Geo-Targeting Wireless Emergency Alerts via Cell Site Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless emergency alert systems face challenges in targeting specific geographic areas effectively, as not all mobile devices in a region receive alerts due to infrastructure limitations, and existing systems struggle to efficiently manage telecommunications resources during disasters.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a geo-targeting system that identifies and maps cell sites capable of broadcasting emergency alerts within specified geographic areas, allowing for targeted delivery of alerts to affected regions using a geo-targeting mapping module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If emergency alerts are broadcast via broadcast network to all mobile devices in a region, then the coverage area is maximized, but the network resources are overloaded and alerts reach devices outside the affected area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast network into multiple cell sites, each capable of independently broadcasting emergency alerts. The system identifies and activates only those cell sites within the affected geographic area, rather than broadcasting across the entire network. This segmentation allows precise geographic targeting while minimizing network resource consumption by limiting active broadcast nodes to only those serving the disaster zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different cell sites to have different broadcast capabilities based on their geographic location and infrastructure status. The system identifies cell sites with operational broadcast functionality within the affected area and activates only those specific nodes. This allows the emergency alert system to adapt to local infrastructure conditions, maximizing coverage in affected areas while avoiding overload of the broader network.
2Loss of energy
If geo-targeting is implemented to target alerts to specific geographic areas, then network resource load is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to mapping and identification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a geo-targeting mapping module that serves multiple functions: identifying cell sites within geographic boundaries, determining which cell sites have broadcast capability, and routing alerts to appropriate cell sites. This multi-functional module consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for geographic identification, capability assessment, and alert routing, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise geo-targeting capabilities.
3Productivity
If all cell sites are used for broadcasting emergency alerts, then the alert delivery coverage is maximized, but not all cell sites have the capability to broadcast alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-identifying and cataloging which cell sites possess emergency alert broadcast capability before disasters occur. The geo-targeting mapping module maintains updated information about cell site capabilities, so when an emergency occurs, the system can immediately identify and activate only those cell sites within the affected area that are capable of broadcasting. This eliminates the need to attempt activation of non-capable cell sites during the emergency response.
Data Source
AI summary
Geo-targeting may be used in combination with wireless alert capabilities to provide alerts to a more granulated geographical area. Disclosed herein is a system and method for performing geo-targeting for various alert areas such that emergency messages may be delivered to mobile and static devices of different types in a localized area. In an example embodiment, geo-targeting supports the delivery area for wireless emergency alerts by identifying the cell sites that are in a specified geographic area that have technology capable of delivering wireless emergency alerts. The components of the telecommunications system that support a wireless emergency alert system may be identified and mapped to any geographical area. The method and system of geo-target mapping may provide an efficient and more robust way of determining the telecommunication components to be employed for broadcasting emergency alerts.