METHOD AND SYSTEM OF GROUP BASED ALERT DISTRIBUTION

Abstract

System and method of managing distribution of alert messages to a plurality of presentation devices. The method and system enable selecting a broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast channels according to a detected emergency situation. Each broadcast channel is designated for communication with a target group of presentation devices. An alert message, corresponding to the emergency situation is broadcasted to the target group over the selected broadcast channel, to allow each presentation device of the target group to present the broadcasted alert message.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to systems and methods of managing distribution of alerts and particularly to group based distribution of alert messages.

Alert systems are commonly used in many organizations and facilities and usually involve detection of an alerting situation and reporting the situation to one or more authorized destinations.

Many commercial alarm systems use sensors to detect emergencies such as burglary, leakages of chemicals, or fire and transmit the sensors data to a designated emergency center upon. The center, in turn, transmits messages or calls one or more predefined people to report the emergency situation. Other systems allow people using communication devices to report an emergency situation to an emergency center by calling the emergency center. The center then allows disseminating an alert to designated destinations such as the owner of the facility where the emergency situation occurs. In many cases the designated person cannot respond or react to the emergency situation since the designated person is too far from the location of interest or for other reasons. In this case the person himself is required to contact the police, the fire department, and the like, to ask them to handle the situation.

Other alert systems verify the emergency situation and initiate communication with the authority related to the situation such as the fire department or the police, upon verification of the emergency situation. The communication in some systems is automatic, where the system automatically transmits a message to the police or the fire department and in other systems a human operator calls these authorities.

System such as the commercial mobile alert system (CMAS) or the AMBER alert system allow transmitting text messages through emails or short messaging services (SMS) messages to a plurality of destinations such as police departments and other authorized registered destinations to notify an alert. These systems enable transmission of alert messages on a large scale to a large population in counties, organization departments and the like to allow as many people or organizations that are registered to assist in solving the emergency situation. For example, the AMBER system for searching of missing children transmits messages to as many people and organizations possible in the designated country or county where the child was last seen to allow as many people as possible to assist in searching for that child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing distribution of alert messages to a plurality of presentation devices. The method may comprise receiving an alert distribution request from at least one alerting source, where the alert distribution request is indicative of an emergency situation; selecting at least one broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast channels according to the emergency situation, wherein each broadcast channel is designated for communication with at least one target group of presentation devices; and broadcasting an alert message, which corresponds to the emergency situation, to at least one respective target group over the selected at least one broadcast channel, to allow each respective presentation device of the target group to present the alert message.

Optionally, the method further comprises selecting at least one broadcasting station out of a plurality of broadcasting stations having a distribution area that corresponds to an area of the emergency situation, and broadcasting the alert message through the selected broadcasting station to presentation devices of the respective target group located in the respective distribution area.

Additionally or alternatively, the method further comprises receiving at least one update relating to a current status of the emergency situation and broadcasting, in response, a plurality of updated messages to the plurality of target groups through their respective broadcast channels, using a common communication network, wherein each updated message is designated to a different said target group and comprises information relating to the current status and to the respective target group.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system of managing distribution of alert messages to a plurality of presentation devices. The system may comprise a distribution managing unit, which receives an alert distribution request from at least one alerting source, indicative of an emergency situation, selects at least one broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast channels each designated for communication with at least one target group of presentation devices, according to the emergency situation; a broadcasting unit, which enables broadcasting an alert message, corresponding to the emergency situation, to the target group through said selected broadcast channel, to allow each respective presentation device of the target group to present the alert message; and a plurality of receiving modules, each installed in each said presentation device and receives alert messages through one of the plurality of broadcast channels which is associated with the target group of a respective presentation device.

Optionally, the broadcasting unit selects at least one broadcasting station having a distribution area corresponding to an area of the emergency situation, each selected broadcasting station broadcasts said alert message over said selected broadcast channel to presentation devices of a respective target group located in the emergency situation area.

The system may further comprise a channels database comprising a list of broadcast channels, each broadcast channel is associated with at least one emergency situation characteristic, wherein the distribution managing unit selects at least one broadcast channel in the list that is associated with a characteristic that corresponds to the indicated emergency situation.

Optionally, the distribution managing unit identifies at least one subgroup of the target group out of a plurality of subgroups associated therewith, according to the emergency situation, where the broadcasting unit enables broadcasting an indication of the identified subgroup, wherein each receiving module of the target group receives the subgroup indication and outputs the alert message when its respective presentation device belongs to the indicated subgroup.

Additionally or alternatively, the distribution managing unit encrypts each alert message according to predefined encrypting associated with each selected broadcast channel, wherein the plurality of receiving modules of each respective target group decrypt the encrypted alert message upon receiving thereof, by using a decryption method corresponding to the encryption associated with the respective broadcast channel.

Optionally, the distribution managing unit creates a plurality of alert messages corresponding to the same emergency situation, and selects a different broadcast channel for broadcasting each of the plurality of alert messages, where the broadcasting unit enables broadcasting each of the plurality of alert messages to each target group through its respective broadcast channel.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of receiving modules converts each received text alert message into a voice alert message for outputting a voice message through its respective presentation device.

Optionally, each alert message is a SMS-CB message broadcasted through cellular said selected broadcast channels to target groups of mobile devices.

Optionally, the distribution managing unit enables receiving response messages from the plurality of presentation devices of each respective target group, indicative of receiving the alert message, identifying a broadcasting failure in relation to each respective target group according to the number of received response messages, and executing a backing process upon identification of such broadcasting failure.

Additionally or alternatively, the distribution managing unit enables executing an automatic multistage process for supporting a respective emergency situation, by selecting at least one broadcast channel and broadcasting at least one alert message through the at least one channel, in each stage of the process, in an area corresponding to the emergency situation area and to the respective stage, allowing at least one respective target group to receive the respective alert message at every stage, each respective alert message is associated with the stage.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a receiving module which is installed and operated by a presentation device associated with at least one target group, where the receiving module receives broadcasted alert messages, each indicative of an emergency situation, via a broadcast channel designated to the at least one target group, and where the receiving module outputs each received alert message through a presentation unit of the presentation device.

Optionally, the receiving module comprises a presentation module which presents a content of each received alert message according to at least one characteristic of its respective emergency situation, where the characteristic is indicated in the received alert message.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of instructing a plurality of users in an emergency situation, using a plurality of presentation devices enabling to receive data over a common communication network. The method may comprise identifying a current status of an emergency situation; and instructing a plurality of target groups, according to the current status of the emergency situation, by broadcasting a plurality of messages, each designated to a different target group and broadcasted over a different broadcast channel designated for communication with presentation devices of a respective target group, where each of the plurality of messages includes instructions for a respective target group, and where the instructing of the plurality of target groups is a multistage process in which instructing of the target groups is carried out whenever a new current status is identified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system of managing distribution of alert messages to designated target groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a distribution managing unit of a system of managing distribution of alert messages to designated target groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a receiving module for receiving alert messages through a designated broadcast channel, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a process of managing distribution of a plurality of alert messages corresponding to an emergency situation to different target groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to systems and methods of managing distribution of alert messages.

The systems and methods enable distributing alert messages to target groups of presentation devices such as mobile communication device, electronic screens such as electronic billboards, computer systems, and the like, when an emergency situation (ES) is detected. The distributing is performed via broadcast channels selected according to a match with the characteristics of the ES. The broadcast channel is selected from a set of broadcast channels each designated for communicating with a certain target group of presentation devices. Upon selecting the broadcast channels, alert messages are broadcasted to the target groups associated therewith through the selected broadcast channels. In such a manner, target groups, which receive the alert messages, are the groups who should operate in response to the detection of the respective ES.

Broadcasting alert messages to associated target groups through designated broadcast channels allow securing confidentiality of distribution as well as avoiding traffic of other broadcast channels. In this way, the alert messages are distributed in an efficient and secure manner.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a distribution process in which requests for distributing alerts or notification of an ES are broadcasted by one or more alerting sources designated client terminals, for example mobile devices, such as tablets, laptops and cellular phones and/or automotive alarm and/or monitoring systems, for example stationary sensors and/or data monitoring units. The alert distribution request may include one or more characteristics of the ES such as the type of the ES, the area in which it takes place, a security level associated with the ES and/or the like. Each received alert distribution request triggers the distribution of a corresponding alert message. The distribution is performed via selected broadcast channels which are designated for one or more target groups of presentation devices. The alert message is then broadcasted and intercepted by respective target groups.

A broadcast channel may be a communication link at any frequency or frequency range for broadcasting data.

The systems and methods allow distribution of an alert message corresponding to an ES to a plurality of target groups by using the plurality of channels associated therewith. This allows notifying the groups in an optimal time span, since each target group uses a different traffic-free broadcast channel.

The systems and methods may allow consecutive broadcasting of the alert message channel-after-channel or simultaneously to all selected broadcast channels, if technically possible.

Each alert message may be broadcasted through one or more types of broadcasting stations using one or more broadcasting technologies and networks such as over one or more wireless communication networks, Cable TV networks, radio transmission networks, and the like. For example, Cellular broadcasting (CB) short messages services (SMS) (SMS-CB) may be used for distributing SMS-CB alert messages to designated target groups of mobile devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistance (PDA) devices, and the like. These messages may be transmitted via cellular broadcasting stations located in specific distribution areas.

A cellular broadcasting station may be any wireless communication facility including one or more cellular antennas enabling to broadcast data through one or more cellular broadcast channels. The distribution area of each broadcasting station is determined according to location and transmission and interception area coverage of each cellular antenna of the broadcast channel.

The broadcasting stations may be selected according to the ES area by identifying broadcasting stations having distribution areas that correspond to the location of the ES. These broadcasting stations broadcast the alert messages over the predefined broadcast channels in the corresponding distribution area. Each broadcasting satiation may include a set of broadcast channels for broadcasting data that is not related to alert messages such as phone calls and other messages traffic and the like, and a second set of broadcast channels exclusively designated for broadcasting alert messages. This allows using existing broadcasting stations of broadcasting operators such as cellular operators, for broadcasting alert messages in a secured manner. Since each broadcasting station enables broadcasting the received alert messages in its distribution area, presentation devices of each selected target group that are located in the vicinity of the ES area receive and display alert messages corresponding thereto. In this way the systems and methods provide location based notification of target groups.

Each presentation device may include a receiving module installed therein. The receiving module may be an application and/or a device enabling to receive data from a designated broadcast channel corresponding to the target group to which the presentation device is associated with.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving module enables its respective presentation device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistance (PDA) device, an electronic screen set, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), and the like, to present each received alert message using the presentation device visual and/or audio presentation abilities and devices such as speakers, screens, earphones and the like, for displaying and/or voicing each received alert message.

The systems and methods do not require databases of specific users indicating communication details of each presentation device such as phone number, and the like since they allow automatically broadcasting the alert message through the selected designated broadcast channels to the presentation devices of the respective target groups. This allows saving time and simplifies the processing required for identifying suitable destinations for receiving the alert message.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system 1000 of managing distribution of alert messages to designated target groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system 1000 includes a distribution managing unit 100 which receives alert distribution requests from one or more alerting sources and creates alert distribution requests each corresponding to a respective alert distribution request. Upon receiving an alert distribution request, the distribution managing unit 100 selects one or more broadcast channels out of a set of broadcast channels for distributing the alert message therethrough. Each of the broadcast channels is designated for communication with a certain group of presentation devices. For brevity, such a group may be referred to herein as a target group. The broadcasting channel is optionally at a frequency or a frequency range which is allocated for transmission to presentation devices of a certain target group. A presentation device may be any device enabling receiving alert messages and presenting them to users, for example a mobile phone, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a screen, a speaker system with a receiver, and/or the like. The message may include an alerting content which is encoded in various formats such as text, voice, and/or video.

The distribution managing unit 100 may receive alert distribution requests from one or more sensors units 500. Each alert distribution request indicates one or more characteristics of an ES such as an ES type, an area, a hyperlink to a file or a website indicating the type and area of the ES, a security level, and/or the like. The sensor unit 500 includes one or more sensors such as thermometers, optical volume sensors, smoke detectors, and the like, located in a predefined monitored area, monitoring the area for identification of an ES. Each sensor monitors changes in one or more conditions such as temperature, volume changes, flow changes of a liquid and the like. The sensors unit 500 may include a processor enabling to analyze data received from each of its sensors to identify an ES. For example, the sensors unit 500 can identify an ES by identifying deviation from predefined normal values or value ranges of one or more of the sensed parameters.

For example, the sensors unit 500 includes fire detectors, such as thermometers and smoke detectors that detect fire in the monitored area. In another case, the sensors unit 500 is connected to an earthquake detecting system, a Tsunami Warning System (TWS) and the like. Once the sensors unit 500 detects an ES, it may automatically initiate distribution of a corresponding alert message by automatically transmitting an alert distribution request to the distribution managing unit 100. The alert distribution request may be transmitted through any predefined one or more communication networks such as through the internet 91a, a wireless communication network, and the like. The alert distribution request may include information indicative of the characteristic of the detected ES such as the sensors data, the ES type, the ES area, the security level, and the like.

Additionally or alternatively, the alerting source is a client terminal 600 such as a computer, a laptop, a handheld device such as a cellular phone or a PDA and the like. Once a user identifies an ES, the user manually initiates distribution of an alert message by, for example, entering a graphical user interface (GUI) 610 from a designated website supported by the distribution managing unit 100. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the GUI 610 allows the user to insert and define the content of the alert message, the area in which the ES takes place, and other parameters such as the urgency level of the situation, the security level associated with the area and/or the ES and the like. The user may transmit the alert distribution request through the GUI 610 using an internet communication network 91b or any other communication technology known in the art such as wireless communication technology.

The GUI 610 may include predefined input fields for allowing the user to input content of the alert message, to input one or more characteristics of the ES such as a security level associated with the ES, a type of the ES, the time passed from the beginning of the situation, and/or the like.

The alert distribution request may be formed once the user has filled all input fields and confirmed transmission of an alert distribution request. The input data may then be formatted by a web application supported by the distribution managing unit 100, forming HTTP headers including all inputted information. The headers are transmitted to the distribution managing unit 100 through the internet 91b.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system 1000 additionally includes a geographical information system (GIS) 140, which allows retrieval of maps upon transmission of a location indication thereto, as known in the art. The GUI 610 may allow automatically transmitting a map retrieval request to the GIS 140 upon receiving user input of the ES area, or alternatively upon identifying the client location by, for example, identifying the client 600 internet protocol (IP) address, phone number, and the like. The retrieved map is presented to the user and allows the user to graphically define the precise location of the ES.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, each predefined broadcast channel may be associated with one characteristic of ES such as the ES type, allowing selecting the suitable broadcast channels and therefore the suitable target group upon identifying or concluding this characteristic. The characteristic may be indicated in the received alert distribution request and/or concluded from data thereof. For example, the type of ES may be concluded from the sensors data of a fire detection sensor unit indicating parameters values such as temperature, detection of smoke, and the like. These values enable the distribution managing unit 100 to identify a fire ES type. In a case of fire detection, two broadcast channels may be selected each associated with a different target group, a first broadcast channel associated with presentation devices such as screens located in a fire department and a second broadcast channel associated with mobile devices of paramedics and ambulatory services.

The distribution managing unit 100 creates an alert message such as a text or a voice alert message corresponding to the ES indicated in the alert distribution request. The alert message includes, for example, the ES type, area, and additional information such as security level relating to the ES area and/or ES.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system additionally includes a broadcasting unit 200 which receives each created alert message, the ES area associated therewith and an indication of the selected broadcast channels from the distribution managing unit 100. The broadcasting unit 200 includes a database 210 consisting of a list of broadcasting stations and details such as their communication details for transmitting data, their distribution areas and the like. The broadcasting unit 200 then selects one or more broadcasting stations from the database 210, of one or more broadcasting networks such as broadcasting stations 20a and 20b, which may be, for example cellular broadcasting systems (CBSs), using SMS-CB messaging. The broadcasting stations are selected according to their distribution area in relation to the indicated ES area and optionally also according to designated channels they can deliver alert messages through. In a case in which not all broadcasting stations enable broadcasting from all predefined designated broadcast channels, the database 210 additionally includes the respective designated broadcast channels associated with each broadcasting station in the list. According to some embodiments of the present invention, each broadcasting station may have a designated transmitter device installed therein to allow broadcasting alert messages over one or more of the predefined designated broadcast channels.

For example, a first broadcasting station 20a enables broadcasting alert messages through a first and a second broadcast channel 80a and 80b in a distribution area. In this exemplary case, the system 1000 enables broadcasting alert messages through three designated broadcast channels 80a-80c. A second broadcasting station 20b enables broadcasting alert message in the same distribution area, through all three designated broadcast channels. In one ES case, the distribution managing unit 100 selects the third broadcast channel 80c for broadcasting the alert message to a target group associated therewith in an ES area corresponding to the distribution area of the first and second broadcasting stations. In this case, the broadcasting unit 200 selects only the second broadcasting station 20b for broadcasting the alert message to presentation devices in the ES area of a target group associated with the third designated broadcast channel 80c.

The broadcasting unit 200 may allow transmitting the alert message and additional data including, for example, an indication of the selected broadcast channels to the broadcasting stations 20a and 20b through one or more communication networks of one or more types such as a cellular communication network, the internet, and the like. For example, the broadcasting unit 200 may transmit SMS-CB messages, each including the alert message and indication of the selected broadcast channels to each selected cellular broadcasting station through a cellular communication network. In other cases, the data may be transmitted to each broadcasting station over the internet using extensible markup language (XML) based data protocols, where each broadcasting station broadcasts the alert message through the selected broadcast channels. Upon receiving the alert message and an indication of its respective one or more selected broadcast channels, each broadcasting station such as 20a and 20b may broadcast the alert message to the presentation devices of the respective target groups that are located in their distribution area over the selected broadcast channels. Since each broadcasting station broadcasts alert messages in its distribution area, presentation devices of the respective target groups that are located in the distribution area of the selected broadcasting stations will be able to receive and present the alert message. As other broadcasting stations of distribution areas that do not include or that are not in the vicinity of the ES area do not receive the alert message, presentation devices of the respective target group that are not located in the respective distribution area do not receive and therefore cannot present the alert message.

Each presentation device may allow receiving data only from broadcasting stations of a communication network associated therewith. For example, mobile devices subscribed to a specific cellular communication network, receive SMS-CB alert messages only from CB stations associated with the same network, and/or display devices such as TV sets, receive alert messages only from a TV network they are subscribed to.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, each presentation device may operate a receiving module installed therein. The receiving module may be a software and/or hardware application enabling receiving alert messages from a single designated broadcast channel corresponding to the target group of it respective presentation device. The designated broadcast channel through which the receiving module can receive alert messages is one of the predefined designated broadcast channels.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the system may enable broadcasting alert messages through a total of three broadcast channels 80a-80c, each associated with a different target group of presentation devices. A first receiving module 50a installed in a first mobile device 10a, which belongs to a first target group receives SMS-CB alert messages through the first broadcast channel 80a enabling the first mobile device 10a to display each received alert message over the mobile device 10a screen. A second receiving module 50b installed in a second mobile device 10a, which belongs to a second target group receives SMS-CB alert messages through the second broadcast channel 80b enabling the second mobile device 10b to display each received alert message over the second mobile device 10b screen. A third receiving module 50c installed in a third mobile device 10c, which belongs to a third target group receives SMS-CB alert messages through the third broadcast channel 80c enabling the third mobile device 10c to display each received alert message designated thereto over its screen.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, each broadcasting station allows automatically transmitting a distribution feedback report to the broadcasting unit 200 indicating whether the alert message was broadcasted or not. For example, each broadcasting station may be able to transmit SMS messages to the distribution managing unit 100 or an IP based messages such as email messages using WiFi communication. The broadcasting unit 200 may initiate a backing process for allowing the broadcasting unit 200 to re-broadcast the alert message through the selected broadcast channels in case there was broadcasting failure or locate other broadcasting stations of the same or nearby distribution area for broadcasting the alert message therethrough.

Additionally or alternatively, each receiving module allows transmitting a response message to the broadcasting unit 200 indicating that the alert message was received thereby. The receiving module may enable the user of the respective presentation device to transmit a SMS message indicating each successful receiving of each alert message. The response message may be an SMS message designated to the distribution managing unit 100. The distribution managing unit 100 may identify a broadcasting failure in relation to each target group/broadcast channel in cases in which a large number of presentation devices of the respective target group did not transmit a response message if no other communication problems are identified such a communication problem in the network itself preventing the users from transmitting response messages such as SMS messages. In these cases the distribution managing unit 100 initiates a backing process in which one or more other broadcast channels associated with other target groups are selected to ensure the ES is informed and handled.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, each alert message and additional data such as the selected broadcast channels and/or the ES area may be encrypted by the distribution managing unit 100 before it is transmitted to the broadcasting unit 200. The encryption may be carried out in relation to each selected broadcast channel, where each broadcast channel may be associated with a different encryption. Each receiving module of each presentation device of each target group may allow decrypting an encrypted alert message designated thereto. This allows securing the broadcasting data even further.

For example, in cases in which an alert message is broadcasted as a SMS-CB message through CBSs broadcast stations, the distribution managing unit 100 may transmit an encrypted SMS-CB message including the alert message content, the ES area and an indication of a selected broadcast channel to the broadcasting unit 200. The broadcasting unit 200 allows the selected broadcasting stations to broadcast this data as an encrypted SMS-CB message to mobile devices in the ES area of the respective target group. The alert message is encrypted according to encryption definitions associated with the selected broadcast channel. Each receiving module of each mobile device of the respective target group in the ES area then decrypts the encrypted SMS-CB message it receives, using a decrypting application or program included in the receiving module and associated therewith, to allow displaying the alert message. The decrypting application or program is related to the encryption of the specific broadcast channel from which the respective receiving module can receive alert messages.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which schematically illustrates the distribution managing unit 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The distribution managing unit 100 includes an alert receiving interface 110, which receives alert distribution requests from the alerting sources such as from the sensors unit 500 and/or the client 600. The alert receiving interface 110 manages receiving and/or retrieving alert distribution requests from different sources, different request format types and different retrieval and/ receiving processes.

For example, the sensors unit 500 may transmit a retrieval request, such as a Syslog request for retrieval of an alert distribution request to a remote server such as a file transfer protocol (FTP) based server, associated with the sensors unit 500. The FTP server retrieves the alert distribution request from the sensor unit 500 which is in a format of an FTP header and returns a corresponding alert distribution request in XML based format, which is then retrieved by the alert receiving interface 110. This retrieval process allows securing the information of the alert distribution request and may be used in systems and areas where high information security is required.

Additionally or alternatively, the alert distribution request may be formatted and transmitted to the alert receiving interface 110 directly as an XML based request.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution managing unit 100 additionally includes a processing module 120 operatively associated with the alert receiving interface 110 and with a channels databases 121. The processing module 120 receives information such as the ES type, ES area, and the like, indicated in the alert distribution request, from the alert receiving interface 110 and creates an alert message corresponding to this information. For example, if the alert distribution request was inputted by the user, the processing module 120 uses the inputted content, area associated with the ES type, and the like, to create an alert message including the inputted content and indication of the area and the ES type. If the alert distribution request was received from a sensors unit 500, for example, the processing module 120 indicates all parameters such as sensors data, ES area, ES type, and the like. The ES area may be identified by the processing module 120 upon receiving an identification code of the sensors unit 500 in cases in which the sensors unit 500 is associated with a single known monitored area. For example, a TWS alerting source that can transmit coordinates of a detected earthquake spot in an oceanic area as well as estimated areas that can be influenced by a consequential tsunami. The coordinates and/or areas that can be influenced may be indicated in the data of the alert distribution request.

The channels database 121 may include a list of broadcast channels each associated with one or more ES characteristics such as with an ES types. Since each broadcast channel enables communication with one or more target groups of presentation devices, upon selecting the broadcast channels that are associated with an ES type, the corresponding designated target groups are automatically defined.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution managing unit 100 additionally includes a transmission module 130, which receives the content of the alert message and an indication of each selected broadcast channel and optionally the ES area, from the processing module 120. The transmission module 130 then transmits the received information to the broadcasting unit 200, according to data transmission definitions of the broadcasting unit 200, in cases in which the broadcasting unit 200 is operated by a remote server.

Additionally or alternatively, the channels database 121 includes a list of predefined target groups each associated with one or more designated broadcast channels and with one or more ES characteristics such as with one or more ES types. For example, a target group of a rescue team is associated with several ES types such as a fire ES, a terrorist attack ES, a pollution ES, and the like, and with a single broadcast channel, whereas a target group of firefighters may be associated with a single fire ES type and a single broadcast channel. This means that the processing module 120 identifies the suitable target groups for receiving the alert message according to the ES type and then enables transmitting an indication of the corresponding broadcast channels to the broadcasting unit 200 using the list in the channels database 121.

Additionally or alternatively, each target group and/or broadcast channel in the channels database 121 may be associated with an indication of a different encryption method and/or program for allowing encrypting alert messages designated for each target group and/or each broadcast channel in a different manner. Each receiving module of each target group enables decrypting received alert messages according to a decryption method and/or program that corresponds to the encrypting method associated with its respective target group and/or to its designated broadcast channel.

Additionally or alternatively, each target group in the channels database 121 may also be associated with a list of subgroups. The processing module 120 may select one or more subgroups of each selected target group to allow only the selected subgroups to receive the alert message out of all possible subgroups of the selected target group and/or for allowing broadcasting different alert messages corresponding to the same ES to different subgroups. An indication of each selected subgroup is then transmitted by the transmission module 130 to the broadcasting unit 200 along with the alert message, the ES area and an indication of the associated broadcast channels. Each receiving module allows identifying whether one of the indicated subgroups matches the presentation device in which it is installed and only output the alert message upon identifying a match. In this way, all receiving modules of all presentation devices of the selected broadcast channels receive the alert message but only presentation devices of the indicated subgroups actually output the alert message. This allows using a limited number of broadcast channels while still allowing segmentation into smaller multiple subgroups.

For example, a target group of a general target group of policeman may be divided into associated subgroups of mobile devices of police officers from different police departments such as a traffic department, a narcotics department, a juvenile department, and the like. Upon receiving an alert distribution request indicating a specific ES relating to a car accident, for instance, the processing module 120 selects the subgroup of the traffic department, which uses the same broadcast channel as the other departments. The processing module 120 then creates a corresponding alert message and the transmission module 130 transmits the ES area, an indication of the selected broadcast channel, the alert message and an indication of the traffic department subgroup as a SMS-CB message to the broadcasting unit 200 which in turn identifies the broadcasting stations according to the ES area and transmits the SMS-CB message to each identified broadcasting station. Each identified broadcasting station then broadcasts the SMS-CB message through the selected broadcast channel thereby allowing mobile devices of the police target group located in the ES area to receive the SMS-BC alert message. Each of the receiving modules of each of the target groups' mobile devices in the ES area then receives the SMS-CB message and displays the alert message therein only if its associated mobile device belongs to the traffic department subgroup. In this way only police officers of the traffic department located in the vicinity of the ES area can view or hear the alert message.

Additionally or alternatively, each broadcast channel, target group and/or subgroup in the channels database 121 is associated with one or more additional characteristics such as security level, urgency level, and the like. Each alert distribution request may include corresponding indications such as indication of the ES security level, severity of the ES, and the like. The processing module 120 may select broadcast channels, target groups and/or subgroups according to one or more of the indicated characteristics. For example, an alert distribution request includes sensors data and other data indicating the ES area, and an ES type of an earthquake of a specific level. In this exemplary case, the processing module 120 concludes the severity of the ES from the level of the earthquake and selects subgroups associated with the ES type and severity such as rescue teams, and medical assisting teams associated with earthquake ES types and the corresponding ES severity. An alert message revealing the details of the ES such as the ES type, location and earthquake level, is created and broadcasted to the target groups associated with the selected subgroups over the designated broadcast channels for allowing displaying the alert message over presentation devices associated with the respective subgroups.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system 1000 allows supporting the ES event in real time throughout the event. The alert receiving interface 110 may receive in real time updated information relating to the ES event, referred to hereinafter as “the event” from various sources such as from users of the presentation devices of the respective target groups, the alerting sources, and/or any other external source. The information may include the current severity of the ES, the current area of the ES in cases in which the ES area changes over time such as spreading of pollution and the like, the current status of handling the situation such as indication regarding rescue teams that already arrived at the scene, and the like. The system 1000 may be updated every predefined time interval and/or according to the activity in the area. For example, in a case of a fire event, the sensors unit 500 may update when the rescue and firefighting teams have arrived and when the fire was extinguished.

With each update the processing module 120 may create one or more updated message each message designated to a different target group out of the selected target groups and broadcasted through the groups' respective broadcast channels. Each message may include instructions for the target group for handling the event according to the current status thereof and/or report of the current status of the ES event.

For example, in a case of a fire ES in a facility, where two target groups are notified a fire department and a medical rescue team, the fire department group may receive indication of the current injuries evacuation status and instruction for handling the fire according to the current severity of the fire and the location and/or situation of the injuries. Respectively, the medical rescue team group may receive indication of the current status of the fire and instruction regarding rescuing the people located in the facility. This process may allow the distribution managing unit 100 to support the entire event by allowing users of presentation devices of the relevant target groups and/or subgroups to be aware of the situation in real time and along time in relation to their current location and target group.

The processing module 120 may receive continuous real time updates regarding the event including information indicating the current status of the ES. The processing module 120 may enable deciding whether a new updated message is required or not according to the information received. For example, if the received information reveals no change in the status of the ES or a change in the situation that is not sufficiently significant, the processing module 120 may not create and allow broadcasting another alert message until a significant change is identified. Alternatively, the processing module 120 may allow resending the same message through the same broadcast channels to the same target groups and/or subgroups repeatedly until a significant change is identified. Upon identifying a significant change in the ES, a second alert message may be created and broadcasted notifying the newly identified status of the event in real time. This process allows instructing users of presentation devices of respective target groups, in real time, using their respective broadcast channels. This process may be a multistage process in which the target groups receive instructions in relation to the current status of the ES whenever a change in the ES is detected. For example, the supporting process may include stages such as broadcasting a first alert message in a first distribution area corresponding to the ES area to all channels of target groups of all rescue teams. Then after a predefined time interval, broadcasting a second alert message to specific target groups or subgroups of rescue teams in a corresponding second distribution area that is larger than the first distribution area both including the ES area therein. After a second time interval, a third alert message may be broadcasted to another specific target group in the second distribution area and so forth. The system may include a backup automatic process which will be executed if no updates are received regarding the ES event. In case updates are received and a significant change in the ES is identified, the preset process may be adapted accordingly or terminated.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which schematically illustrates a receiving module 50 enabling to receive SMS-CB messages data over a designated broadcast channel, and installed in a mobile device associated with a specific subgroup of a target group and a specific security level. The receiving module 50 includes a designated channel receiver 51, which may be a device enabling to receive SMS-CB messages over the designated broadcast channel or an application enabling the mobile device to receive those messages over the designated broadcast channel. The receiving module 50 additionally includes an analyzer 52 which analyzes each received SMS-CB message. For example, the analyzer may analyze a subgroup indicated in the SMS-CB message to determine whether the indicated subgroup matches its respective mobile device subgroup. The receiving module 50 additionally includes a presentation module 53 for allowing outputting alert messages through the mobile device such as displaying and/or voicing received alert messages. The presentation module 53 may only output the alert message included in the SMS-CB message, if the indicated subgroup matches the mobile device's subgroup.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the presentation module 53 allows defining the graphical and/or audio display features according to ES characteristics indicated in the SMS-CB message. For example, if the ES is of a high severity and/or urgency level, the presentation module 53 displays a text alert message over the mobile device's screen and accompanies the text display with an alarm audio sound and/or visual effects such as flickering of the text and the like.

The receiving module 50 may optionally include a text-to-speech conversion module 54 enabling to receive text alert messages and convert them into voice messages to allow the mobile device to play the voice message through audio means thereof such as speakers, earphones and the like. The text-to-speech conversion module 54 may be useful for users of presentation devices that prefer receiving voice messages due to eyesight deficiencies or any other reason and/or in cases in which the presentation device is only capable of outputting audio messages such as speakers systems, radio sets and the like.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which schematically illustrates a process of managing distribution of a plurality of alert messages corresponding to the same ES to different target groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An alert distribution request is received 31 from an alerting source such as from a sensors unit including information relating to a detected ES such as the ES area, type, security level and the like. Target groups corresponding to the ES type are then identified 32 and their respective broadcast channels 33. Each identified target group may be associated with a different security level, where only one or some of the identified target groups have a security level corresponding to the indicated one. In this case a first alert message may be created designated to the target groups that do not have the appropriate security level and a second alert message may be created designated to the target groups associated with a corresponding security level 34. The first alert message may indicate the ES type and area only and the second alert message may indicate all other confidential details of the ES such as sensors data, suspected causes for the ES and the like. The confidential data may be indicated in the alert distribution request. Broadcasting stations for broadcasting the alert messages may then be selected 35 according to the ES. An indication of each selected broadcast channel and each respective alert message are then transmitted to the selected broadcasting stations 36. The selected broadcasting stations may then broadcast each alert message through its respective broadcast channels to the target groups 37. for example, the first alert message designated to target groups of mobile devices having a low security level may be broadcasted through a first set of broadcast channels associated with those target groups and the second alert message may broadcasted through a second set of broadcast channels designated to the target group or groups that have a high security level. Each presentation device of each of the identified target groups located in the vicinity of the ES area then receives and displays the alert message associated with the security level of the target group to which it belongs, using the receiving module 38.

This process allows notifying target groups that do not need to be notified regarding classified details of the ES but still need to be notified regarding the ES itself while notifying those of an appropriate security level regarding classified details they need to be aware of. For example, in case of a terrorist attack ES, security forces groups may receive a first alert message including classified details such as the manner in which the attack was performed, the amount of detected explosives and the like. A second alert message, designated to medical and other rescue teams only indicate that there was a terrorist attack and its location. In this way rescue teams that should reach the ES area can still be notified without having to disclose details that are irrelevant to those teams and are sensitive security wise.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems and methods will be developed and the scope of the term a module, a communication device, a presentation device, a network, a link, broadcasting and a broadcast channel is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound”, “one or more compounds”, or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A method of managing distribution of alert messages to a plurality of presentation devices, said method comprising:

receiving an alert distribution request from at least one alerting source, said alert distribution request is indicative of an emergency situation;

selecting at least one broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast channels according to said emergency situation, wherein each said broadcast channel is designated for communication with at least one target group of presentation devices; and

broadcasting an alert message, which corresponds to said emergency situation, to respective said at least one target group over said selected at least one broadcast channel, to allow each respective presentation device of said target group to present said alert message.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting at least one broadcasting station out of a plurality of broadcasting stations having a distribution area that corresponds to an area of the emergency situation, and broadcasting said alert message through said selected broadcasting station to presentation devices of said respective target group located in respective said distribution area.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at least one update relating to a current status of the emergency situation and broadcasting, in response, a plurality of updated messages to said at least one target groups through their respective broadcast channels, using a common communication network, wherein each updated message is designated to a different said target group and comprises information relating to said current status and to said respective target group.

4. A system of managing distribution of alert messages to a plurality of presentation devices, said system comprising:

a distribution managing unit, which receives an alert distribution request from at least one alerting source, indicative of an emergency situation, selects at least one broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast channels each designated for communication with at least one target group of presentation devices, according to said emergency situation;

a broadcasting unit, which enables broadcasting an alert message, corresponding to said emergency situation, to said target group through said selected broadcast channel, to allow each respective presentation device of said target group to present said alert message; and

a plurality of receiving modules, each installed in each said presentation device and receives alert messages through one of said plurality of broadcast channels which is associated with the target group of a respective said presentation device.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said broadcasting unit selects at least one broadcasting station having a distribution area corresponding to an area of the emergency situation, each said selected broadcasting station broadcasts said alert message over said selected broadcast channel to presentation devices of a respective said target group located in said emergency situation area.

6. The system of claim 4, further comprising a channels database comprising a list of broadcast channels, each broadcast channel is associated with at least one emergency situation characteristic, wherein said distribution managing unit selects at least one broadcast channel in said list that is associated with a characteristic that corresponds to said indicated emergency situation.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit identifies at least one subgroup of said target group out of a plurality of subgroups associated therewith, according to said emergency situation, said broadcasting unit enables broadcasting an indication of said identified subgroup, wherein each receiving module of said target group receives said subgroup indication and outputs said alert message when its respective presentation device belongs to said indicated subgroup.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit encrypts each alert message according to predefined encrypting associated with each said selected broadcast channel, and wherein said plurality of receiving modules of each respective said target group decrypt said encrypted alert message upon receiving thereof, by using a decryption method corresponding to the encryption associated with the respective broadcast channel.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit creates a plurality of alert messages corresponding to the same emergency situation, and selects a different broadcast channel for broadcasting each of said plurality of alert messages, said broadcasting unit enables broadcasting each of said plurality of alert messages to each said target group through its respective broadcast channel.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one of said plurality of receiving modules converts each received text alert message into a voice alert message for outputting a voice message through its respective presentation device.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein each said alert message is a SMS-CB message broadcasted through cellular said selected broadcast channels to target groups of mobile devices.

12. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit enables receiving response messages from a plurality of said presentation devices of each said respective target group, indicative of receiving said alert message, identifying a broadcasting failure in relation to each respective target group according to the number of received response messages, and executing a backing process upon identification of said broadcasting failure.

13. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit enables executing an automatic multistage process for supporting a respective said emergency situation, by selecting at least one broadcast channel and broadcasting at least one alert message through said at least one channel, in each stage of said process, in an area corresponding to said emergency situation area and to said respective stage, allowing at least one respective said target group to receive said respective alert message at every stage, each said respective alert message is associated with said stage.

14. A receiving module which is installed and operated by a presentation device associated with at least one target group, said receiving module receives broadcasted alert messages, each indicative of an emergency situation, via a broadcast channel designated to said at least one target group, said receiving module outputs each said received alert message through a presentation unit of said presentation device.

15. The receiving module of claim 14, comprising a presentation module which presents a content of each received said alert message according to at least one characteristic of its respective emergency situation, said characteristic is indicated in said received alert message.

16. A method of instructing a plurality of users in an emergency situation, using a plurality of presentation devices enabling to receive data over a common communication network, said method comprising:

identifying a current status of an emergency situation; and

instructing a plurality of target groups, according to said current status of said emergency situation, by broadcasting a plurality of messages, each designated to a different target group and broadcasted over a different broadcast channel designated for communication with presentation devices of a respective said target group, each of said plurality of messages includes instructions for a respective said target group, wherein said instructing of said plurality of target groups is a multistage process in which said instructing of said target groups is carried out whenever a new current status is identified.