Priority based methods and apparatus for transmitting accurate emergency location identification numbers (ELINs) from behind a multi-line telephone system (MLTS)
View Patent ↗Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include prioritizing the emergency call, assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number.
1. A method for processing an emergency call made from behind a PBX/MLTS, said method comprising the steps of:
a) within the PBX/MLTS determining whether dialed digits represent an emergency number; and
b) assigning priority within the PBX/MLTS to a call determined to be an emergency call without interrupting any existing calls and sending the emergency call to a central office.
2. An apparatus for processing an emergency call made from behind a PBX/MLTS, said apparatus comprising:
a) means within the PBX/MLTS for determining whether dialed digits represent an emergency number; and
b) means for assigning priority within the PBX/MLTS to a call determined to be an emergency call without interrupting any existing calls and sending the emergency call to a central office.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising:
c) means for storing a port equipment number for each device/trunk in the PBX/MLTS; and
d) means for associating an emergency location identification number (ELIN) with each port equipment number.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising:
d) means for determining from which port the emergency call originated; and
f) means for transmitting to a public safety answering point the ELIN associated with the port from which the emergency call originated.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising:
c) means for storing a port equipment number for each device/trunk in the PBX/MLTS; and
d) means for associating a callback number with each port equipment number.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising:
e) means for determining from which port the emergency call originated; and
f) means for transmitting to a public safety answering point the callback number associated with the port from which the emergency call originated.
7. An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising:
c) means for storing a port equipment number for each device/trunk in the PBX/MLTS; and
d) means for associating an emergency location identification number (ELIN) and a callback number with each port equipment number.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising:
e) means for determining from which port the emergency call originated; and
f) means for transmitting to a public safety answering point the ELIN and the callback number associated with the port from which the emergency call originated.