HK1159292B - An information broadcasting system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an information broadcasting systemA method of broadcasting information over a selected geographic area and a software product executed by the information broadcasting system,This information broadcasting system,Including: an information receiving module,To receive information from a monitoring and management agency;And an information transmission module,To receive information from the information receiving module,And transmit the encoded information about the information to at least one forwarding station in the pre selected geographical location, which will be forwarded to the pre selected communication device in at least one pre selected geographical location,The encoded data is set to correspond to at least one piece of information stored on the communication device,When receiving encoded data,The reservation communication device generates a notification corresponding to at least one information composition.The present invention can instantly and accurately transmit authoritative information to users in designated areas, allowing users to know early warning information in real time and avoid property and life losses.

Description

Information broadcasting system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information broadcast, and more particularly, to an information broadcast system, a broadcast method, and a software product executed by the information broadcast system.

Background

In recent years, the need to protect people from both natural and man-made significant disasters has been emphasized. The most effective way to save lives is to have people in those affected areas receive an early warning of an impending disaster.

Currently, authorities throughout the world have available to communicate with their employees and other emergency responders via established (dedicated to this purpose) communication protocols. The predicament has reached people in the area of the impending disaster so that those people can begin evacuation and take other methods to protect themselves.

Currently, emergency assistance and other related personnel must first be notified of a particular situation and then they must inform the public of this information. Thus, valuable time, which equates to loss of life, is lost.

Not only is it necessary to receive those information quickly, but it is also necessary for the general public to receive accurate information. The nature of this information is important based on two main reasons. First, it must be accurate so that the recipient is correctly informed of what to do. Second, it must be authoritative. Because the general public receives a great deal of unsolicited information, there is a high level of discretion required by the general public regarding this information.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the above problems of the prior art, the present invention provides an information broadcasting system, a broadcasting method and a software product executed by the information broadcasting system, which can instantly and accurately transmit authoritative information to users in a predetermined area, so that the users can instantly know early warning information without property and life loss.

The invention can be realized by the following technical scheme:

an information broadcasting system for broadcasting information to users of the system, comprising: the system comprises:

an information receiving module for receiving information from a monitoring management mechanism; and

an information delivery module for receiving the information from the information receiving module and delivering encoded data relating to the information to a delivery station in at least one preselected geographic location to be delivered to a subscribing communication device in the at least one preselected geographic location, the encoded data being arranged to correspond to at least one message component stored on the communication device such that, upon receipt of the encoded data, the subscribing communication device generates a notification corresponding to the at least one message component.

The message receiving module of the present invention may be configured to allow an operator to select one or more geographical locations to which the message is to be forwarded. The present invention is also intended to cover automatic selection of the one or more geographical locations. Thus, the information receiving module may be arranged to automatically select one or more geographical locations in accordance with the information received from the monitoring authority.

The messaging module may be configured to cooperate with existing wireless networks, such as GSM, 3G, next generation or CDMA networks, to generate a short message broadcast service (CBS) signal at the subscriber device. Thus, the notification corresponding to the at least one message may be in the form of a text signal displayed on the device. Furthermore, the information constitutes specific information that may be relevant to the user in connection with the information generated by the monitoring authority.

In a preferred embodiment, the information transfer module may be arranged to transfer to the subscriber the coded data corresponding to information stored on a subscriber identity module (known as a SIM card), wherein the coded data is provided by the provider, or is pre-programmed by the provider, or is uploaded to the communication device by the provider and stored in a memory of the communication device.

Thus, the system may include Base Station Controllers (BSCs) in a pre-selected geographic location. The BSCs may be configured to receive data from the messaging module, wherein the messaging module may be configured to transmit the data to the BSCs in a geographic location from which the user received the information. The BSCs may be configured as a relay station in the form of base transceiver stations (BTS's) that relay the data to transceiver stations.

The data generated by the messaging module may also be arranged to activate pre-programmed instructions stored in the SIM or the device itself to cause the device to generate a unique signal which can be quickly identified by the user. It may also be arranged to cause the device to vibrate, and/or to display a text signal and/or to flash a light.

The invention provides a method for broadcasting information over a selected geographic area, comprising the following steps:

receiving information from a monitoring authority;

transmitting encoded data about the signal to a forwarding station in at least one preselected geographic area;

and

forwarding the encoded data to a communication device in the at least one preselected geographic location, the encoded data configured to correspond to at least one message component stored on the communication device, such that upon receipt of the encoded data, the subscribing communication device generates a notification corresponding to the at least one message component.

The present invention also provides a communication device for use with an information broadcasting system for broadcasting information to users of the information broadcasting system, comprising:

a data storage means for storing encoded data transmitted from the information broadcasting system; and

a data processing means for matching encoded data received by said information broadcasting system with one or more respective information formations and for generating a notification corresponding to said one or more respective information formations.

The present invention also provides a software product for execution by the aforementioned communications apparatus of the present invention, the software product comprising a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the communications apparatus to:

generating a notification corresponding to one or more of the respective information components in response to a signal from a forwarding station carrying the encoded data associated with the respective information component or components.

By adopting the technical scheme, the invention can immediately and accurately transmit the information with authority to the user in the preset area, so that the user can immediately know the information of early warning to avoid the loss of property and life.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a design of an embodiment of a system according to which information is broadcast to users of the system.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a software product executed by an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention for use with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a method design for reserving the system of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a software product executed by one embodiment of a communications device according to the invention for use with the system of FIG. 1.

Drawing number

The description may be included or identified with reference to the following abbreviated letters, which for ease of reference include the following list:

ADWS □ advanced disaster alert System ADWM □ advanced disaster alert signals

AuC □ identifies a center BCC □ broadcast control channel

BSC □ base station controller (radio part for transmitting CBS)

BSIC □ base station code BTS base station transceiver station

CB □ cell broadcast

CBC □ cell broadcast center (GSM function connected to BSCs and operating CBS)

CBCH □ cellular radio channel CBE cell broadcast entity (generating the CBS)

CBS □ cell broadcast short message service

EDWARDS □ emergency disaster warning and rescue device and system

EIR □ equipment entity recorder EPIRB □ emergency position-indicating radio beacon

GPRS □ general packet radio service GSDMG □ government disaster management team

GSM □ global system for mobile communications HLR □ home location register

IMEI international mobile equipment identification code IMSI international mobile subscriber identification code

ME □ mobile equipment with LCD □ and liquid crystal display

MS □ Mobile station MSC □ Mobile service switching center

N/O □ network operator NSS □ network subsystem

OTA transmission and reception standard PDA □ personal digital assistant

PLMN □ public land mobile network PTWC Pacific tsunami warning center

SDCC □ stand-alone dedicated control channel SEWS □ Standard Emergency alert signals

SIM subscriber identity module SMS □ short message service

SP □ service provider SR □ user recorder

VLR visitor location recorder

Detailed Description

The following description is intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding the invention. Accordingly, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention.

In fig. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates an embodiment of a system for broadcasting information to users of the system 10 in accordance with the present invention. In the following examples, "EDWARDS" is used generically to represent the system 10.

The system 10 described with reference to fig. 1 is used with a tsunami early warning configuration. The arrangement has a plurality of seismic and sea level sensors indicated at 12. On the transmission device 14, the sensor data is transmitted to a pacific tsunami early warning center 16.

The center 16 transmits a disaster alert signal to predetermined government agencies and/or other disaster management groups (GSDMGs) 18. Another example is the propagation of severe weather conditions from a weather station 17 to the GSDMG18, as shown in fig. 1.

This embodiment of the invention is implemented when the GSDMG18 transmits the signal to an information receiving module in the form of a Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) 20. The CBE20 may also receive signals directly from the weather station 17. The CBE20 transmits the signal to an information delivery module in the form of a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 22.

At the CBC22, encoded data is generated regarding the information in the signal. The generation and structure of these encoded data are described in detail below. In one or more geographical locations affected by the impending tsunami (in this example), the CBC22 is configured to transmit the encoded data to a radio transceiver or a relay station in the form of Base Station Controllers (BSCs)24 and associated base transceiver stations (BTS's) 26.

The communication device of the system 10, as shown at 28 in fig. 1, may take many different forms, such as those used in mass transit vehicles, sports stadiums, airports, residences, and mobile phones. It is understood that the present invention encompasses any manner of communication device that may be configured to generate a notification to notify individuals during an emergency.

The CBC22 is configured with the BSC24 and BTS26 to transmit the encoded data to an existing wireless communication network, such as a GSM or CDMA network. In addition, the CBC22, BSC24, and BTS26 are configured to transmit the encoded data over dedicated purpose wireless channels. As such, the CBC22, BSC24, and BTS26 may collectively represent a messaging module. The encoded data may be transmitted using a Short Message Service (SMS) broadcast protocol, also known as a Cell Broadcast (CB) signaling protocol.

The dedicated channels may comprise a Broadcast Control Channel (BCC), wherein the BSCs24 identify a channel in which broadcasts (cell broadcasts or CBs) carrying instructions given by the CBC22 are carried. In one example, the dedicated channel may be a predetermined Cell Broadcast Channel (CBCH). In another example, the dedicated channel may be a stand-alone dedicated control channel (SDCC). It will be appreciated that any other suitable channels of CBs may be used and the foregoing examples are merely illustrative.

If desired, the information provided by the GSDMG18 is converted to CB advisories by the CBE 20. In one example, the GSDMG18 may decide to send a set alarm signal (which is automatically delivered by the CBE 20) for transmission. This option may ensure that the GSDMG18 has complete and exclusive control over the signal content and transmission, if desired. The CBE20 is provided in all forms that implement the necessary format for the CB signal, including, for example, breaking the signal into "pages" if desired.

The CBC22 is configured to handle all network functions (GSM in this example) related to the CB short message service (CBS) functions. The CBC22 may be linked to more than one CBEs 20.

The CBC22 is connected to BSCs24 and configured to condition the format and organization of the alarm signals (which are received from the CBE 20) into GSM or related network type formats. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the CBC22 is configured to:

a. the required CBCH to be used for the signal is selected.

b. Assigning information numbers allows the BSCs24 to determine whether a particular signal is being transmitted.

c. When the alarm signals are no longer applicable, the signals previously stored in the BSCs24 are modified or deleted.

d. Start setting language, start transmission time, and geographic area for information determination.

e. The rate of a particular signal to be transmitted is determined.

f. It is determined when a signal should no longer be transmitted.

Each BSC24 is connected to one CBC22 and one or more BTSs 26. Each BSC24 is set to:

a. receives and interrupts the signal, and commands down from the associated CBC 22.

b. The transmitted signals are stored.

c. These signals are routed to the appropriate BTSs 26. This is necessary because it is possible that different BTSs26 connected to one CBC22 are associated with different geographical areas (where different CBS signals must be transmitted).

d. Signals are scheduled according to a repetition rate specified by the CBC 22. e. Each signal is transmitted at the time specified by the CBC 22.

A network operator (N/O) is typically on the CBC 22. Conventionally, the CBC22 is set to control the broadcast of the CBS signal. Thus, the CBC22 contains recorders (registers). This recorder contains the recorders that are normally required for normal operation, such as Home Location Recorder (HLR), Visitor Location Recorder (VLR) and equipment entity recorder (EIR). These loggers may be configured to identify which user is a subscriber to the system 10.

Alternatively, the CBC22 includes a Subscriber Recorder (SR). For bow standardization, an SR has the same format as the other recorders.

In accordance with the present invention, each subscriber to the system 10 is provided with a pre-programmed subscriber entity module (SIM) that carries an embodiment of a software product that allows access to a network on which the system 10 is implemented.

Alternatively, the software generation may be uploaded to the user's communication device via an OTA (over the air reception standard) upload. This allows a SIM or other programmable communication device to be upgraded with the required software product to facilitate the user as well as the provider.

The EIR is a database of all participating communication devices on the network. Each communication device may be identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) code if associated or any other equipment code is typically stored in the hardware or removable medium of the communication device. The CBC22 is configured to enable the N/O to ensure there is sufficient space on the HLR and VLR to accommodate new users, and to ensure that the SR can be incorporated and managed.

The CBC22 is configured to allow the N/O to send update data to selected communication devices, where the update data includes a list of codes (explained below). The CBC22 is also configured to allow the N/O to send a command signal to a particular communication device, where the communication device may delete the data or disable the software product in the SIM or programmed into the communication device.

Conversely, the CBC22 is also configured to allow the N/O to send a command signal to a particular communication device that will activate the software of the present invention and upload data containing code listings.

The system 10 is arranged to allow signals to be sent to a particular group of users. These groups may be identified with encoded material (described below) and transmitted to the user's communication device. When a subscribed communication device receives a signal that is not intended for the subscriber, the signal is ignored because the list of codes corresponding to the transmitted codes is not registered in the database stored on the communication device of the particular subscriber or in the table stored on the communication device.

Cell broadcast technology may provide 64000 broadcast channels so that different types of signals may be broadcast on different channels to different target groups. Not every user necessarily receives all channels and all signals.

Differentiation between target groups in the encoded signal is required to ensure that delivery within the common channel used to transmit the signal is modified. In a preferred embodiment, channels are allocated and standardized for each signal type so that a roaming user can alert for the geographic location in which they are currently located.

It will be appreciated that the primary function of the system 10 is to send an instant disaster warning signal to the general public and select user organizations. Such as police, military, naval, emergency services, search and rescue, etc. The signal may be sent only to a particular user organization or to a selected group or both.

It will be appreciated that the CB signaling protocol selected by the requester provides an advantage in SMS size with a maximum delivery limit (approximately 1000 signals per second per SMS sent). In addition, the CB signaling protocol may be utilized when both infrastructure (infrastructure) are damaged or overloaded, and even when the communication device signal is too weak to call a sound. It is known that SMS signals and CBS signals can be transmitted when the signal is too weak for sound traffic.

In addition, in the event of a disaster, the network carrying the problem can cause serious problems and can interrupt normal traffic. In this case, the SMS signal transmitted in the existing manner may be delayed for hours or days or even lost altogether.

Thus, embodiments of the system 10 broadly operate as follows.

a. The GSDMG18 receives information from a particular tsunami or similar alert center 16 that a disaster is about to occur.

b. The GSDMG18 determines to alert the public and sends a security signal to the pre-configured CBEs 20.

c. The N/O controls the CBEs20 and CBC 22. The N/O receives the alarm signal from the GSDMG18 and takes place as follows.

(i) The CBE20 selects an appropriately coded signal for the cell broadcast or forwards an appropriately coded (received from the GSDMG 18) signal for transmission.

(ii) The CBC22 selects the BSCs24 in the target geographic region to lock onto the BTSs26 in the target geographic region. This function may also be automated, allowing disaster management cluster 18 to pre-select the target geographic area.

(iii) The CBE20 conveys the coded CB signals.

(iv) When a real-time signal is displayed to all users on the network, not only to the system 10, the N/O or the authority may decide to send the CB signal as a non-coded text signal

d. The selected BSCs24 sends the signal under its control to all or geographically selected BTSs26 to send a signal to all users residing on each bts 26.

e. All communication devices that have signed into the network and temporarily resided in the targeted BTSs26 receive the signal.

f. Communication devices that do not have the code list stored in the SIM or completed uploading will not be identified. If the signal is received, it will be a meaningless code string.

g. In accordance with the present invention, all communication devices incorporating the encoded data of a software product are programmed in one embodiment to cause the communication devices to perform one or more of the following actions:

(i) flashing lights and/or sounding alarms at maximum levels in the form of standard emergency alert signals (SEWS) for that geographical location.

(ii) Vibrate in a non-standard manner to attract the attention of a user.

(iii) The disaster or alarm signal is displayed on an LCD screen of the communication device.

(iv) Without interrupting or shutting off any ongoing communication operations of the communication device. In one embodiment, the SEWS sounds an alarm only when the call in progress is over.

(v) Different responses were made to different types of signals.

(vi) The alarm continues and lights are flashed until any buttons are pressed to acknowledge receipt of the signal or for a predetermined period of time or until the power supply to the communication device is consumed.

As such, the invention expands to accommodate communication devices for use with the system 10, as described above. Broadly speaking, the communication device is provided with a pre-programmed SIM or a program that can be transferred to the communication device by the provider.

One example of a SIM used in one embodiment is a known "active" SIM. The specification defining the communication protocol between the known SIM and the communication device is the known T1/4 communication protocol for 118 mobile signaling technology and services (USIM). This communication protocol features the communication device initializing all commands to the SIM. This is a particular limitation on the permissions (enablement) of an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the SIM enables the use of active commands to be implemented and is known as an active SIM with active commands, which can send a command to the communication device.

In embodiments of the invention, the SIM or upload software is configured to ensure that the communication device can decode the received encoded signal and deliver an appropriate action.

In particular, the software product is arranged such that, when executed, the communication device is operable to perform any one of the following operations.

SEWS (see above), flashing lights and/or soft beepers, and vibration alarms.

b. If the signal is an emergency, the signal is displayed and flashing is performed.

c. Any buttons and lights that reset the communication device and turn off the alarm in response to a press. If no button is pressed, the alert mode continues for a predetermined period of time and stops.

Any suitable repeating and stopping pattern may be implemented.

When the software product is executed, it is arranged to update the data stored in the SIM or the communication device by updating patches by a Transmission reception Standard (OTA). The software product is configured to generate a confirmation signal to confirm successful updates to the N/O and add to the appropriate recorder.

It will be appreciated that the applicant believes that the service provider's features can be preloaded with a list of codes to reduce network traffic due to OTA updating of patches.

The system 10 allows a complete emergency list to be transmitted OTA to a subscribed communication device upon activation of the communication device. The desired SEWS alert tone may be uploaded from the SIM, pre-loaded on the communication device or sent to the communication device via an OTA transmission. The system 10 may be configured to update the code list on a monthly or other periodic basis without user intervention.

In addition, the system prevents the same code from being reused for at least two to four years, to avoid incorrect alarms if legacy patches are left on a particular communication device. If an emergency broadcast needs to be sent before all of these users have received the latest code update patch, the N/O will automatically send the old and new codes to ensure that no updated users also receive the alert signal.

The system 10 is configured to generate a test signal every hour to determine whether the subscribed communication device contains the correct code list. If the test signal detects an incorrect code list, a signal is generated that alerts the user and then further signals from the system 10 will be blocked from proceeding. The system is arranged to accommodate updated new coding lists to avoid false signals during coding updates.

The system is arranged such that the HLR and VLR indicate which user is not signed on to the system 10 such that it cannot send an update message. The reason is to avoid that these subscribers receive an update message while roaming outside the general geographical area. Alternatively, the user will receive an encoded list update from the network to which their communication device is signed on (if such a network implements the system 10).

The CBC22 may be configured so that the N/O may maintain the database along with the HLR of the communication device that has been updated by recording an updated version number. The periodic update is repeated for communication devices that have not been updated until they have been updated or a new update is available.

It will be appreciated that the current update information may change the entire complete encoding database in the communication devices at any predetermined interval. This may be determined according to the required security level. If a roaming subscriber signs into a network other than his home network, the network administrator identifies the subscriber as a visitor in the appropriate register (VLR). In addition, the network identifies the user as a roaming subscriber. The associated CBC22 is configured to immediately forward an encoding update message to the network to the roaming user's communication device to ensure that emergency information encoding that is valid for the network is correctly interpreted by the user's communication device.

According to the present invention, if a user has a revision of the software product obtained in the home country compared to one of the roaming countries, the relevant code can be correctly specified regardless of the version of the software product set.

The CBC22 is arranged so that if the user's subscription has expired, the remaining code or information can be sent via SMS. In the case of non-payment, the CBC22 is set so that the communication device can be disabled by updating information via an encoded SMS or OTA, which will clear the encoded list and prevent use of the software product in the communication device.

The software product is configured to cause the communication device to provide a menu function for performing self-testing. Thus, the software product may be configured to perform a check of the software product version and to confirm the latest patch version number and connection on the communication device. An appropriate alarm (such as an audible alarm) and light source may be activated for a few seconds to indicate that the communication device is operating properly. The coded information received by each of the communication devices via the CBC22 includes a code that is executable to trigger a specific action on the communication device. These actions include:

a. an emergency signal or alarm signal is encoded on the communication device to trigger an alarm, a vibration, a text signal and a light.

b. The threat alert signal generates the same action as the emergency disaster signal in the communication device, or may be slightly different.

c. The advisory signal will not trigger the alarm. But generates an appropriate audible tone and displays the advisory text signal.

d. The test signal initiates a self-test function and if the test is successful, a corresponding signal is displayed on a display of the communication device. The test fails, e.g., if the failure is not corrected by an OTA update message, the user may be instructed to refer to a service provider.

The software product is arranged so that non-systematic SMS cannot trigger any function of the communication device, even if the code is correct. Thus, the software product is arranged to detect a difference between the SMS signal generated under normal network conditions and the signal generated by the CBC 22.

When executed, the software product of the present invention is arranged such that, in a preferred embodiment, the communication device is set such that the volume of the SEWS is not adjustable by the user, and when executed, the software product sets the communication device such that it generates only one warning sound, i.e. the SEWS. Furthermore, the communication device is arranged such that pressing any button on the communication device can deactivate the alarm. However, the text remains on the display until the user manually deletes it with an appropriate menu function, or is replaced by another signal from the network operator.

The communication device may also be arranged to hold a signal previously having a data and time stamp to allow the user to review it if the network signal is lost, the communication device being arranged by the software product to display an appropriate signal.

The communication device, which is arranged according to the invention and by a software product, can also provide a function according to the invention regarding the location of the user. In other words, it can be used as an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). In this arrangement, if a user needs emergency assistance, he or she may initiate a "help me" function. In this case, a pre-programmed SMS may be sent to the N/O. In distress, the CBC22 or an associated network device (which is specifically configured to receive an SMS signal "help me" initiated from a user) is configured to alert the requested N/O for emergency assistance and display the user's personal details and tracking location.

Thus, the CBC or network appliance 22 may be configured to allow the N/O to interrogate the user with a confirmation signal. If the N/O receives the confirmation signal, the necessary emergency response may be circulated.

This functionality is in accordance with the ability to track the location of a communication device that provides the transmitted signal (generated by the communication device).

The mobile communication device may be configured such that the user must press one or more predetermined buttons on the communication device for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the mobile communication device may be configured so that a user may select a predetermined option from a menu function.

The CBC or network appliance 22 includes the required loggers to identify the subscriber. In addition, the CBC or network appliance 22 is configured to process incoming signals and alert the network operator. The CBC or network appliance 22 is also configured to send any signals from the list of SMS signals with codes to ascertain a predetermined response from a communication device signed into the system 10. The following are encoded numbers regarding the type of information to be transmitted to the communication devices subscribed to the system 10. For this example, the codes are shown as a string:

type of user

000 all users and organizations 000

100 general public 100

200 police 200

210 Water police 210

220 Special police team (SWAT)220

230 anti-riot police 230

240 traffic police 240

300 army 300

310 army 310

320 air force 320

330 navy 330

340 patrol 340 along bank

400 search and rescue 400

500 fire brigade 500

600 ambulance and health examination 600

610 doctor and nurse 610

700 government 700

800 Special messenger 800

900 secret item 900

Disaster alert 001

001ABCDEF1234 aerial crash

001ABCDEF1235 air strike

001ABCDEF1236 dwarf forest land wildfire

001ABCDEF1237 cancellation of disaster alert signals

001ABCDEF1238 cancel previous signal

001ABCDEF1239 Tornado

001ABCDEF1240 dam wall rupture

001ABCDEF1241 dyke rupture

001ABCDEF1242 earthquake

001ABCDEF1243 evacuation to xxxxx

001ABCDEF1244 flood

001ABCDEF1245 hurricane

001ABCDEF1246 damage attack

001ABCDEF1247 nuclear weapon threat

001ABCDEF1248 terrorist attack

001ABCDEF1249 sending text by N/O

001ABCDEF1250 tsunami alarm moves to a higher ground level T

001ABCDEF1251 typhoon

001ABCDEF1252 volcanic eruption

Threat alert 002

002ABCDEF1253 avian influenza

002ABCDEF1254 storm snow

002ABCDEF1255 wildland wildfire

002ABCDEF1256 cancels the previous signal

002ABCDEF1257 cancels the threat alert signal

002ABCDEF1258 chemical fire

Spillage of 002ABCDEF1259 chemical

002ABCDEF1260 civil uneasiness

002ABCDEF1261 dam wall may crack

002ABCDEF1262 evacuation to xxxxx

002ABCDEF1263 suddenly floods

002ABCDEF1264 river water flood can break the dike

002ABCDEF1265 is highly at risk of avalanche development

002ABCDEF1266 New Regulation

002ABCDEF1267 tsunami may occur due to earthquake

002ABCDEF1268 Red tide

002ABCDEF1269 weather in severe cold

002ABCDEF1270 storm

002ABCDEF1271 flood tide and flood

002ABCDEF1272 terrorist attack

002ABCDEF1273 sends text by N/O

002ABCDEF1274 poison spill

002ABCDEF1275 tropical storm

Condition report 003

003ABCDEF1276 avoids CBD

003ABCDEF1277 avoids road travel until all signals are cleared

003ABCDEF1278 avoid xxxxx due to civil insecurity

003ABCDEF1279 blood for loss

003ABCDEF1280 kids binding frame

Lantern for 003ABCDEF1281 from 7pm to 6am left indoors

003ABCDEF1282 storm

003ABCDEF1283 police assistance signal

003ABCDEF1284 relocation higher ground

003ABCDEF1285 remains indoors until all signals are cleared

003ABCDEF1286 expected severe hail reduction

003ABCDEF1287 anticipating severe lightning

003ABCDEF1288 text by N/O

System 004

004ABCDEF1289 maintenance status report

004ABCDEF1290 test signal

004ABCDEF1291 sending characters by N/O

004ABCDEF1292 resets MS to pending and cancels alarm mode

Broadly, various groups or user types are defined by the first three digits of the code. The list of recognizable numbers is set as follows. The following three digits or characters identify the type of information to be transmitted to these communication devices. The remaining characters more specifically determine the actual message components to be displayed on the communication devices.

In particular, the message contains 88 bytes of data, of which 82 contain the actual user's code. The 88 bytes of data of the CB information include the following data sequence numbers: information identifier, data encoding composition, page parameters, and user data (with the encoded signal). An example of how a particular signal may be processed is set forth below:

CBS codes received by MS100001ABCDEF1250

a. The first 3 characters of the code are separated-100 (popular).

b. Is this code equal to the MS preset user type code?

c. If yes, the next step is continued.

d. The 4 th through 16 th words-001 ABCDEF1250 of the code are separated.

e. The code is compared to database-001 ABCDEF 1250.

f. If the code exists, continuing, otherwise, stopping.

g. Programming is performed in response to words 4, 5, and 6.

h. The display corresponds to the formation of information on the MS display.

Tsunami warning-moving to higher ground

As previously mentioned, the signal comprises a number or character identifying the user to another system, such as the military or emergency department and the signal used thereby. All communication devices 28 camped on BTS26 receive the encoded data transmitted by that BTS 26. However, on a communication device such as a GPRS mobile phone, the incoming code is irrelevant.

In connection with the "user type", the software product is arranged to ask whether the first three digits correspond to a user type that allows receiving the signal. For example, if a query on the first three digits answers "1," the user type may receive the signal. Thus, if the first three digits are "200" and the communication device is intended to approximate the general public, the software product will answer "0" and the signal will terminate.

Upon receipt of a particular code signal, the subscribing communication device responds in accordance with the predetermined list of programmed codes. The signal for each list is then displayed on the display means (typically an LCD) of the communication device and the communication device therefore reacts as described above.

For example, a tsunami warning activates the SEWS alarm, flashes lights, vibrates, and then displays that a possible "tsunami warning is active. Please move from shore to higher ground. Listening to public radio broadcasts to retrieve warning signals for more information. Another example may include a warning to a child kids. A more detailed list is as follows:

possible EDWARDS CBS user group code and signal type code

Type of user

000 all users and organization groups 000

100 general public 100

200 police 200

210 Water police 210

220 Special police team (SWAT)220

230 anti-riot police 230

240 traffic police 240

300 army 300

Cancel pre-signal

Emergency call preparation army

Maintain the current position

Transmitting into a statute

Reporting to a Unit ASAP

24 hours to unit report

48 hours to the unit

Return to base

Sending text by N/O

Threats from (aspects)

Using chemical warfare protection

310 military 310

320 air force 320

330 navy 330

340 coast guard 340

400 search and rescue 400

500 fire brigade 500

600 ambulance and health check 600610 doctor and nurse 610

700 government 700

800 Special messenger 800

900 secret item 900

Type of signal

001 disaster warning

Air impact

Air strike

Wild fire in dwarf forest land

Cancelling a disaster alert signal

Cancel pre-signal

Tornado wind

Dam wall rupture

Break of dike

Earthquake

Withdraw to xxxxx

Floods

Hurricane wind

Attack by damaged stone

Nuclear threat

Terrorist cloth attack

Sending text by N/O

Tsunami

Typhoon

Volcanic eruption

002 threat warning

Avian influenza

Storm snow

Wild fire in dwarf forest land

Cancelling the previous signal

Cancelling threat alert signals

Chemical fire hazard

Spillage of chemicals

Uneasiness of citizen

The dam wall may break

Withdraw to xxxxx

Sudden flood

River water inundation can break dike

High risk of avalanche

New rule

Tsunami may occur due to earthquake

Red tide

Cold weather

Dramatic wind

Smoke alarm

Flood tide and flood

Terrorist attacks

Sending text by N/O

Poison spillage

Tropical storm

003 Condition report 003

Avoiding CBD

Avoid road travel until all signals are cleared

Avoidance of xxxxx due to civil insecurity

Need to give away blood

Kid binding frame

Night banning from 7pm to 6am left indoors

Dust storm

Police assistance signal

Relocating higher ground

Left indoors until all signals are cleared

Anticipating severe hail suppression

Anticipating severe lightning

Sending text by N/O

004 System 004

Maintenance status reporting

Test signal

Sending text by N/O

Resetting MS to standby and canceling alert mode

Consider the code 100002AD1F4E7B 8C. This code is interrupted into the following types:

a.100-user type, i.e., general public user.

b.002-signal type, i.e., threat warning.

AD1F4E7B8C-database text codes, i.e. flood and flood warnings.

The CBS signal is typically limited to 88 bytes of data. This limits the size of text signals sent with any of the CBSs. The code of the activated text signal on the communication device may have more words and be limited only to the memory of the communication device (which is typically substantially larger than 88 bytes of data). As set forth above, the CBC or network appliance 22 is also configured to send any signals from the SMS signal list, examples of which begin as follows:

starting up

Revocation

Emergency services dispatched to your location

MS failure back to supplier

No ME service is available. Will dispatch with you as soon as possible

OTA code update patch

Please get incoming call to xxxxxx

Updating appointments

Sending text by N/O

Military signal

Cancel pre-signal

Emergency call preparation army

Maintain the current position

Incoming regulation

Reporting to a Unit ASAP

24 hours to unit report

48 hours to the unit

Return to base

Sending text by N/O

Threats from (aspects)

Using chemical warfare protection

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 30 generally designates a flow chart, at least partially, representative of one embodiment of a software product for processing signals transmitted by the CBC22, in accordance with the present invention. The software product 32 may be attached to the communication device itself or to a SIM used by the communication device.

At 32, the communication device receives the signal. At 34, the communication device compares the first 3 characters in the signal with a list of allowed characters of an organization to determine the recipient of the signal.

At 36 the software product asks whether there is a matching code, if the inquiry is negative the process ends at step 38, if the inquiry is positive the fourth to sixteenth characters are compared with the list of codes stored in the communication device, as described previously at step 40.

In step 42, the software product asks whether it matches the code. If the query is negative, the process ends at step 44. Alternatively, if the query is positive, the software product reads the characters 4, 5 and 6 at step 46.

In step 48, the software product asks whether the characters 4, 5 and 6 are 001 or 002. If the query is positive, the software product queries at step 72 whether the code contains the code of a text signal 72. If the query 72 is negative, then in step 50 the software product displays the encoded list itself text on the LCD of the communication device, flashes the light, vibrates and displays the SEWS alarm.

In step 52, the software queries whether step 50 is to be stopped. If the query is positive, the process ends at step 54. If the query is negative, the process returns to step 50 to continue displaying the text, etc.

Returning to query 72, if the query is true, then in step 74 the software product appropriately displays the text in the signal on the device's LCD, flashes the light, vibrates and plays the SEWS alarm. The software product must acknowledge receipt of the signal to the MS at step 76 and will be instructed to stop at step 78. Otherwise the process returns to step 74 as shown.

Returning to query 48, if the query is negative, the product queries whether the 3 words are 003 in step 49. If the query is negative, the communication device does not display and remains unrescribed in step 55.

In step 56, the software product asks whether the code is an hourly test signal. If query 56 is negative, then in step 58 the product queries whether the code is that of another program or signal. If query 58 is negative, the process ends at 60. If the query 58 is positive, then in step 62, the software product is set so that the communication device follows a programmed procedure. The routine ends at step 64. Returning to the query 56, if the query 56 is positive, control jumps to step 62.

Returning to the query 49, if the query 52 is true, the software product is configured to cause the communication device to display the code list text itself or text itself in the CBS on the LCD, flash a light, play a standard beep or tone at 66. In step 68, the software queries whether the signal generated in step 66 has been acknowledged or should be stopped. If the query 68 is true, the process ends at 70. Alternatively, the step 66 is continued.

The validation process also prepares a time delay and a counter that counts the number of laps in steps 52, 76 and 68, ultimately alerting the user to conserve battery life. After a programmed number of loops, the alarm will sound for a larger interval or may stop.

In fig. 3, reference numeral 80 generally designates the cost of the process in which a communication device user may subscribe to the system 10.

In step 82, the user may contact the service provider online or physically at a store or other outlet. In step 84, the new user completes the necessary contract. In step 86, the service provider gives the user a new SIM, which is preloaded with the software product of the present invention. In step 88, the service provider processes the application and the contract and payment agreement. Next, in step 90, the service provider starts the new user on the system 10 and refers to the associated recorder that was previously updated. It can be seen that step 90 is carried out at the CBC22 and the latest code is pushed to the latest user with SMS via BSC24 and BTS 26. If available, the upload code text may be in the user's language selection.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a software product in which encryption is used on the CB short message service (CBS) in accordance with the present invention. The process is largely similar to the method shown in fig. 2, except that instead of the MS receiving the CBS, the CBC sends an encrypted encoded CBS to the MS in step 100. Referring to fig. 3, like reference numerals refer to like parts unless otherwise specified.

The MS receives the encrypted encoded CBS at step 102 and uses a decryption algorithm and the MS's decryption key to decrypt the signal at step 104. The signal is then processed in a similar process step as shown in fig. 2.

As such, signals may be sent to the MSs using the following alternative coding methods:

-uploading a decoding key to the user's MS via a system SMS when recording or subscribing to a user on the system.

An encrypted EDWARDS signal can now be sent by means of the CBC or CBE.

-when an encrypted CBS signal is received by a MS, the decoding key is used with the decryption software of the subscriber MS to decode or decrypt the signal.

The same procedure is followed as described in figure 2.

This method is an alternative and can be used to send CBS signals to MSs containing the alert text (which should be displayed on the MSs).

If the user is no longer subscribed, the decoding or decryption keys may be updated periodically (on a monthly basis) for all users, will not receive new codes and will not be able to decode any future EDWARDS signals.

This method allows the N/O to securely send any text signal to the user, and not just the recommended standard set message code (which will call a text signal from the MS database). Encoding of signals in this manner may also result in a signal stored on the MS to be displayed, if desired.

The encoded signals also include a number or code identifying the target user group, a code for the type of signal, and a code for the desired response from the EDWARDS (MS enabled). This is in accordance with the encoding shown in figures 2 and 3 above. When the user is not subscribed, the system SMS can be sent to the MS with an invalid decoding key. This will ensure that future encoded signals will not be decoded by the MS.

In various embodiments, as identified by the particular code described above, the alert signal may include the following elements:

-user type, target group or organization code.

-signal type

The additional signal sent from the GSDMG to the CBE will contain the information in the coding or directly form information on:

i. the type of event.

The target area or areas of the CBS.

The signal code or text.

Signal date and time expired.

A sender (GSDMG or the weather bureau or other authorized political party).

A software product on the MS selects the desired CB channel to be used by the system 10. A software product on the MS is configured to select one of the set number of CB channels in accordance with a preset language setting on the MS. If the predetermined language dependent upon the geographic location does not match an available channel, the software product selects the predetermined CB channel to be English. This function provides the possibility to send an alarm signal in different languages at the same time.

In an emergency situation, it is important that the signal originate from a trusted and reliable source. For example, in australia, the signal will come from a relevant government disaster management team or the like.

The software product of the present invention is arranged so that incoming alerts on an MS do not cut off any on-line calls or communications. The software product is arranged to allow the warning signal to be received in a manner such that the user can interrupt an in-use communication for checking the alarm signal and then resuming communication.

The system of the present invention is configured to allow a user to interrupt a subscription. The system is arranged, however, to cause certain signals associated with a predetermined degree of urgency to be transmitted to all devices, such as those associated with nationwide emergencies.

In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is configured to use a communication protocol that includes satellite transmissions as broadcasts of emergency signals. The broadcast is then sent to all MSs signed into the satellite and their coverage areas (footprints).

Applicants also contemplate embodiments in which the communication devices are remote alarm stations. For example, many people do not all have mobile phones in an affluent community. These areas can be covered by strategically placing remote alarm terminals. These may be constituted by a mobile phone in a secure box (perhaps on a pole), with the solar panel charging the battery if local power is not available. The mobile phone is connected to an amplifier and an outdoor speaker. Upon receipt of the emergency signal, the SEWS alarm will sound. In these embodiments, the system may be configured to generate a complete clear signal, wherein the signal in turn generates a clear signal that is different from the SEWS alarm.

Applicants believe that the present invention provides a means for an administrative authority to effectively and unambiguously communicate with a large portion of the population in a particular geographic area. This may be most useful if a natural disaster or any other life threatening event in the area occurs. As described above, not only does the system 10 provide a means for propagating an alarm, but it may also provide a means for propagating a particular signal to a user.

The system 10 provides an advantage over other CB signal broadcast systems in that it allows a secure signal to be broadcast. Thus, for example, in an emergency rescue situation, specific signals may be broadcast to specific groups. This is useful because it is generally not desirable for all users to receive signals from a particular group of users, such as police or military.

In addition, as previously described, the use of "active" software products, such as those loaded on the SIM, allows subscribed communication devices to generate a specific, unique signal that is immediately recognizable by the subscribers.

It will be appreciated that the system 10 has expanded use beyond those related to emergencies and disasters. For example, a group of users may be military or similar personnel. If such a group exists, it is generally necessary to provide an indication of the group that is specific to the group. In this case, the first three digits of the encoded data may represent the group, such that only the group receives the signal.

It will be appreciated that in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an information broadcasting system, a method of broadcasting information, and a software product for use in the system and executable by a communication device subscribing to the system. One or more of these elements may be implemented on at least one general-purpose or special-purpose data processor and/or communication device adapted for executing computer programs, preferred embodiments including computer program products. It may also be implemented on at least one integrated circuit or part of at least one integrated circuit. Thus, it is to be understood that the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

However, the foregoing detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is intended to better enable one skilled in the art to understand the patent, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent; any equivalent alterations or modifications made according to the spirit of the disclosure of this patent are intended to be included in the scope of this patent.

Claims (13)

1. An information broadcasting system for broadcasting information to users of the system, comprising:

an information receiving module, which receives information from a monitoring management mechanism; and

an information delivery module that receives information from the information receiving module and generates a cell broadcast short message service message containing encoded data to a forwarding station in at least one preselected geographic location for forwarding to a subscribing communication device in the at least one preselected geographic location, the encoded data including a user type code and a signal type code, the signal type code configured to correspond to at least one information formation stored on the subscribing communication device and the user type code configured to identify a particular group of subscribers, such that when a particular group of subscribing communication devices receives the cell broadcast short message service message, the particular group of subscribing communication devices generates a notification corresponding to the at least one information formation.

2. The information broadcasting system of claim 1, wherein: the information receiving module is configured to allow an operator to select one or more geographic locations.

3. The information broadcasting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the information receiving module is configured to automatically select one or more geographic locations in accordance with the information received from the monitoring authority.

4. The information broadcasting system of claim 1, wherein: the messaging module is configured to cooperate with an existing network to generate the notification on the subscribing communication device.

5. The information broadcasting system of claim 4, wherein: the notification corresponding to the at least one message is in the form of a text signal displayed on the reservation communication device.

6. The information broadcasting system of claim 5, wherein: the information formation is specific information about the user in association with information generated by the monitoring authority.

7. The information broadcasting system of claim 6, wherein: the information transmission module is configured to transmit the encoded data corresponding to the information stored in the memory of the reservation communication device.

8. The information broadcasting system of claim 1, wherein: including a base station controller in a preselected geographic location, said base station controller configured to receive encoded data from said information delivery module, wherein said information delivery module is configured to deliver said encoded data to a base station controller in a geographic location at which a user receives said information.

9. The information broadcasting system of claim 8, wherein: the relay station includes base transceiver stations, and the base station controller is configured to relay the encoded data to base transceiver stations in the geographic location.

10. The information broadcasting system as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the coded data generated by the messaging module is configured to initiate pre-programmed instructions stored in the subscription communication device to cause the subscription communication device to generate a unique signal that is quickly identifiable by the user.

11. The information broadcasting system as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the reservation communication device generates a unique signal selected from the group consisting of a vibration signal, a display signal of a device displaying a text signal, an audible alarm signal, and a flashing device light signal.

12. A method of broadcasting information over a selected geographic area, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

receiving information from a monitoring authority;

transmitting a cell broadcast short message service message containing encoded data about said information to a relay station in at least one preselected geographical location; and

forwarding the cell broadcast short message service message containing encoded data to subscribing communication devices in the at least one preselected geographic location, the encoded data including a user type code and a signal type code, the signal type code being set to correspond to at least one information formation stored on the subscribing communication device and the user type code being set to identify a particular group of subscribers, such that when a particular group of subscribing communication devices receives the cell broadcast short message service message, the particular group of subscribing communication devices generates a notification corresponding to the at least one information formation.

13. A communications device for use with an information broadcasting system for broadcasting information to users of the system, comprising: comprises the following steps:

a data storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of encoded data about transmission by the information broadcasting system corresponding to the notification, the encoded data including a user type code and a signal type code, the signal type code being set to correspond to at least one information configuration stored on the communication apparatus and the user type code being set to identify a subscriber of a specific group; and

a data processing unit that matches encoded data received by the information broadcasting system with one or more respective information formations to identify the particular group of subscribers and generate a notification corresponding to one of the information formations.