Alert Content Reception Apparatus for Navigation Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current navigation devices face challenges in reliably and efficiently delivering urgent alert content, such as emergency messages, to a group of terminals in a geographical area due to limitations in GSM and UMTS networks' ability to 'push' content geographically and the restricted message length in messaging services.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for an alert content reception apparatus and communications system that allows for the communication of alert content, including emergency warnings, to multiple electronic devices without relying on network push services, enabling longer message lengths and minimizing delay, using a navigation device that can access information from public authorities without restrictive broadcast services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If GSM/UMTS network push services are used to deliver alert content, then content can be delivered to mobile devices, but the message length is restricted and geographical targeting is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage lengthVSAvoiddelivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the alert content source and mobile devices. The server receives alert content, stores it, and enables devices to retrieve it independently of network push service limitations. This mediator approach allows bypassing the message length restrictions and geographical targeting constraints of GSM/UMTS networks while maintaining reliable content delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the alert content delivery system into separate functional components: content generation, content storage on server, and client-side retrieval. This segmentation allows the message content to be transmitted in full without network-imposed length restrictions, as the retrieval mechanism is independent of the original push service constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If broadcast services are used to deliver alert content, then content can reach multiple devices, but the service is restrictive and delays timely delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery speedVSAvoidservice flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service retrieval mechanism where mobile devices independently query and retrieve alert content from the server based on their location and needs. This eliminates dependence on restrictive broadcast service schedules and formats, allowing devices to obtain content immediately when required, thereby improving delivery speed while maintaining service flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts content retrieval based on device location, alert relevance, and user preferences. Devices can request content when they enter relevant geographical areas or when alerts are generated, providing flexible and timely access without the rigid constraints of traditional broadcast services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual route recalculation is required for alert content, then navigation can be updated, but driver workload increases and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoiddriver workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the navigation device receives alert content, processes its relevance to the current route and location, and automatically recalculates routes when necessary. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual driver intervention, maintaining navigation accuracy while reducing driver workload and improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of alert content to determine route impact before presenting information to the driver. By pre-evaluating whether an alert requires route changes and automatically implementing necessary recalculations, the system ensures navigation accuracy is maintained while minimizing the operational burden on the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2459962B1Alert content reception apparatus, alert content communications system and method of acquiring alert content
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 TOMTOM INT BV
  • EP2459962B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2459962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2459962B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An alert content reception apparatus comprises a communications interface (229) compatible with a data broadcast service and capable of receiving, when in use, a broadcast data message comprising reference data concerning alert content. The apparatus also comprises a processing resource (202) arranged to analyse, when in use, the broadcast data message and acquire the alert content associated with the reference data in response to determining that the alert content associated with the reference data has not previously been acquired. The communications interface (229) is compatible with a bidirectional data communications service, the processing resource (202) also being arranged to cooperate with the communications interface (229) in order to retrieve the alert content via the bidirectional data communications service.