Web-Based SMS Platform for Emergency Notification Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency communication systems, such as cellular telephone networks, are overwhelmed during emergencies, leading to resource constraints and inefficiencies in disseminating information to a large population, particularly in scenarios like natural disasters or terror attacks.
Innovation Solution
A web-based platform utilizing SMS text messaging for rapid and efficient communication, allowing administrators to send alerts to registered users through a keyword-based system, enabling two-way messaging for real-time updates and information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular telephone circuits are used for emergency communications, then direct voice communication capability is provided, but network resources become overloaded and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the emergency notification system and mobile devices. The server receives notification requests, manages message distribution, and coordinates communications, thereby reducing direct network load on cellular circuits while maintaining reliable emergency notification delivery through SMS messages.
2Reliability
If multiple phone calls are initiated to reach affected individuals, then comprehensive notification coverage is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering user information including mobile device identifiers and contact details in a database before emergencies occur. When an emergency notification is initiated, the server rapidly retrieves pre-stored information and distributes messages to all registered devices simultaneously, eliminating the time-consuming process of individually searching for and contacting each affected person.
3Quantity of substance
If SMS messaging is used for emergency notifications, then network resource overhead is reduced and broadcast capability is improved, but two-way communication functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts communication modes based on emergency requirements. While SMS serves as the primary notification channel for broad dissemination, the system incorporates email notifications and web portal updates as complementary channels. The server can selectively employ different communication methods depending on the situation, maintaining low network overhead while providing versatile information delivery options.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for broadcasting information in real time to a plurality of recipients. The method can include authenticating an administrator. The method can include selecting a message type of an SMS message, wherein the message type is at least one of: a broadcast message wherein recipients cannot reply to the broadcast message, and a two-way messaging alert wherein recipients can reply to the two-way messaging alert. The method can include selecting recipients for the SMS message from a set of subscribers. The method can include receiving a body of the SMS message from the administrator. The method can include, responsive to a first administrator request, transmitting an administrator-entered test message to an administrator-specified test recipient. The method can include transmitting the SMS message to the selected recipients.