Traveler Alert System Using Mobile Network Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively alert individuals traveling abroad of undesirable events in specific geographical areas due to lack of real-time location tracking and language barriers, often resulting in valuable information not reaching affected persons.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a server connected to a mobile network to maintain an updated database of MSISDN numbers associated with individuals abroad, allowing for real-time location tracking and automated alerting via SMS or calls, with response categorization and status updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local alert systems (sirens) are used to warn persons in specific geographical areas, then the alert can be transmitted to many people simultaneously, but the information does not reach persons traveling abroad due to language barriers and lack of targeted delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile telephone network as an intermediary between disaster monitoring systems and travelers abroad. The system uses mobile network infrastructure to deliver alerts directly to travelers' devices, overcoming the limitations of local sirens which cannot reach international travelers. This intermediary enables reliable cross-border alert delivery while maintaining the ability to target specific geographic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database of travelers abroad before disasters occur. By pre-identifying and storing information about persons traveling in potentially affected areas, the system can immediately notify them when disasters are detected, eliminating the delay of trying to identify travelers after a disaster strikes.
2Loss of information
If real-time location tracking of travelers is implemented to enable targeted alerting, then information can reach the right persons, but the system complexity and data management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing mobile telephone network infrastructure for multiple purposes: regular communication, location tracking, and disaster alert delivery. By making the mobile network universal for these functions, the system avoids building separate tracking infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time location awareness of travelers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the travelers' own mobile devices and the mobile network's existing location registration mechanisms to provide location tracking services. Travelers do not need separate tracking devices or systems; their mobile phones automatically provide location information through normal network operations, making the tracking system self-sustaining and reducing complexity.
3Productivity
If automated alerting systems are deployed to notify travelers abroad, then response time to disasters is improved, but the system requires continuous maintenance and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The alerting system leverages the self-updating capabilities of mobile network infrastructure. As travelers move and register with different mobile networks abroad, the system automatically receives updated location information through normal network procedures. This self-updating mechanism eliminates the need for manual database maintenance while maintaining accurate traveler locations for rapid alert delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous connection with mobile networks globally, utilizing ongoing network operations to sustain alerting capability. By integrating with the continuously operating mobile telephone infrastructure, the system maintains readiness to alert travelers without requiring separate continuous maintenance activities, as the mobile network's continuous operation provides the necessary data flow.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for producing an updated status of users, associated with an MSISDN number in a mobile network, who are staying in a specific geographical area abroad, where it is desirable to be able to send information and warn of an undesirable event by sending a message to persons concerned.