Cellular Broadcast Message Forwarding to Non-Cellular Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with multiple wireless devices, some of which lack cellular communication capability, may not receive timely emergency alerts distributed via cellular broadcast, leading to potential harm due to delayed or missed notifications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a cellular-capable user equipment (UE) device forwards indications of cellular broadcast messages to other devices, including those without cellular capability, using various communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or wired connections, allowing these devices to alert users of the messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellular broadcast messages are distributed only to cellular-capable devices, then the message delivery system remains simple and reliable, but devices without cellular capability cannot receive emergency alerts, leading to delayed or missed notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency alert delivery reliabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cellular-capable device as an intermediary to receive cellular broadcast messages and forward them to non-cellular devices. This mediator bridges the gap between the cellular network and non-cellular devices, enabling alert delivery to diverse device types without requiring each device to have cellular capability. The intermediary device receives the broadcast message via cellular network and relays it through alternative communication channels to devices that cannot directly receive cellular broadcasts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cellular-capable device forwards messages to non-cellular devices, then device compatibility and alert reach are improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional forwarding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidmessage forwarding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal forwarding mechanism where a single cellular-capable device can serve multiple non-cellular devices through a unified interface. The forwarding system is designed to handle multiple message types and destination devices through a common protocol, reducing the need for device-specific customization. This multi-functional approach allows one cellular device to act as a hub for numerous non-cellular devices, minimizing overall system complexity while maximizing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If emergency alerts are delivered only through direct cellular broadcast, then the notification system remains simple and fast, but users with non-cellular devices experience delayed notification, potentially causing harm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealert notification speedVSAvoidinjury or damage risk from missed alerts
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes pre-configured forwarding relationships between cellular-capable devices and non-cellular devices before emergency situations occur. Users can pre-set which non-cellular devices should receive forwarded alerts and configure delivery preferences in advance. When an emergency alert is received, the pre-configured forwarding mechanism immediately activates, eliminating setup delays during critical moments. This preliminary configuration ensures that alert forwarding can occur with minimal latency when emergencies arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9615217B2Cellular broadcast message forwarding
Publication Date: 2017.04.04 APPLE INC
  • US9615217B2 patent drawing
  • US9615217B2 patent drawing
  • US9615217B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Distributing messages received by a cellular device via cellular broadcast to additional electronic devices. The cellular device may receive a first message via a cellular broadcast technique. The cellular device may discover another electronic device. The cellular device may provide an indication of the first message to other electronic device. The indication of the first message may cause the other electronic device to provide a user alert at the other electronic device.