Centralized Emergency Alert Broadcasting via DNS Zone File Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) and Digital Emergency Alert Systems (DEAS) do not effectively incorporate the Internet, primarily due to the distributed nature of the Internet topology lacking centralized control, which hinders the ability to broadcast emergency messages to a wide audience, including computer users, despite the Internet's ubiquity as a data communications channel.
Innovation Solution
A centralized system is implemented using the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect website content by altering zone files on DNS servers, allowing a central authority to broadcast emergency messages to selected websites, integrating with existing EAS or DEAS systems without disrupting the Internet structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized emergency alert system is implemented using traditional broadcast methods (radio, television), then emergency messages can be delivered to a wide audience, but the Internet and computer users are not effectively reached due to the distributed nature of Internet topology lacking centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DNS servers as intermediary components between the centralized emergency alert authority and the distributed Internet infrastructure. The DNS system acts as a mediator that can be controlled centrally to redirect users to emergency information websites, thereby reaching Internet users without requiring fundamental changes to the distributed Internet architecture. This resolves the contradiction by using DNS as a bridging mechanism that works within both the centralized alert system framework and the distributed Internet structure.
2Speed
If DNS zone files are modified to redirect website content for emergency broadcasting, then emergency messages can be disseminated quickly to Internet users, but control over website content is lost to the centralized authority
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring DNS zone files with emergency alert website addresses before emergencies occur. The system maintains ready-to-use redirect configurations that can be activated immediately when an emergency is declared, eliminating the need for complex real-time DNS modifications during crises. This allows rapid dissemination of emergency information while preserving normal website operations during non-emergency periods, as the redirect mechanism is pre-established but not always active.
3Reliability
If traditional EAS systems are used with broadcast stations, then emergency messages can be transmitted through established channels, but the system does not effectively reach computer users accessing websites on the Internet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DNS system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional purpose of domain name resolution and its new function of emergency alert dissemination. The same DNS infrastructure that routinely directs users to websites is also capable of redirecting users to emergency information portals when needed. This universal approach allows the system to reach computer users through an channel they already trust and use regularly, thereby improving both reliability of message delivery and adaptability to modern communication habits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for broadcasting messages to selected websites in order to provide emergency information to a particular nation, or a zone applicable populace within the nation, from the nation's central authority (23). This is achieved by implementing a "partial deflection" of a website altering the applicable zone file (28) on a DNS server (26) having authority over a website (14). Depending up which authority makes a request for broadcasting an emergency message, an emergency website (56) is created and a partial deflection of the original entity's page is deflected to a main frame (18) accompanying a header frame (57) displaying the emergency alert message from the emergency alert webpage. The requesting authority (23) retains control over the content of the emergency message and can trigger the implementation of the broadcast from a variety of signal interfaces (46).