Methods for wireless information distribution and information transmission systems

Abstract

Method for wireless information distribution, wherein a central communication element (8) digitally transmits information, wherein decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) located in a reception area of ​​the central communication element (8) receive the information, wherein the information is transmitted by means of the Long Range Wide Area Network, characterized in that the communication between the central communication element (8) and the decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) is unidirectional, and that the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) signals whether it is located in the reception area of ​​a central communication element (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for wireless information distribution, wherein a central communication element digitally transmits information, wherein decentralized communication elements located within a reception range of a transmitter assigned to the central communication element receive the information, wherein the information is transmitted via the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). Furthermore, the invention relates to an information transmission system, in particular for implementing the method.

[0002] LoRaWAN is a bidirectional wireless network that uses the LoRa transmission protocol. The signal transmitted via a LoRaWAN transmitter using the LoRa transmission protocol is referred to simply as the LoRa signal. LoRaWAN uses regionally different frequencies in the ISM and SRD bands for data transmission.

[0003] LoRaWAN combines low power consumption of the end devices with a long data transmission range and the resulting good coverage. It is therefore particularly used in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, where a large number of distributed end devices need to communicate bidirectionally with a server, and long battery life due to low power consumption facilitates device maintenance.

[0004] A key task of civil protection is to warn the population of current dangers. Not only since the failed warning day in 2020 or the lack of information to those affected by the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in summer 2021, it has become clear that timely information to the general public in critical situations is a task that has not yet been satisfactorily addressed.

[0005] In the past, sirens were used to alert the population, but these have increasingly been dismantled or are now in a poor state of maintenance.

[0006] Instead, apps on mobile devices such as KatWarn or Nina are currently used. Since 2022, these have been supplemented by the Cell Broadcast System introduced in Germany.

[0007] However, these tools require a mobile device and using the apps is still a relatively high hurdle, especially for less tech-savvy people: • a newer generation mobile device is required • a mobile phone contract with data connection is required • the apps must be installed and configured • Cell broadcast features must be activated on the device • Not all devices are cell broadcast capable

[0008] This not only requires technical expertise, but also requires investment that not everyone can afford. Comprehensive information cannot be guaranteed this way.

[0009] Bidirectional communication, as defined in this application, is a two-way data transmission in which both the uplink of data from the decentralized communication element, i.e., a terminal device, to the central communication element, e.g., a server, and the downlink of data from the central communication element to the decentralized communication element occur. Unidirectional communication, as defined in this application, is one-way communication; in this case, there is no uplink of data from the decentralized communication element to the central communication element, but rather only a downlink of data to the decentralized communication element.

[0010] DE 20 2023 105 677 U1 teaches a system for warning, communication and emergency call control in autonomous networks, wherein the system comprises at least two warning controllers which are connected to one another as nodes as transmitting and receiving devices, wherein the system is configured to carry out the following steps: a. providing a network comprising KatControllers, wherein the KatControllers are connected to entities, b. processing trigger events from the entities, the KatControllers and / or from external sources, c. sending control commands from the entities based on a trigger event, wherein the control commands are selected based on the trigger event and are assigned to KatControllers and / or geographical areas, d. retrieving the assigned control commands from the KatControllers and generating a signal / output based on the control commands, e.receiving and / or sending control commands as individual addressing, group addressing and / or area addressing and / or remote addressing.

[0011] DE 10 2018 208 635 A1 relates to a mobile measuring system for the decentralized acquisition of measurement data from an elevator installation. The mobile measuring system comprises a plurality of sensor units, each comprising a wireless communication unit, which is configured to establish sensor communication between the plurality of sensor units. Furthermore, the plurality of sensor units each comprises at least one sensor, which is configured to acquire at least one measurement datum of the measurement data and to provide it as acquired measurement data to the wireless communication unit. The mobile measuring system further comprises a base station, which is configured to establish a data connection with a selection of sensor units from the plurality of sensor units and to receive the acquired measurement data via the data connection and via the sensor communication.

[0012] The object of this application is therefore to propose a method for wireless information distribution and a corresponding system which is simple to set up and easy to use and is particularly suitable for use as a mobile alarm system.

[0013] This object is achieved with the method for wireless information distribution according to claim 1 and the information transmission system according to claim 8. Some particularly preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in the respective subclaims.

[0014] A key concept of the method according to the invention is that communication between the central communication element and the decentralized communication elements is unidirectional. Information is transmitted digitally from one or more central communication elements via a long-range wide-area network and can be received and decoded by distributed decentralized communication elements.

[0015] The invention is therefore fundamentally based on unidirectional, wireless information distribution. Bidirectional communication is not required for this and is not used. The decentralized communication elements are therefore, in relation to the central communication element, purely receivers of information sent by it.

[0016] This application is based on the LoRa technology established in the Internet of Things (IoT). Unlike the IoT, where many distributed devices typically send information to a central receiver, this process is reversed here.

[0017] Appropriate receiving devices, referred to here as decentralized communication elements, must be provided for reception. These are available in various designs, as described below, allowing alarms and / or information to be presented in various ways, including accessible ones.

[0018] The information transmission system according to the invention comprises at least one central communication element, a transmitter associated therewith and a plurality of decentralized communication elements, wherein the central communication element and the decentralized communication elements are unidirectionally connected to one another via the Long Range Wide Area Network and wherein the decentralized communication elements comprise a signaling unit and a power supply independent of the mains.

[0019] A mains-independent power supply of the decentralized communication elements means that the decentralized communication elements are battery-operated or an accumulator is assigned to them, wherein the accumulator can preferably be charged by a power supply during normal operation and enables operation of the decentralized communication element during a power failure, in particular ensuring operation for several days.

[0020] According to the invention, it is signaled whether a decentralized communication element is within the range of the transmitter of a central communication element. For the test required for this purpose, it is advantageous if the transmitter transmits a beacon signal periodically, e.g., every ten seconds. If the reception of the beacon signal is evaluated by the decentralized communication element, the determined location of the decentralized communication element within the transmission range of a central communication element can be displayed on the decentralized communication element. In this respect, the decentralized communication element signals, via the signaling unit, whether the receiver of the decentralized communication element is within the range of the transmitter of a central communication element.

[0021] It is advantageous if the decentralized communication element has an evaluation unit for evaluating the received information. The evaluation unit checks whether the data received via the LoRa transmission protocol can be assigned to a specific central communication element, a specific transmitter, and / or a specific transmitter group. For this purpose, an authentication layer is preferably implemented via the LoRa transmission protocol. The authentication layer can use keys or certificates based on the public key method.

[0022] The evaluation unit thus ensures that the decentralized communication element only evaluates information from a specific information source. This prevents the user of the decentralized communication element from receiving false information from an unauthorized sender.

[0023] In a simple case, the decentralized communication element consists only of a LoRaWAN receiver, a signaling unit, a grid-independent power supply, and an evaluation unit. Such decentralized communication elements are therefore easy to manufacture and can be sold cost-effectively.

[0024] The decentralized communication elements can be used by individual users, such as individuals, households, and companies, both at fixed locations and while on the move. The only prerequisite is that the decentralized communication elements are located within the transmission range of a centralized communication element.

[0025] The unidirectional communication according to the invention requires no data volume or contractual commitment. Use can be completely anonymous. A particular advantage is that neither a mobile phone contract nor a special configuration or app is required for the decentralized communication element to function.

[0026] LoRa base stations can be deployed as transmitters for a central communication element. These are technically well-proven and can be upgraded for this type of information transmission with minimal investment.

[0027] Frequencies in the 433MHz or 863MHz band that can be used for LoRaWAN are approved for this technology and also do not require any investment in frequency usage fees, so that the information transmission system or method according to the invention can be implemented cost-effectively and without great administrative effort.

[0028] If a large number of distributed transmitters are required to cover a larger area, such as a country or a group of countries, it is advantageous to use at least some of the existing mobile radio infrastructure's base stations as LoRa base stations. This reduces the necessary investment on the transmission side. Existing mobile radio base stations can be expanded to serve as a central communications element. If necessary, parts of this system can even be used in parallel with existing mobile radio. Ideally, the information to be transmitted is delivered via a network access point already existing at the mobile radio base stations.

[0029] The present invention therefore combines and expands a proven technology and infrastructure to enable low-threshold and cost-effective alerting or informing of the population. This offers established mobile phone providers, in particular, the opportunity to offer a new service.

[0030] Preferably, the central communication element is assigned to at least one mobile radio base station. Mobile radio base stations are available nationwide and can therefore cover a large area with LoRaWAN. The spatial coverage of LoRa signals from a single mobile radio base station is greater than with traditional mobile radio. Even though safety buffers for poor reception locations and attenuation in indoor spaces must be considered, a LoRa signal reception radius of several tens of kilometers per mobile radio base station is realistic.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if at least parts of the mobile radio base station, such as its antennas, can be used in parallel with existing mobile radio operations.

[0032] Such a method for wireless information distribution or such an information transmission system is ideally suited for operating a mobile alarm system. The LoRaWAN transmission and reception technology according to the invention is energy-efficient and ensures good reception characteristics. In particular, even small amounts of data can be transmitted, since only a small amount of information is required for a simple alarm.

[0033] LoRa transmission technology also operates at low transmitter power and can be easily operated for several days with an emergency power supply in the extreme case of a prolonged power outage (blackout). In this case, the transmission of new information would be limited or even impossible, but the latest warning messages could be continuously repeated.

[0034] It is advantageous if the information is sent to a group of decentralized communication elements. If the decentralized communication element has an evaluation unit for evaluating the received information, the information can be distributed specifically to one or more recipient groups. This makes it possible, for example, to distribute warning messages across providers, but specific messages only to specific customers.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, it is possible for a receiving customer, i.e., the user of a decentralized communication element, to subscribe to expanded information channels, such as weather or traffic information, in a targeted manner. Because the information is transmitted from distributed base stations, it is also possible to control the reception area and thus limit the information to locally relevant.

[0036] It is also advantageous if a reception area for the information to be sent is selected by determining the central communication element(s) that provide the information via the LoRa signal from a plurality of central communication elements.

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the digital transmission of information is coded in such a way that only certain decentralized communication elements, a group of decentralized communication elements or all communication elements of the information transmission system can receive or evaluate the information.

[0038] By targeting one or specific groups of decentralized communication elements, it is possible, among other things, to offer additional information services. As mentioned above, these could include: • Weather information • Traffic information • Water levels

[0039] The only limitation is that only short information transfers and, for example, no longer audio or video messages are possible.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the content of the information to be transmitted can be configured by the user of the decentralized communication element, especially if he can use a central interface of the information transmission system for this purpose.

[0041] In this preferred embodiment, it is therefore possible for a receiving customer or user of the information transmission system to subscribe to specific information channels presented to them via their decentralized communication element. For this selection process, an internet interface provided on the information transmission system, which can be accessed via a web interface, is advantageous. In this context, registration of the recipient would naturally be advantageous, although this would then no longer be anonymous.

[0042] Determining the relevance of the received information or its assignment is particularly easy if a decentralized communication element has a unique cryptographic public key pair, preferably one that is already delivered with one. This enables authentication and group formation. In particular, the use of the inventive authentication layer based on the LoRa signal and public key ensures the authenticity of the messages sent via the information transmission system.

[0043] Advantageously, the decentralized communication element signals that an alarm message has been received. If an alarm message relevant to the receiving customer or user is received, it can be signaled visually, for example, by a flashing LED, and / or acoustically, for example, by a warning tone. The person receiving this signal can then be prompted to inform themselves about impending dangers and, for example, to turn on the radio or television.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the decentralized communication element, it includes a display on which the incoming information is presented, for example, as text that can be read by the user. This variant is particularly helpful for people with hearing impairments. Additionally, the display can be used to signal the presence within range of the transmission signal and / or the reception strength of the transmission signal from a central communication element.

[0045] It is therefore advantageous if a signaling element used for this purpose comprises a display and / or an audio output for reproducing information received via the Long Range Wide Area Network.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the receiver has an audio output that reads the received information aloud via a loudspeaker. For this purpose, the decentralized communication element is equipped with a text-to-speech unit. This variant is particularly helpful for visually impaired people.

[0047] In a particularly preferred embodiment, predefined audio recordings can be stored in the decentralized communication element, which are played after receipt of corresponding information.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, a radio frequency is displayed on the display of the decentralized communication element, which a user must select to receive further information. Since the information is transmitted via a LoRa signal locally within the radius of the transmitter of a central communication element, a locally available VHF radio frequency can also be advantageously added at this point.

[0049] Preferably, the decentralized communication element is integrated into a radio, particularly an FM radio. The information received via the LoRa signal can also be displayed on the radio's display. If an alarm message is received indicating the local FM radio frequency to be listened to, the radio is advantageously activated and tuned to a transmitted or predefined frequency, allowing the user to immediately hear further information via the FM radio.

[0050] Preferably, the decentralized communication elements can also be equipped with their own LoRa transmitter and thus function as a central communication element themselves. This can be used, for example, to establish wireless local warning circuits. Thus, it is advantageous if the decentralized communication element of a first information transmission system is the central communication element of a second information transmission system.

[0051] While the decentralized communication elements described above can only receive information and display it in different ways, it is also possible for a user of a decentralized communication element equipped with a LoRa transmitter to set up their own information transmission system. This can be used to • to retransmit information received from a central communication unit of a first information transmission system (repeater function) and / or • as a central communication element, to send self-generated or received information (e.g. alarms such as emergency calls, smoke reports, burglary reports).

[0052] The transmission of these signals is limited to a small radius due to device and system factors, depending on the type of communication element and its position, between several tens of meters and up to one kilometer.

[0053] This feature allows you to create local groups that can wirelessly exchange messages or alarms. Examples include • House communities • Family care • Neighborhood groups • Local groups

[0054] In contrast to the messenger groups frequently used for this purpose (e.g. WhatsApp), the notification described here works without mobile network infrastructure and does not require any data volume or special apps, etc.

[0055] In this way, self-managed local groups can be defined that can exchange authenticated, high-importance messages without any additional communication infrastructure and with little prior technical knowledge.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous if a decentralized communication element that can be used as a central communication medium is coupled with other decentralized communication elements. Combining individual decentralized communication elements into a group can be achieved through near-field coupling with a decentralized communication element, similar to the coupling of Bluetooth devices. In this case, the coupling is preferably also carried out via the LoRa signal.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the decentralized communication elements to be coupled are switched to passive coupling mode, and a transmitter designated as the central communication element of this information transmission system is switched to active coupling mode. By exchanging the individual IDs and the certificates contained in the decentralized communication elements, the devices are coupled and operate as a local information transmission system.

[0058] Information sent between these devices can now be digitally signed and thus marked as trustworthy. Groups or communities that find the pairing process too complicated can purchase pre-paired devices.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the two following figures.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a method for wireless information distribution that utilizes the inventive concept. A user 1 of a decentralized communication element accesses a central interface 2, which is presented on the Internet via a web interface. Via the web interface, the user 1 selects information services of interest (arrow 3), which are to be presented to him via his decentralized communication element. These information services 4 and 5 are provided via the Internet 6 and obtained from a central communication element 7 of the information transmission system, which is connected to the web interface and prepares the information services booked by the user 1 for transmission via a transmitter 8 of the information transmission system.

[0061] The processing includes linking the information service desired by user 1 with the decentralized communication element of user 1. The assignment of the desired information service to user 1 or to its decentralized communication element is carried out using the individual cryptological public key pair of the decentralized communication element.

[0062] The information encoded in this way is transmitted to the transmitter 8, which transmits it via a LoRa signal 14. Several decentralized communication elements 9, 10, and 11 located within the reception range of the central communication element 8 receive and evaluate the transmitted information. The decentralized communication element 11 of user 1 provides the information services previously selected by the user 1, while the decentralized communication elements 9 and 10 do not transmit the received information to their users.

[0063] With the Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a simply equipped decentralized communication element 12. The schematic diagram explains the authentication of a received LoRa signal and the subsequent information extraction, which is also carried out by the decentralized communication element 11 according to Fig. 1 is used to provide the information services selected by user 1.

[0064] The decentralized communication element 12 comprises a LoRa receiver 13, which receives information transmitted by a transmitter (not shown here) via a LoRa signal 14. The transmitted information preferably also includes a beacon signal, which can be used, via a signaling unit 15, to indicate to the user (not shown here) that the decentralized communication element 12 is within range of a transmitter 8 of the central communication element 7.

[0065] Alternatively, it is also possible to display the reception of a LoRa signal 14 by means of the signaling unit 15 and thereby display the reception capability of the decentralized communication element.

[0066] The LoRa receiver 13 transmits the LoRa signal 14 it receives to an evaluation unit 16 assigned to the decentralized communication element 12, in particular integrated into the decentralized communication element 12, which authenticates the LoRa signals 14 received by the LoRa receiver 13. This determines whether the received LoRa signals 14 are directed to the decentralized communication element 12, to a group of decentralized communication elements to which the decentralized communication element 12 is assigned, or to all decentralized communication elements of the information transmission system. If one of these conditions is met, the information transmitted via the LoRa signal 14 is considered to be directed to the decentralized communication element 12.

[0067] In these cases, the information is extracted 17 from the LoRa signal 14, whereby the authentication process as well as the extraction process is preferably carried out by the outbound unit 16.

[0068] The information extracted in this way is presented to the user via a signaling element 18. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the signaling element 18 and the signaling unit 15 are combined into a single element that provides both the reception of the LoRa signal 14 and the information transmitted via it.

[0069] In this simple form of a decentralized communication element 12, information extracted from the LoRa signal 14 is presented to the user optically via a signal transmitted by the signaling element 18 or a display 19 and / or acoustically via a loudspeaker 20.

[0070] The decentralized communication element 12 is supplied with energy by means of a power supply 21, which, as explained, can be a battery or an accumulator.

Claims

[1] Method for wireless information distribution, wherein a central communication element (8) transmits information digitally, wherein decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) located in a reception area of the central communication element (8) receive the information, wherein the information is transmitted by means of the Long Range Wide Area Network, characterized by that the communication between the central communication element (8) and the decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) is unidirectional, and that the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) signals whether it is located in the reception range of a central communication element (8). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the information is sent to groups of decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the content of the information to be transmitted is configured by the user (1) of the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12), in particular at a central interface (2). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a reception area for the information is selected by determining the central communication element(s) (8) which transmit the information from a plurality of central communication elements (8). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a central communication element (8) and a decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) are coupled to one another. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by that the coupling is carried out via the Long Range Wide Area Network. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) signals that an alarm message has been received. [8] Information transmission system configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one central communication element (8) and a plurality of decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12), wherein the central communication element (8) and the decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) are connected to one another via the Long Range Wide Area Network, and wherein the decentralized communication elements (9, 10, 11, 12) have a signaling unit (15) and a mains-independent power supply (21). [9] Information transmission system according to claim 8 characterized by that the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) has an evaluation unit (16) for evaluating the received information. [10] Information transmission system according to claim 8 or 9 characterized by that a signaling element (18) comprises a display (19) and / or a loudspeaker (20) for reproducing information received by means of the Long Range Wide Area Network. [11] Information transmission system according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) is integrated into a radio, in particular an FM radio. [12] Information transmission system according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by that the decentralized communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) of a first information transmission system is the central communication element (9, 10, 11, 12) of a second information transmission system. [13] Information transmission system according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by that the information transmission system is an alarm system. [14] Information transmission system according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized bythat the central communication element (8) is assigned to a mobile radio base station.

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