Norman WilliamsSenior Research Engineer

RERC on Telecomm Access at Gallaudet University

National 9-1-1SMS Relay Center Update

June 21 2011

Covered TopicsCovered Topics

Accessing 911 by Deaf/HOH users.

National 911 Relay Center Solution.

Some GPS Solutions.

What Can Deaf/HOHWhat Can Deaf/HOHWireless Users Do Today?Wireless Users Do Today?

Carry around a big TTY?

Make a silent call (VOICE) and hope someone comes?

Use an existing AIM relay (no location information) and hope the relay center can find your PSAP?

Use some video relay service apps on 3G network (usually poor video quality).

“Be patient” until NG911 solution appears?

Wireless relay with location identification, using phone’s built in GPS, could be an interim solution that might be implemented faster.

This suggestion is to supplement progress, not to replace direct communication with the PSAP, which is still the end goal.

Solution:

SMS TO A NATIONAL RELAY CENTER SPECIALIZING IN 911 CALLS

Why this approach?Why this approach?Waiting too long for useful wireless access.

One number nationwide.

Supports what users use everyday such as SMS texting. Using app for 911 only won’t be effective.

Good coverage & stable technology.

Any wireless phone can be used (All of them have SMS).

Quick to implement for one national center.

Minimize industry opposition.

Get *something* going now.

Cell phoneCell

phoneSMS

Store and forward server

PSAPPSAP

Direct SMS to Nearest PSAP:

Store and forward serverPSAPPSAP

Relayed SMS/Voice to Nearest PSAP:

911 RELAY

SMS

SMS

SMS

VoiceCell phoneCell

phone

AIM & othersAIM & others

IP

AIM & othersAIM & others

IP

1. Communication Assistants (CA) would be trained to handle these kind of SMS messages everyday.

2. Deaf users may have more confidence in this system.

3. May be the quickest way to establish service, as a single company could do the development.

4. Carriers do not need to do special SMS routing.

5. Works with all PSAP centers (voice calls).

Pros of National Relay CenterPros of National Relay Center

6. Less risk of prank calls because of unadvertised special number and users may be required to register with a relay provider first just like TRS and VRS now.

7. May be the cheapest overall solution.

8. Centralizes technical implementation.

9. Can expand to other media modes such as VRS provided videophone calls, AIM, Google Talk, MSN, etc.

Pros of National Relay CenterPros of National Relay Center

Some DisadvantagesSome Disadvantages

1. Senders must know special number for nationwide 911 SMS Relay, such as 911911.

2. Delays -- unknown how long it would take CAs to identify and connect to the PSAP.

3. SMS is not real-time – conversation take place in chunks of messages, messages could arrive out of order.

4. If under ADA Title IV, would require FCC action before R&D would begin.

5. Still no direct communication with 911 PSAPs.

Many new phones do have GPS built in. They are used for different purposes:

1.Driving directions.

2. “Find me” for sharing locations with friends/family.

3.To help find lost phone.

4.Google map to find nearest business.

5.Photos are GPS tagged for photo locations.

6.Most importantly, 911 voice calls.

GPS Technology OverviewGPS Technology Overview

GPS location is done though:

1. Tower based location (fast but less accurate).

2. Built in GPS (slower, but more accurate) for outside.

3. Hybrid of tower and built in GPS. The iPhone uses this technology.

Three ways to get user location for this project:

l HTML5 web browser using geolocating support.

l Use a FIND MY PHONE helper application which will automatically sends location by SMS.

l User will manually explain where they are if they cannot use a GPS or do not want to use it.

GPS Technology OverviewGPS Technology Overview

HTML5 Geolocating Process:

1.Center sends a SMS message to user. A web link is in the SMS message.

2.User clicks on it and it will automatically go to a web browser.

3.Location sharing permission pops up. User allows it.

4.HTML 5 web page on mobile transmits GPS location to the center including accuracy info (i.e. 50 meters).

5.Center server creates Google map based on given GPS and sends map picture to user and center agent.

6.User is asked to switch back to SMS program to continue discussing.

GPS Technology using GPS Technology using HTML5HTML5

Mobile Platforms: iPhone & iPad: Supported.Android: Supported.Blackberry OS 6.x and up: They have HTML5 and is being

tested.Blackberry OS 5.x and older: The 5.x and older OS are not

supported for HTML5.PC and Mac computers: Supported when WIFI is turned on

(The WIFI does not have to be connected to a network, just leave it turned on).

Some users turned off GPS location for HTML5 web browsing which could cause problems. Practicing monthly may help.

GPS Technology using GPS Technology using HTML5HTML5

The users need to be familiar with both web browsing and texting in SMS. Many users already are.

For the web browsing, the users should practice geolocating with it such as finding current location in a Google map web page. So they can learn how to handle and test location permission prompts.

The familiarity of clicking web links in text messages and handling hops between SMS and web browser apps should be practiced.

Once the users do that, they can comfortably use 911 SMS Relay with GPS support and obtain help.

HTML5 Geocaching works with AIM, emails, and other text messaging technology not just to SMS.

GPS Technology using GPS Technology using HTML5HTML5

Install FIND MY PHONE type of software: An alternative to HTML5 solution. It automatically replies back SMS messages with user’s location if the received messages has password in it. Registration with the center is needed.

Mobile Platforms:Android: Supported. Plenty of apps that helps owners to find their phones.Blackberry: Supported but untested. Plenty of apps that helps owners to find their phones.iPhone & iPads: Not supported. The OS does not allow 3rd party apps to access to SMS communications. HTML5 can be used instead.

GPS Technology using GPS Technology using ApplicationApplication

GPS Technology using GPS Technology using ApplicationApplicationFIND MY PHONE type app will watch for a special code in the SMS messages. The mobile may not use the Internet in this process.

Cell phoneCell

phone

SMS store & forward server

AnyCenter

AnyCenter

Dialog SMS

Hidden SMS for

GPS

Dialog SMS

Hidden SMS for GPS

GPSGPS

Users need to have monthly practice to build confidence of using location technology.

No perfect one size fits all GPS solution, but it is better than no access at all for Deaf and HOH until all PSAPs are equipped with NG911 which is still several years away.

GPS Technology OverviewGPS Technology Overview

Demo of HTML5 based GPSDemo of HTML5 based GPS

Work in ProgressWork in Progress

Designed as proof-of-concept.

Switching to dedicated 10 digits SMS server for faster interaction.

Wrote agent/server software & HTML5 web link.

Using shared commercial SMS Gateway service (a cheap one).

Need to work with voice side to relay SMS to PSAP. One VRS provider is interested in this. They have been doing 911 voice calls for VRS callers.

AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

This document was developed under grants H133E040013 and H33E090001 (RERC on Telecommunications Access) from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.

This is a company-neutral project, and does not receive corporate funds.