Targeted Emergency Alerts via Location Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency notification systems often broadcast information to a wide audience, failing to target specific areas affected by emergencies and not effectively directing individuals away from danger.
Innovation Solution
The Emergency Shepherd Service utilizes existing telecommunications infrastructure to identify affected areas and send targeted alerts to communication devices within or near the affected region, using location determination techniques like GPS and cell tower records to deliver precise notifications and directional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If broadcast technology is used to provide emergency information, then the coverage area is large, but the information cannot be specifically targeted to affected areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the broad broadcast audience into specific geographic groups based on their location relative to the emergency event. By dividing the coverage area into zones (affected area, perimeter area, approach routes), the system delivers targeted information to each segment rather than broadcasting to everyone uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different types of emergency information to different geographic locations. Devices in the affected area receive evacuation orders, devices in the perimeter area receive preparation alerts, and devices on approach routes receive directional guidance to avoid the area.
2Quantity of substance
If broadcast alerts are sent to a wide audience, then more people receive the information, but individuals may be less inclined to follow alerts if not specifically targeted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining device locations and categorizing them into affected areas, perimeter areas, or approach routes before sending alerts. This pre-targeting ensures that each individual receives information specifically relevant to their situation, increasing the likelihood of compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by providing directional assistance and route guidance based on each device's location. This personalized feedback loop helps individuals understand the specific actions they need to take, thereby increasing compliance with emergency directives.
3Speed
If emergency broadcast systems are used, then information can be transmitted quickly, but the systems fail to direct individuals away from affected areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single emergency notification platform. It not only transmits emergency information quickly but also provides location-based directional guidance and route recommendations, making the system both fast and operationally useful for individuals seeking to evacuate or avoid affected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between emergency management authorities and the public by translating broad emergency declarations into location-specific actionable guidance. It mediates between the general alert and individual needs by providing directional assistance based on each device's geographic position.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency shepherd service includes at least one communications facility configured to provide communication services to at least one communication device in a service area and a notification subsystem including at least one processor and a computer readable medium with instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive information relevant to an affected area and identify at least one communication facility associated with the affected area based on a predetermined knowledge of a site of the communication facility. The instructions may be further configured to cause the processor to discover at least one communication device associated with the communication facility, determine that the communication device should be notified about the information, and send a message based on the information to the communication device.