Method and system for initiating and handling an emergency call utilizing geographical zones
A method and system of making an emergency voice call is disclosed. Location data is received from a positioning device. A location area identifier is determined. The location area identifier corresponds to a geographical area encompassing a geographical location being represented by the location data. A voice call destination number is identified. The voice call destination number is associated with the location area identifier. The voice call destination number is utilized in order to communicate with a public safety answering point.
1. A method of making an emergency voice call from a portable computing device, comprising:
determining with a processor of the portable computing device a location area identifier that represents a geographical area in which the portable computing device is located,
determining with the processor a coverage area identifier that matches the location area identifier, wherein the coverage area identifier represents an emergency service area being serviced by a public safety answering point;
identifying with the processor a voice call destination number associated with the coverage area identifier; and
utilizing with a dialing module of the portable computing device the voice call destination number in order to establish communication with the public safety answering point.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein location area identifier is a pixilated image.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the geographical area is an irregular area.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the emergency service area is an irregular area.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the voice call destination number is a telephone number of the public safety answering point.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the voice call destination number is an Internet protocol address.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coverage area identifier and the location area identifier are correlated in a lookup table.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the lookup table resides in the portable computing device.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the lookup table resides in a remote server.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coverage area identifier and the voice call destination number are correlated in a lookup table.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the lookup table resides in the portable computing device.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the lookup table resides in a remote server.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving emergency call input to initiate the emergency voice call from a user.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising automatically initiating the emergency voice call if a preconfigured event occurs.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting personal data associated with a user of the portable computing device.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the personal data includes a medical condition, contact information of a relative, or blood type of the user.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the emergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answering point through a cellular network.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the emergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answering point through a public switched network.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the emergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answering point through an Internet protocol network.
20. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting location data to a communication data interface module at the public safety answering point.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location data is transmitted through a data link.
22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location data is transmitted through a voice link.
23. The method of claim 1 , wherein the portable computing device is a personal data assistant, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, or a laptop computer.
24. A method of making a voice call from a portable computing device, comprising:
determining with a processor of the portable computing device a location area identifier that represents a geographical area in which the portable computing device is located;
determining with the processer a coverage area identifier that matches the location area identifier, wherein the coverage area identifier represents a service area being serviced by a call center;
identifying with the processer a voice call destination number associated with the coverage area identifier; and
utilizing with a dialing module of the portable computing device the voice call destination number in order to establish communication with the call center.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the call center is a public safety answering point.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein location area identifier is a pixilated image.
27. The method of claim 24 , wherein the geographical area is an irregular area.
28. The method of claim 24 , wherein the emergency service area is an irregular area.
29. The method of claim 24 , wherein the voice call destination number is a telephone number of the call center.
30. The method of claim 24 , wherein the voice call destination number is an Internet protocol address.