Extended Efficient Usage of Emergency Services Keys

摘要

An emergency services key (e.g., ESQK or ESRK) is guaranteed to be available from a limited size ESQK pool. A plurality of ESQKs are grouped into a pool of emergency service keys “ESQK Pool ID”, each including anywhere from 1 to N number of ESQKs. Each ESQK preferably has a “Timestamp”, information relating to the specific emergency E911 call (“Call Data ID”), a guard timer, and an optional hold timer. The ESQK having a Call Data ID=“NULL”, and having the oldest Timestamp, is chosen for selection. If no such ESQK has both Call Data ID=NULL and the oldest Timestamp is found, then the ESQK with merely the oldest Timestamp is selected. The timestamp is reset to a current time plus a guard timer, or hold timer if desired.

主权项

1. A method of recyclably using an emergency services key selected from among a limited size pool, comprising:
selecting an emergency services key from a limited size pool having an older timestamp associated therewith from among those in said pool, in the event that no emergency services key in said pool meets said first attempt selecting criteria; and resetting a timestamp associated with said selected emergency services key to a current time plus a value of a guard timer; whereby selection of said emergency services key is assured to be available when selected.