Console Server Role Bundles for Multi-System Dispatch Identity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispatch systems face challenges in allowing dispatchers to use different Push To Talk (PTT) IDs from multiple independent radio systems without requiring provisioning authority or user movement, as existing systems are not capable of seamlessly managing multiple PTT IDs.
Innovation Solution
A console server and method that enables dispatchers to select a pre-configured set of radio system identities, known as an identity bundle or role, based on their function or jurisdiction, allowing association with multiple systems and ensuring exclusive use of roles during sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispatcher uses different PTT IDs from multiple radio systems, then the dispatcher can represent themselves on each radio system according to independently managed identities, but the system requires the provisioning authority to push new information to the console or the user to move to a different position to use the new PTT ID
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PTT ID management by creating separate role-based identity bundles for each radio system. Each role contains a specific set of PTT IDs associated with particular jurisdictions or functions. This segmentation allows dispatchers to switch between pre-configured role bundles rather than manually managing individual PTT IDs, resolving the contradiction by making multi-system identity management adaptable while keeping operation simple through automated role switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring role bundles with specific PTT IDs for different radio systems before the dispatcher needs to use them. The provisioning authority pre-associates PTT IDs with roles and jurisdictions in advance. When a dispatcher needs to switch systems, they simply select the pre-prepared role bundle corresponding to their needed jurisdiction, eliminating the need for real-time provisioning or physical movement to different console positions.
2Productivity
If multiple dispatchers share the same console system, then resource consolidation is achieved, but role conflicts may occur when multiple dispatchers need to use the same PTT ID simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making role availability dynamic rather than static. When a dispatcher logs in, the system dynamically determines which roles are available to them based on their credentials and current system state. The role availability changes automatically - roles become unavailable when claimed by another dispatcher and become available again when that dispatcher logs out. This dynamic approach maintains high productivity through resource consolidation while ensuring reliability by automatically preventing conflicts and making PTT IDs available to authorized dispatchers when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system maintains separate identity management for each radio system, then each system's independent identities are preserved, but the complexity of managing and switching between these identities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer - the role bundle concept - that sits between the dispatcher and the multiple radio systems. Instead of directly managing separate identities for each system, the role bundle acts as a mediator that packages multiple system-specific PTT IDs together with metadata about their associated jurisdictions and functions. This intermediary simplifies the complexity by providing a unified interface for identity selection while preserving the independence of each radio system's identity management through the use of role-based bundles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and console are provided to create and manage dispatch unit identities on multiple independent communications systems. A console server receives a first dispatch unit list from a first radio system. The first dispatch unit list includes a first plurality of dispatch unit IDs from the first radio system. The console server receives a second dispatch unit list from a second radio system. The second dispatch unit list includes a second plurality of dispatch unit IDs from the second radio system. The console server creates a first role that includes at most one dispatch unit ID from each radio system. Multiple roles can be created by the console server. Upon authenticating a dispatcher at the console server, the console server presents a menu of roles available to the dispatcher. The menu of roles can include all roles on the console server or only the roles that the dispatcher is allowed to choose and that are currently available. Upon receiving a valid selection from the dispatcher, the console server associates the selected role with the dispatcher and makes the selected role unavailable to other dispatchers until released by the dispatcher that selected it. While associated with a dispatcher, the dispatch console uses the relationship of dispatch unit ID and associated communication system defined in the role to enable the single dispatcher to be identified correctly on the associated communications systems being used.