Emergency Alert Distribution via LAN and VoIP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency and hazard warning systems, such as the Public Alert system, are ineffective in reaching individuals indoors due to limited signal detection within buildings and are cumbersome and costly for widespread implementation.
Innovation Solution
Distributing emergency information over a Local Area Network (LAN) using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or similar protocols, with a wireless receiver, network transceiver, and controller to trigger broadcasts of emergency messages to connected devices, ensuring reliable communication within buildings or geographical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional emergency warning systems (sirens and public radio broadcasts) are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the system cannot effectively reach individuals indoors or within buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a LAN-based communication system as an intermediary between traditional emergency warning systems and indoor users. The system uses existing local area networks (WiFi, Ethernet) as a mediator to transmit emergency alerts wirelessly to devices within buildings, bypassing the limitation of radio signal penetration while utilizing infrastructure already present in most buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional outdoor-based emergency warning (public space dimension) to indoor-based delivery (private space dimension) by utilizing LAN networks. This dimensional shift allows emergency information to reach users in the previously inaccessible indoor environment where people spend most of their time.
2Reliability
If every person in an office building owns their own emergency receiver, then each individual can receive alerts directly, but the system becomes costly and cumbersome to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing multi-functional devices (smartphones, computers, tablets) serve the additional function of emergency alert reception. Instead of requiring dedicated emergency receivers for each user, the system leverages devices people already own and use daily, making them multi-functional for both personal communication and emergency warning reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing LAN infrastructure that buildings already have in place for other purposes (internet connectivity, internal networking). This existing infrastructure serves dual purposes - its original function plus emergency alert distribution - eliminating the need to build dedicated transmission infrastructure and reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If dedicated emergency receivers are deployed throughout a building, then coverage is improved, but the system becomes costly and unreliable for widespread implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges emergency alert transmission with existing LAN communication infrastructure. Instead of deploying separate dedicated receivers throughout the building, the system combines emergency warning functionality with the building's existing network devices and communication channels, significantly reducing the number of additional components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that enables efficient distribution of public warning information using a network infrastructure. Public warning messages are received by a wireless receiver coupled to a network. The wireless receiver broadcasts a message to users on the network responsive to receiving a public warning message.