Alert Gateway Directory for Selective Public Information Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alert distribution systems are overbroad and underinclusive, failing to deliver urgent public information in a timely and selective manner to those who need it most, as they rely on blanket broadcast methods that do not account for individual interests or geographic relevance.
Innovation Solution
A system that maintains a directory of alert gateways with associated characteristics, allowing for targeted distribution of alerts based on geographic and demographic criteria, ensuring that information reaches only those subscribers who are likely to be interested and affected by the alert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blanket broadcast methods are used to distribute alerts, then all subscribers receive the alert information, but the distribution is not selective and reaches subscribers who are not interested or affected by the alert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining a directory of alert gateways with specific geographic and demographic characteristics, allowing alerts to be selectively distributed to specific localities rather than universally. Each gateway is associated with particular characteristics (geographic area, demographic attributes) that determine which alerts it should receive and forward to subscribers in that area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the subscriber base and alert distribution network into distinct geographic and demographic groups through the gateway directory structure. By dividing the population into segments based on gateway characteristics, the system can target specific segments with relevant alerts while excluding others, thereby improving information relevance without sacrificing delivery reliability.
2Loss of information
If selective distribution based on gateway characteristics is implemented, then alert information reaches only relevant subscribers, but the system complexity increases due to maintaining directory and matching criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a directory of alert gateways with their characteristics stored in advance. This pre-organization of gateway information allows the system to quickly match alerts with appropriate gateways without complex real-time analysis, reducing the operational complexity despite the selective distribution requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway directory acts as an intermediary structure between the alert source and subscribers. By introducing this intermediate layer that pre-organizes gateway characteristics, the system simplifies the matching process - the directory mediates between raw alert information and subscriber distribution, reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If geographic and demographic criteria are used for alert filtering, then unnecessary exposure is reduced, but the time required to process and distribute alerts increases
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-establishing the gateway directory with all characteristics stored in advance, the system eliminates the need for real-time analysis of subscriber demographics and geography during alert distribution. The preliminary organization of gateway data allows rapid matching and forwarding of alerts, maintaining speed while achieving selective distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by filtering alerts at the gateway level based on pre-stored characteristics rather than evaluating each subscriber individually. This partial filtering approach at an intermediate level achieves the necessary selectivity without the excessive processing time that would result from individual subscriber evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses, systems and methods for distributing public information. For example, some embodiments of the invention provide methods for determining an appropriate set of addresses to which to distribute an alert. One such exemplary method comprises maintaining a directory of alert gateways. The directory can comprise a plurality of directory entries, and each directory entry can be associated with a particular alert gateway. Each directory entry can also comprise at least one gateway characteristic associated with that alert gateway. In some cases, a gateway characteristic can include information to enable the alert distribution device to determine whether a given alert should be transmitted to the alert gateway.