Incident Communications Network Dynamic Asset Marshaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks, such as those used by first responders, often become overwhelmed and congested during emergencies, making it difficult for personnel to communicate within and beyond affected areas, especially when sites are physically inaccessible, and current portable wireless systems like COWs and SOWs face limitations in coverage and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for establishing an incident communications network that includes an incident controller, a communications resource database, and a marshalling rules module, which identifies and selects communications resources to be marshaled into the network based on an incident trigger, enabling interoperable communications among multiple parties through mobile interoperability workstations and video-capable devices, and provides a graphical user interface for managing communications resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional portable wireless systems (COWs and SOWs) are deployed to provide communication coverage during emergencies, then communication capability is improved, but coverage area and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based portable wireless systems to aerial balloons positioned at elevated altitudes (e.g., 500-5000 feet). This dimensional change from ground level to aerial space dramatically expands coverage area and line-of-sight capabilities, allowing a single balloon to cover multiple incident sites and provide wide-area communication without the bandwidth limitations of traditional COWs and SOWs
2Ease of operation
If ground-based portable wireless systems are used during emergencies, then communication is provided, but access to physically inaccessible areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By deploying balloons into the aerial dimension, the system bypasses ground-based accessibility constraints. The balloons can position themselves over physically inaccessible areas such as disaster zones with damaged infrastructure, providing communication coverage where ground vehicles and equipment cannot reach
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial balloon acts as an intermediary communication platform between ground-based first responders and command centers. It relays communications across difficult terrain and inaccessible areas, mediating the connection without requiring direct ground-based infrastructure
3Reliability
If multiple secure communities maintain separate control over their communication resources, then security and control are maintained, but interoperable communication during incidents is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The incident communications network is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously support multiple secure communities (law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works) with different communication needs. The network provides multi-functional capability to interconnect diverse systems while maintaining each community's security requirements through controlled access and encryption
4Area of stationary object
If communication networks are expanded to cover wide areas during emergencies, then coverage is improved, but network congestion and overwhelming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The incident communications network is segmented into multiple logical channels and priority levels. Critical communications (e.g., life-saving operations) are prioritized over non-essential traffic, preventing network overwhelming while maintaining wide-area coverage. The system divides communication streams to manage bandwidth efficiently across the expanded network
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include systems and methods for establishing incident communications networks. The system can include an incident controller, a communications resource database that stores communications resources information, and a marshalling rules module that stores a set of marshalling rules. The incident controller can use a marshalling rule to identify and select the communications resources to be marshaled into the incident communications network based on an incident trigger. Upon receipt of an incident trigger, the incident controller is configured to establish the incident communications network by obtaining a marshalling rule based on the incident trigger. The incident controller marshals communications resources based on the marshalling rule and the communications resources determined to be available. Information sources can either provide an incident trigger (e.g., a hurricane warning) or provide data to be analyzed to determine an incident trigger. In some embodiments, an incident communications network includes one or more mobile interoperability workstation.