generally receives a request by a PSAP for a civic address corresponding to a UE initiating a call for emergency services. Location component 202 also receives from UE a geodetic location corresponding to the UE. Additionally, the geodetic location is associated with an uncertainty that generally represents the radius of a circular area centered on the geodetic location identified by the node that the actual coordinates of the UE could fall.
In some aspects, location component 202 also determines the civic address and its geocoded location corresponding to the UE. For example, location component 202 may initiate an API call to a reverse geocoder API (e.g., GOOGLE Reverse Geocoding). The API call includes the geodetic location. The reverse geocoder API may be associated with a database mapping geodetic locations to a civic address and its geocoded location and utilizes the geodetic location received as an input to determine the civic address and its geocoded location. Location component 202 receives the civic address and the geocoded location corresponding to the geodetic location as an output of the reverse geocoder API.
Parcel component 204 generally utilizes the geodetic location corresponding to the UE to retrieve parcel information from a database. In some aspects parcel information comprises one or more of: a parcel address, zoning information, land use and vacancy information, structure details, geographic information, and additional items.
Compare component 206 generally, based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, determines a confidence level of the civic address. In some aspects the first portion of parcel information comprises one or more of use information, a number of structures, a building count, or a total address count. In some aspects, the second portion of parcel information comprises: a parcel boundary of a parcel and a structure boundary for each structure located within the parcel.
In some aspects, based on the confidence level of the civic address satisfying a configurable threshold, the civic address is provided to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has one structure and one address and the geodetic location is within the structure boundary. In another example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has more than one structure or the parcel contains more than one address or the geodetic location is not within the structure boundary but is within the parcel boundary.
In contrast, if the confidence level of the civic address does not satisfy a configurable threshold, the civic address is not provided to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may not satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the geodetic location is not within the parcel boundary. Other scenarios where the civic address is not provided to the PSAP may include: 1) if county, city, street, and postal code are missing from the parcel information; 2) if the uncertainty and/or distance error are greater than predetermined thresholds (uncertainty refers to an uncertainty that is provided by the UE with the geodetic location and distance error may refer to a distance between the geodetic location and geocoded location); 3) if the distance error is less than predetermined thresholds; or 4) for E911 calls made in markets where parcel information is not available.
If the location of the UE is not in the parcel database (and has no parcel information), the civic address is not reported. If the location of the UE is within an apartment complex, a multi-family complex, or a high-rise building with multiple addresses, the civic address may be reported, but with lower confidence. If the location of the UE is within the parcel boundary, but outside the building footprint, the civic address may be reported, but with lower confidence. If the location of the UE is within the building footprint, the civic address may be reported, with high confidence. If the geodetic location and the geocoded location are in different parcels, the civic address is not reported. If the location of the UE is a duplex (where each has its own structure and civic address, but the structure is connected by a wall), the civic address may be reported, with high confidence. If the geocoded location and the civic address are unrelated, the civic address is not reported. If the geodetic location is within a strip mall (more than one address in a single structure), the civic address may be reported, but with lower confidence. If the location of the UE is within a corporate building (one structure and one civic address), the civic address may be reported with high confidence. If the location of the UE and the civic address error distance is greater than a configurable threshold, the civic address is not reported.
As described herein, the confidence level of the civic address will satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has one structure and one address and the geodetic location is within the structure boundary. For example, in
In another example, the confidence level of the civic address will satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has more than one structure or the parcel contains more than one address or the geodetic location is not within the structure boundary but is within the parcel boundary. For example, assume the UE making the enhanced 911 call is at civic address 304 or 307 (each corresponding to more than one structure). If the geodetic location indicates the UE making the enhanced 911 call is not within the structure boundary but is within the parcel boundary associated with the civic address, the civic address will be provided to the PSAP.
Or, referring now to
Referring back to
Referring now to
At step 502, a request by the PSAP is received, at a node, for a civic address corresponding to UE initiating a call for emergency services. A geodetic location is generated by UE and received by the node, at step 504. For example, the UE may utilize global positioning system (GPS) that leverages the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) network to identify the geodetic location of the UE. Other techniques, such as GOOGLE Fused Location Provider API may be utilized by the UE and provided to the node.
The node utilizes, at step 506, the geodetic location corresponding to the UE to retrieve parcel information from a parcel database. For example, the node may initiate an API call that includes the geodetic location as an input to a reverse geocoder API. In aspects, the reverse geocoder API is GOOGLE Reverse Geocoding. As output, the reverse geocoder API returns a civic address and its geocoded location. In aspects, the database is a nationwide parcel database that contains publicly available parcel information collected by county and local authorities. Each parcel record may include parcel address, zoning, land use and vacancy information, structure details, geographic information, building type, parcel use code, and other relevant parcel data. The database may also include additional parcel information such as building count, building footprint, and total address count of the parcel. Such information may be derived from high resolution satellite imagery and other sources.
At step 508, based on a first portion of the parcel information and a comparison of a second portion of the parcel information to the geodetic location, a confidence level of the civic address is determined. For example, the first portion of the parcel information may comprise one or more of: use information, number of structures, a building count, or a total address count. The second portion of the parcel information may comprise a parcel boundary of a parcel and a structure boundary for each structure located within the parcel.
At step 510, upon the confidence level of the civic address satisfying a configurable threshold, providing the civic address to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has one structure and one address and the geodetic location is within the structure boundary. In another example, the confidence level of the civic address may satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the civic address has more than one structure or the parcel contains more than one address or the geodetic location is not within the structure boundary but is within the parcel boundary.
In contrast, if the confidence level of the civic address does not satisfy a configurable threshold, the civic address is not provided to the PSAP. For example, the confidence level of the civic address may not satisfy the configurable threshold if the first portion of parcel information indicates the geodetic location is not within the parcel boundary.
Embodiments of the technology described herein may be embodied as, among other things, a method, a system, or a computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. The present technology may take the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media. The present technology may further be implemented as hard-coded into the mechanical design of network components and/or may be built into a broadcast cell or central server.
Computer-readable media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and/or various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are methods of communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and/or non-transitory communications media.
Computer storage media, or machine-readable media, may include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and/or other magnetic storage devices. These memory components may store data momentarily, temporarily, and/or permanently, and are not limited to the examples provided.
Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions—including data structures and program modules—in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. Communications media include any information-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Referring to
The implementations of the present disclosure may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program components, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components, including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. Implementations of the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, specialty computing devices, etc. Implementations of the present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network.
As shown in
Memory 612 may take the form of memory components described herein. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, but it should be noted that memory 612 may include any type of tangible medium that is capable of storing information, such as a database. A database may be any collection of records, data, and/or information. In one embodiment, memory 612 may include a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate various functions or elements disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.
Processor 614 may actually be multiple processors that receive instructions and process them accordingly. Presentation component 416 may include a display, a speaker, and/or other components that may present information (e.g., a display, a screen, a lamp (LED), a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or even lighted keyboards) through visual, auditory, and/or other tactile cues.
Radio 624 represents a radio that facilitates communication with a wireless telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio 624 might additionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, 3G, 4G, LTE, mMIMO/5G, NR, VOLTE, or other VoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio 624 can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies. A wireless telecommunications network might include an array of devices, which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as a base station, a communications tower, or even access points (as well as other components) can provide wireless connectivity in some embodiments.
The input/output (I/O) ports 618 may take a variety of forms. Exemplary I/O ports may include a USB jack, a stereo jack, an infrared port, a firewire port, other proprietary communications ports, and the like. Input/output (I/O) components 620 may comprise keyboards, microphones, speakers, touchscreens, and/or any other item usable to directly or indirectly input data into the computing device 600.
Power supply 622 may include batteries, fuel cells, and/or any other component that may act as a power source to supply power to the computing device 600 or to other network components, including through one or more electrical connections or couplings. Power supply 622 may be configured to selectively supply power to different components independently and/or concurrently.
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
