Universal Translator for Emergency Notification Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency mass notification systems face delays and inefficiencies due to the complexity of activating multiple communication protocols and the overload of communication systems during emergencies, leading to potential increased damage and loss of life.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a mechanical device with push button functionality connected to an EMNS activation service, which includes a universal translator program to translate messages into appropriate protocols for various EMNS providers, and provides conferencing services for emergency management, allowing for streamlined notification and collaboration among emergency personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate notification services are used to cover different communication protocols, then the scope of notification coverage is improved, but the time required to activate notifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate notification services into a single integrated notification system that can simultaneously activate multiple communication protocols (SMS, email, push notifications, audible announcements) through one unified interface, eliminating the need to manually activate each service separately and thereby reducing activation time while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse communication protocols and delivery methods through a single platform, allowing it to adapt to different communication infrastructures (cellular, internet, local networks) and activate various notification types (text messages, emails, pop-up messages, audible announcements) simultaneously
2Reliability
If manual activation through workstation login and authentication is used, then security is improved, but the time to initiate notifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring notification templates, pre-authenticating users, and pre-establishing communication channels during system setup and normal operation, so that during an emergency the notification can be activated immediately with minimal additional authentication steps, reducing initiation time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system implements self-service capabilities including automatic user authentication through pre-stored credentials, automated message selection based on event type, and automatic distribution across multiple channels, eliminating the need for manual intervention in authentication and message composition during emergencies
3Loss of information
If comprehensive notification services are deployed across multiple channels, then the completeness of information dissemination is improved, but the complexity of system management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system segments its functionality into modular components, each handling a specific communication protocol or delivery method (SMS module, email module, push notification module, audible announcement module), allowing independent configuration and management of each channel while maintaining unified control through a central interface, thereby reducing management complexity while preserving comprehensive coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for triggering emergency mass notifications include an EMNS activation service, a plurality of activation premises devices, a plurality of EMNS provider services, and a plurality of event personnel devices. The EMNS activation service includes a universal translator module that receives an event trigger signal relating to an emergency event from one of the activation premises devices. The universal translator module translates the event trigger signal to event-specific EMNS protocols of the EMNS providers. The EMNS activation service communicates the event-specific EMNS protocols to the EMNS providers, and communicates event data to event personnel devices based on a list of event personnel devices to be notified of an emergency event. An activation premises device includes a housing event with trigger controls for creating the event trigger signal, wherein these event trigger controls are inaccessible to users in the absence of an authorized access or an emergency access.