Hybrid Alert System Channel Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alert systems face challenges in efficiently selecting the most effective messaging channels to reach a large number of subscribers quickly, especially during critical events, as they often rely on either SMS or cellular broadcast, which may not meet time constraints or reach all target subscribers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid alert system that automatically selects between SMS and cellular broadcast messaging channels based on parameters such as time constraints, subscriber location, and messaging speed, using a combination of algorithms and data sources to determine the best channel for disseminating alerts to maximize reach within a given timeframe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SMS messaging is used to send alerts to mobile devices, then individual targeted communication is achieved, but the time to reach a large number of subscribers is excessive and network congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting accuracyVSAvoidalert delivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alert delivery process is segmented into two distinct paths: SMS messaging for targeted individual communication and cellular broadcast for mass simultaneous notification. The system divides the subscriber base into groups that receive alerts through different channels based on the alert parameters and target criteria, allowing parallel processing that reduces overall delivery time while maintaining targeting accuracy for specific groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between SMS and cellular broadcast channels based on real-time evaluation of alert parameters, target subscriber characteristics, and network conditions. This dynamic channel selection allows the system to adapt the messaging approach to each specific alert scenario, optimizing delivery speed while maintaining appropriate targeting precision for different types of alerts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If cellular broadcast is used to send alerts to all mobile devices in a region, then rapid mass notification is achieved, but the ability to target specific subscriber groups is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealert dissemination speedVSAvoidsubscriber targeting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the alert delivery function into targeted SMS messaging for specific subscriber groups and broad cellular broadcast for mass notification. By dividing the subscriber base into segments that receive different message types based on alert parameters, the system achieves both rapid dissemination through broadcast and precise targeting through SMS to appropriate groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different messaging channels are applied to different subscriber groups based on local characteristics of each group. Subscribers matching specific alert criteria receive targeted SMS messages with precise information, while others receive broadcast messages. This local quality approach ensures each subscriber receives the most appropriate message type for their situation, maintaining both speed and targeting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single messaging channel is used for all alerts, then system complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of reaching all target subscribers within time constraints is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessaging system complexityVSAvoidalert delivery effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alert system is designed with multi-functionality to support both SMS messaging and cellular broadcast through a unified platform. The system can perform multiple messaging functions (targeted SMS, mass broadcast, hybrid approaches) through a single integrated architecture that automatically selects the appropriate channel based on alert parameters, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic channel selection that adapts the messaging approach based on alert characteristics, target subscriber profiles, and network conditions. This dynamic behavior allows a single system to effectively perform multiple messaging functions, achieving high delivery effectiveness without requiring separate static systems for each message type, thus balancing complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3878192B1Intelligent messaging-channel selection and related features for alert systems, systems incorporating same and methods and software therefor
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 EVERBRIDGE INC
  • EP3878192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An alert system, for alerting target subscribers, that automatically selects which of one or more messaging channels the alert system will use to send alert messages to the target subscribers. In some embodiments for cellular communication networks, an alert system of the present disclosure automatically selects between one or more broadcast messaging channels and one or more point-to- point messaging channels. In some embodiments, the automatic selection of the messaging channel attempts to maximize the number of target subscribers alerted in a predetermined alert-dissemination time. In some embodiments, an alert system of the present disclosure includes one or more user interfaces that allow a user to establish messaging parameters, including various categories of target subscribers to include as desired recipients of the alert message(s). Various methods for implementing one or more aspects of any of the alert systems of the present disclosure are also disclosed.