Notification Server Alert Distribution for IP Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for distributing emergency alerts and notifications, such as those for weather events or public safety announcements, are not effectively integrated with next-generation IP-enabled communication devices, limiting the reach and efficiency of critical information dissemination.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for providing alerts and notifications to IP-enabled devices by receiving alert messages from a content source, retrieving device addresses associated with subscribed accounts, and transmitting these messages to corresponding devices, utilizing a notification server executing an alerts application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional broadcast mediums (radio, cable TV, satellite) are used to distribute emergency alerts, then coverage reaches the general public, but integration with next-generation IP-enabled devices is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration with IP-enabled devicesVSAvoideffectiveness of information dissemination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alert distribution system is designed to work across multiple platforms and device types simultaneously. The notification server can send alerts to traditional broadcast receivers as well as IP-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs) through a unified interface, making the system universally applicable across different technology generations and ensuring reliable information dissemination to all users regardless of their device preference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If alert messages are transmitted to all IP-enabled devices in the system, then reach is maximized, but network traffic and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devices receiving alertsVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the subscriber base into different groups based on their alert preferences, device types, and subscription levels. The notification server can selectively transmit alerts to specific segments of IP-enabled devices rather than broadcasting to all devices simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maximize reach to subscribed devices while minimizing unnecessary network traffic to devices that have opted out or received different types of alerts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notification server acts as an intermediary between the alert source and IP-enabled devices. It receives alerts from content sources, processes them through the alert service, and intelligently routes them to appropriate devices. This intermediary layer enables filtering, formatting, and prioritization of alerts before transmission, reducing redundant traffic and optimizing network resource usage while maintaining comprehensive coverage of subscribed devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8804695B2Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing alerts and notifications

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION(US)

AI summary

A method, system, and computer program product for providing alerts and notifications to Internet Protocol-enabled devices are provided. The method includes receiving an alert message from a content source, retrieving a set of Internet Protocol device addresses associated with accounts subscribing to an alert service, and transmitting the alert message to the Internet Protocol-enabled devices corresponding to the set of Internet Protocol device addresses associated with the accounts subscribing to the alert service.