Automated Communication Group Programming for Incident Command Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for programming communication devices with primary and secondary communication groups in a hierarchical structure are manual and prone to errors, leading to inefficiencies and delays, especially during emergency situations where rapid alignment of communication is critical.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses a programming function to dynamically assign primary and secondary communication groups based on user hierarchies, utilizing a user interface to organize users and associate them with available communication resources, and program devices with appropriate network information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual programming of communication groups is used, then devices can be programmed with primary and secondary communication groups, but the process is slow and error-prone, causing delays during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical programming process with an automated electronic system. The server automatically configures communication groups and programs devices using electronic data processing and automated communication protocols, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing both time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service programming where the automated programming function independently performs device configuration based on pre-established user hierarchies and communication group definitions. The server automatically determines which devices need programming, what groups to assign, and executes the programming without human intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual programming of communication devices is performed, then communication groups can be assigned to devices, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual programming operations with automated electronic programming. The system uses electronic databases to store user hierarchies and communication group definitions, then automatically retrieves and applies the correct configurations to devices through electronic communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing user hierarchies, defining communication groups, and storing device information in databases before the actual programming need arises. When programming is required, the system simply retrieves pre-configured data and applies it automatically, greatly simplifying the operation.
3Productivity
If automated programming is implemented, then programming speed and accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal server-based system that handles multiple functions: storing user hierarchy data, defining communication groups, managing device information, determining programming requirements, and executing device programming. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the programming function and the communication devices. It manages the complexity of determining which devices need programming, what groups to assign based on user hierarchies, and executes the programming through standardized interfaces, shielding the user from system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Reliability
If manual configuration of communication groups is performed, then devices can be programmed with appropriate groups, but errors and delays occur during incident response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration processes with automated electronic programming that directly aligns communication groups with the Incident Command System hierarchy. The system automatically determines the correct group assignments based on pre-defined user hierarchies and communicates this configuration to devices electronically, eliminating manual errors and accelerating response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the programming function monitors device programming status and communicates with the server to verify successful configuration. This feedback loop ensures accurate alignment of communication groups with the ICS organizational structure while enabling rapid reconfiguration when hierarchy changes occur during incident response.
Data Source
AI summary
Primary and/or secondary communication groups can be assigned to users with communication devices arranged in a hierarchy (FIG. 4). A set of humans are assigned to a role in a role-based hierarchy. A communication device (404) is assigned to the set of humans for communication over a network. One or more secondary communication groups are determined for the communication device (120). The one or more determined secondary communication groups are primary communication groups of other devices used by one or more other humans assigned roles in the role-based hierarchy. Secondary communication group settings are programmed for the communication device (124), where the group settings are consistent with the determined secondary communication groups.