Public service message broadcasting system and method

The public service message location broadcast system and method provides for broadcasting a message to communication receiving devices located within a defined geographic broadcast target area. The broadcast target area is defined by a broadcast agent using a broadcast agent webpage and a broadcast service bureau transmits the broadcast message to one or more local carriers who provide telecommunication service to the broadcast target area. The local carrier transmits the broadcast message to targeted users within the broadcast target area.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to emergency message broadcast systems and in particular location-specific public service message broadcasting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the events of 9/11, there has been increased concern with the ability of present systems for providing public service broadcasting of messages and warnings to the public. Existing public service warning systems are antiquated and provide only limited access to the public who may be in need of knowing of potential emergencies or danger. Additionally, existing systems do not provide for location-based notification or broadcast messages.

As such, there is a need for an improved method and system for providing timely information to the public related to potential hazards affecting them. One suggested solution is the utilization of the subscription-based Short Message Service (SMS) messaging capability for mass messaging using mobile telephones and compatible devices. However, SMS systems and technology have significant technical limitations and experience with such systems has been disappointing due to significant delays in the delivery of SMS messages and negative impacts to the networks due to congestion.

Short Message Service (SMS) is only offered or available on a limited basis. This is due to the limited technical and network support for the service and is also due to the service being offered by Mobile Service Providers and wireless network providers on a subscription basis. As such, use of the SMS service capability for emergency broadcasting is very limited.

Additionally, the use of SMS technology for broadcasting requires enormous network infrastructure utilization. A telecommunication system can suffer from congestion, not only in its voice traffic channels, but also in its narrow-band data channels used for the SMS service. To send an SMS message, network components are utilized to provide an SMS message call set up for each individual SMS message recipient. In order to send a single SMS message, all SMS message call processing procedures have to be repeated for each and every message, one by one, for all intended recipients. A single SMS message requires signaling and processor capacity and utilization similar to that required to establish a voice call. As such, the impact on network resources for broadcasting SMS messages to thousands of recipients is the same as having thousands of phone users attempt to initiate a voice call at the same time. Telecommunication networks are not designed or deployed to handle such high levels of simultaneous call attempts.

When an SMS message is transmitted, the SMS message is signaled to an SMS center of the telecommunication service provider. The SMS center acknowledges each and every requested SMS message individually and attempts to deliver the SMS message through an interrogation of the Home Location Register (HLR) of the telecommunication service. An HLR is a data base which registers or keeps track of the presence of a subscriber's mobile unit For example in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, HLR converts the dialed number into the 15-digit International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI) number of the Subscriber Information Module (SIM) card, then queries the database and determines whether the intended SMS message recipient is currently attached to the network and if so, to which network switch the user is attached. The HLR is queried using the telecommunication signaling network.

If an intended SMS message recipient is located or attached to a switch in the telecommunication service provider's network, the particular network switch is signaled over the telecommunications signaling network to set up the SMS message call. The Visitor Location Register (VLR) associated with that switch is also queried to see if the called subscriber is still attached to the network and if so, which coverage cell is providing service to the subscriber. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) then pages each and every mobile unit within the whole location area, which can be several hundreds of cells. In some cases, if the mobile unit does not reply, the whole area served by the MSC area is paged, which in many instances requires the paging of several thousands of cells.

When the mobile unit replies by sending an access burst to the cell transceiver currently serving the mobile unit, the cell site allocates a stand-alone dedicated control channel (SDCCH) to perform SMS call set up with the mobile unit. Next, a cipher key is sent by the Home Location Register (HLR)/Authentication Center (AUC) to the Base Station of the transmission cell. Once the cipher key is successfully received and acknowledged, the SMS message is sent over the control channel to the mobile unit. The SMS message transmission utilizes about 7 seconds of control channel time per transmitted SMS message.

When a VLR has identified that a mobile is in the service area of a switch, that switch (MSC) will select a Roaming Number from its pool of available roaming numbers, and signal this to the MSC/HLR so that call set up can continue. In the case of a large number of messages being attempted, a large number of roaming numbers will have to be assigned, perhaps exhausting the range of such numbers.

Each SMS message is a narrow-cast message in that each message is generated and transmitted via the SMS Center to a particular telecommunication user or mobile unit. The SMS message is delivered, as discussed above, to the intended recipient by capable networks wherever the intended recipient is located, independent of geographic area or location.

As such, SMS messaging for emergency-based messaging requires that SMS messages be created and sent to each mobile unit even though the particular user phone is not located in the particular geographic area in which the emergency is located. SMS service is not capable of location-specific messaging.

Additionally, SMS messaging places a considerable call processing load on the telecommunication system and infrastructure considering that the above process is multiplied by the demand of thousands or tens of thousands of SMS call set up requests at the same time. The potential initiation of broadcast SMS volumes will not only affect network resources for SMS messaging, but also negatively affect ability of the telecommunication networks to set up and support voice traffic during any period of message broadcasting as these resources are shared by both services.

As a further example of the limitation of existing solutions to message broadcasting, the well deployed standard digital Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system typically deploys in a single GSM cell several transceivers. A typical GSM cell configuration includes between 6 and 12 transceivers. Each such transceiver includes 8-timeslots. Each timeslot supports a single phone call.

In such an arrangement, one of the transceivers is selected to be the Broadcast carrier. The Broadcast carrier transceiver is configured differently, having one timeslot dedicated to broadcast SMS messages and paging and another one which is utilized for 8 control channels, which are referred to as Stand-Alone Dedicated Control Channels (SDCCH). The SDCCH channels carry out control and call set-up functions and carry the SMS traffic that is not normally handled by the traffic channels on the other timeslots.

However, in this prior art system, SMS and Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) messaging utilize capacity on these channels making them unavailable for other purposes such as voice call set up. Additionally, each of the SDCCH channels can only handle a limited number of SMS and/or WAP transmissions. As such, during heavy messaging, the related high volumes of messaging traffic may have a negative affect on other services including the set up of voice calls.

To compensate for these and other SMS messaging limitations, dynamic channel allocation was developed. Dynamic channel allocation utilizes an additional traffic channel which is converted into another 8 control channels for the duration of the peak SMS or WAP messaging loads. However, this results in the loss of the traffic channel for voice communications.

Further strategies have included the immediate assignment to a traffic channel. In this system, when a voice call is attempted, the voice call is sent to a traffic channel directly where signaling will be performed on the traffic channel. This, however, occupies the traffic channel for a longer time than would otherwise be the case. There is a limit on the number of traffic channels that can utilize this feature. In most cases, only one traffic channel is converted thereby limiting the solution to 8 new SDCCH channels. The impact of call failure due to control channel usage depends on the traffic capacity of the cell. In high density cells, when a large quantity of SMS messaging traffic is offered, congestion occurs due to the each cell having over one hundred traffic channels within the cell.

In operation, the telecommunication service provider addresses this limitation by throttling the SMS messaging rate so that it is manageable and does not create congestion problems. However, such message load management negatively impacts the opportunity for using SMS messaging for broadcasting emergency messages to users of those networks. Throttling often significantly delays the delivery of the SMS message, even though its timing delivery in an emergency is critical. Furthermore, if a message fails to be delivered, the SMS center repeatedly attempts to deliver the message, thereby causing further congestion and message backlog.

Additionally as noted above, SMS messaging is not location based and as such does not send messages to intended recipients located within a defined geographic location. Since many SMS subscribers will be “messaged” independent of their location (e.g., subscriber is roaming outside the home coverage area), many of the generated SMS messages are sent to users who are not in the intended target broadcast area.

In the alternative, some next-generation phone systems include a basic cell-based broadcasting capability, e.g., GSM, CDMA, PDC and UMTS. In such systems, the cell broadcasting capability allocates a portion of each timeslot bandwidth capacity in each cell as a reserved broadcast timeslot. While the cell broadcast capability is included in new telecommunications infrastructure being deployed, cell broadcasting systems and services have not been developed which effectively utilize the technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention provide one or more improvements over the prior art.

In one aspect, the invention comprises a public service message broadcast system providing a broadcast message to a broadcast target area. The system includes a broadcast agent webpage that receives broadcast agent input defining the broadcast target area and the broadcast message. The system also includes a carrier broadcast center that transmits the broadcast message to the broadcast target area. The system further includes a broadcast service bureau that hosts the broadcast agent webpage and is coupled to the carrier broadcast center. The broadcast service bureau receives the broadcast agent input and transmits the broadcast message to the carrier broadcast center.

In another aspect, the invention comprises public service message broadcast service bureau system providing a broadcast message to a broadcast target area. The system includes a first communication interface coupled to a first network and a second communication interface coupled to a second network. The system also includes a webpage that receives broadcast agent input defining the broadcast target area and the broadcast message. The system further includes a computer hosting the webpage over the first communication interface. The computer also receives the broadcast agent input and transmits the broadcast message to a local broadcast system over the second communication interface.

Yet in another aspect, the invention comprises a website interface system for a public service message broadcasting system. The website interface includes a broadcast agent device with a display for displaying a broadcast agent webpage. The website interface also includes a webpage host that communicates with the broadcast agent device and establishes a communications interface between the broadcast agent device and the webpage host. The broadcast agent device receives broadcast agent input that defines the broadcast target area and the broadcast message. The broadcast agent device also transmits the broadcast target area and the broadcast message to the webpage host over the communication interface.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of public service broadcast messaging to a broadcast target area. The method includes hosting a broadcast agent webpage and receiving a broadcast target area and a broadcast message from the broadcast agent webpage. The method also includes transmitting the broadcast message to the broadcast target area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The public service message location broadcasting system (PLBS) according to one or more embodiments of the invention provide for an improved system and method for public service broadcast messaging. A public service message location broadcasting system (PLBS) operator provides a Broadcast Agent Web Portal or Webpage or other similar Graphical User Interface (GUI), implementation and maintenance of the networks' cell-broadcast messaging components, networks and platforms, administration and operation of the public service message location broadcasting system, and interfaces to local telecommunication service providers including mobile unit service providers.

According to one embodiment in the event of a serious public emergency, a short text message is sent over the location broadcast channel. A mobile unit or Broadcast Agent phone, which is configured to receive location-based broadcast messages, while in the idle mode and located in the predefined cell, receives the broadcast message and displays the message on its screen.

Location-based message broadcasting is transmitted from the predefined cell in a downlink only mode and therefore, unlike current SMS services, does not require functionality or network resources from the mobile services provider or from any portion of the mobile service provider's mobility management resources, e.g., HLR, VLR, etc.

A public service message location broadcasting system provides for the simultaneous sending of public service messages to millions of subscribers with less impact on the supporting networks than a single SMS-message. As such, minimal to no network congestion will result.

A public service message location broadcasting system (PLBS) receives emergency or public service messaging and identification of the target broadcast area from public service or government entities. The PLBS provides location-based broadcast message enablement, security, multi-carrier interoperability and connectivity to the telecommunication service providers offering services within the target broadcast area.

A public service message location broadcasting system and method according to one or more embodiments provides for the development, transmission, delivery and display of a message that is an official government-to-citizen information broadcast to all compatible telecommunication receiving devices in, or entering, a predefined at-risk geographic location or area.

The PLBS system sends any public service or emergency information associated with an event, as determined by authorized messaging entities that may affect public safety. These include, but are not limited to, utility outages, missing child alerts, severe weather warnings, flood warnings, and terrorist threat warnings. The messages are broadcast by public service message location broadcasting systems participating with local telecommunication networks.

Unlike other emergency messaging services that require the recipient's identity, a predetermined fixed delivery location, and usually the payment of a service fee, the public service message location broadcasting system uses broadcast messaging technology to reach an unlimited number of people in real time, with no pre-event recipient action required and to phones that are setup to receive the message channel.

The public service message location broadcasting system uses cell-broadcast SMS (C-BSMS) technology to provide a message or alert to a single cell geographic location, a neighborhood, a city, or an entire nation with minimal impact to participating telecommunication networks.

Local telecommunications service providers such as mobile or cellular telephone service carriers provide the local telecommunications infrastructure and interfacing technologies that enable the public service message location broadcasting system to transmit public messages in a timely manner to the public that may be at risk using standard and commonplace mobile telephone units.

The public service message location broadcast system and methods described herein provide the functions and steps necessary to ensure that the Broadcast Agents are authorized to send the requested broadcast messages to the defined broadcast target area. The PLBS configuration described herein provides internal controls for insuring that the network and components are secure and that messages are authorized prior to transmittal. The public service message location broadcast system provides the interface to the Broadcast Agents to ensure simple and timely definition of the broadcast target area, the message, and the authentication of the Broadcast Agent. The public service message location broadcast system also provides the interconnectivity and functionality for interfacing to participating telecommunication service providers that provide for the delivery of the broadcast message to the broadcast target area.

The public service message location broadcasting system consists of five parts:

1. Public Service Location Broadcast Service Bureau

3. Public Service Message Broadcast Controller/Distributor

4. Carrier Broadcast Center

5. Public Service Location Broadcast Reporter

One exemplary embodiment of a public service location broadcasting system is illustrated inFIG. 1. A public service location broadcast service bureau102, labeled InFIG. 1as a location broadcast broker server by way of example, includes interfaces to various system components and to the various networks in which a message can be broadcast to mobile units located with a defined target area or location.

One or more broadcast agent access devices104can be connected to the public service location broadcast service bureau102(PLBS-SB) and configured to provide a cell@lert display106to a Broadcast Agent. The cell@lert display, as described herein, includes an interface enabling the Broadcast Agent to input a message and define a geographic target area for delivery of the message. The cell@lert display106can be in the form of a webpage that is hosted by the service bureau102in an HTML format (as shown) or another computer server (not shown). In other embodiments, the Broadcast Agent Access Device104may be a computer or personal computer and the cell@lert display can be a display generated by locally supported software residing on the Broadcast Agent's personal computer. The broadcast agent access device104can be coupled to the service bureau102via any type of suitable data communication facility105using a variety of data communication protocols (not shown).

A broadcast commander108or command module can be coupled to the service bureau102and provide administrative or “command” control over one or more operations of the public service location broadcasting system100. A Broadcast Administrator or Operator can utilize the broadcast commander108to set access limitations or restrictions on Broadcast Agents accessing the broadcast agent access device104as well as other administrative functions for the system100. The interface between the broadcast commander108and the service bureau102can utilize a broadcast messaging proprietary protocol (BMPP) that is transmitted over a communication facility or link109. Such communication link109can be any type of communication facility suitable to support communications and can utilize any compatible communication protocol (not shown).

A public service location broadcast reporter110(shown as cell broadcast reporter) can also be coupled to the service bureau102and interface with the service bureau using a broadcast message reporting protocol (BMRP). The Location Broadcast Reporter110may be configured to store broadcast messaging data and to prepare and produce reports related to past, pending, and future broadcast messages in one or more areas. The Location Broadcast Reporter110may be located at a disaster management office, a control room, or the PLBS-SB102.

The service bureau102can be communicatively coupled to one or more local carrier networks112. WhileFIG. 1illustrates two cellular carrier networks112A and112B connected to service bureau102, in other embodiments, the service bureaus102can be coupled to a plurality of various communication networks, including, but not limited to cellular, wireless, wireline, satellite, wide area, metropolitan area, and local area networks, including a combination of public and/or private networks. Each coupled network112includes a network or carrier broadcast center114(or network broadcast module and also referred herein as a CBC114and in one embodiment as a cell broadcast center114as inFIGS. 1 and 2and includes the foreign spelling of center e.g., “centre” as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) that receives a broadcast message and local delivery instructions via a data communication link113from the service bureau102. Such data communication link113can be any type of communication facility operating any one of a variety of suitable communication protocols capable of negotiating access and delivery of the message to be broadcast. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, a broadcast message submission protocol (BMSP) can be utilized in the communication between the service bureau102and one or more of the networks112.

The Public Service Location Broadcast Service Bureau (PLBS-SB)102is located at a PLBS Operator's location which is preferably secure. The PLBS-SB102ensures the authenticity of the message and the authority of the sender to create such a message. Administrative Operators establish the User Profile in the Administration Subsystem to control Broadcast Agent rights and privileges. The signal from the Broadcast Agent Terminal104, for example, at the police station, to the PLBS-SB102, would only indicate the geographical area to be covered, plus the message. PLBS-SB102then sends the broadcast request signal to the Carrier Broadcast Center114at the office of each local carrier concerned.

PLBS-SB102may also perform a billing gateway administrative function as may be required to allocate costs. PLBS-SB102can utilize stored location broadcast messaging data and may have access, in one embodiment, to the geographical coverage requested by the Public Service Broadcast Agent. PLBS-SB102may be configured to determine or calculate population density of the broadcast area. PLBS-SB102may also manage customer account data, authentication, security, and administration and application of restrictions on a customer, jurisdiction, or Broadcast Agent.

For each account, a Broadcast Agent Administrator is appointed and provided access to the Advanced Broadcast Commander108. A person of whose authority is recognized, such as a police chief or city manager would be suitable for such a role, though he may likely delegate this to someone in the Information Technology services group. The Broadcast Agent Administrator (or his delegate) has under his control several Broadcast Agent accounts, which have authority under him, but no greater authority. For example, the jurisdiction of a Broadcast Agent is within that of a Broadcast Agent Administrator.

Using the PLBS-SB102, an Administrative Operator checks and/or verifies the authenticity of the Broadcast Agent Administrator and defines or validates the jurisdictional area of the Broadcast Agent's organization. The Administrative Operator administers customer and agent profiles within the PLBS102. The Administrative Operator has secure access for administering the operational and administrative data and profiles for operation of the PLBS-SB102. Best practices and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) are defined by government agencies and/or local carriers. For example, a Coast Guard commander may have access only to coastal areas, though the area would be very large. In another example, a River Authority manager would have a guideline indicating that he could warn of imminent flooding, but not urge people to conserve water usage. The river authority Jurisdiction may include only rivers, waterways and flood plains.

Any data and/or factor may be input to the PLBS-SB102by the Administrative Operator and used by the PLBS-SB102for system operation. Each Broadcast Agent Administrator has an account to which the Broadcast Agent belongs. The account is updated to indicate usage accumulated by the Broadcast Agent Administrator. Factors and data recorded include:

2. Broadcast Agent Administrator account holder contact details

3. Total number of messages broadcast

4. Total Pops reached

5. Mess-Pops figure (number of messages times the pops reached)

6. Log, (Each broadcast is recorded on the account for later review)

7. Date of contract expiration

8. Networks permitted for this Broadcast Agent Administrator

9. Channel numbers allowed

10. Message, Footprint and Broadcast libraries

12. Pop limits

13. Message length limits

14. Language for web portal

15. Report parameters and addresses

16. Admissions rules and operational events such as denials of service.

In some circumstances a report in the form of an e-mail or web-page may be sent or made available to the Administrative Operator and/or the Broadcast Agent Administrator. Such a report may include a warning that the account credit is about to expire, or the status of an account or activity. Such reports may be defined or requested or provided on a regular or specified interval.

Service may be automatically denied to a Broadcast Agent or Broadcast Agent Administrator who has exceeded his quota.

In other cases, information about account status may be signaled to the Broadcast Agent at log on and when proposing messages. This may cause the Broadcast Agent to think again about conserving his quota if near his limit.

The PLBS-SB102may also define a Broadcast Message Jurisdiction that is a geographical area for a particular Broadcast Agent Administrator and associated Broadcast Agents. Broadcast Message Jurisdiction may define any number of factors, data, or services. A first factor is a definition or allocation of geographic territory or areas to be accessed or displayed in map format to the Broadcast Agents of the Broadcast Agent Administrator. Additionally, all or a portion of the Broadcast Message Jurisdiction may be enabled or disabled for defining one or more broadcast message target areas or “Broadcast Target Area/Footprints” in which a public service broadcast message is to be sent. A second factor is the identification and specification of telecommunication local carriers (e.g., the networks112) that will be included in the public service location broadcast message messages originated by the particular Broadcast Agent Administrator or Broadcast Agent. This may also include defining one or more networks112, network components (such as Carrier Broadcast Center114or network switching centers) or sub-networks to be provided the broadcast messages.

The Broadcast Agent Administrator is capable of setting further restrictions or rules related to its Broadcast Message Jurisdiction and one or more Broadcast Agents under its control or within its Broadcast Message Jurisdiction. For example, it may establish different levels of authority for various personnel within a police department or fire department or allocate sub-areas or sub-jurisdictions based on police or fire department sub-boundaries.

For each Broadcast Agent Administrator, the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint Library is generated and shared among the Broadcast Agents. However in some cases, the Broadcast Agent Administrator may wish to predefine Broadcast Target Area/Footprints on the basis of existing agreements. For example, these may include tornado watch boxes or mandated warning zones, such as around a chemical plant.

In this case, the Broadcast Agent Administrator has the option to allow some Broadcast Agents to access only the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint library, or to be able to use the library and the map tool. Other Broadcast Agents may have the authority to create new Broadcast Target Area/Footprints and store them in the library.

In some cases, the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint area may be complex. An advanced Footprint Library feature enables the Broadcast Agent to predefine areas to be covered, and store them in a library of Broadcast Target Area/Footprints specific to that Broadcast Agent. For example, the flood plain area of a river may be too complex to define with a simple mouse click. The definition of that broadcast target area should be done ahead of time, then recalled quickly when an urgent message is imminent. In another case, a tornado warning box is predefined based on political boundary and may be easier to refer to as such.

This feature may also be required if a particular Broadcast Agent only has authority to cover, for example, major highways or coastal areas such as beaches. These can be pre defined predefined by an Administrative Operator and then locked so that the Broadcast Agent has limited authority as to the Target Broadcast Area.

There is no limit on how many end-users one message can reach and in theory an authorized operator may send the message to everyone in the country at the same time. Since most authority is relatively limited, the account may be established on a per Broadcast Agent basis thereby determining the area to be addressed by one message. An Admission Control feature checks each new message for a pop figure before agreeing to proceed. If the pop figure check fails, the message is declined and the Broadcast Agent receives a message and report with an explanation. To continue, the Broadcast Agent can either set the area to one less ambitious (i.e., fewer pops), or request authorization from another Broadcast Agent with more pop authority. The pop figure may also be used to generate usage statistics that the administration system records for each Broadcast Agent. If a Broadcast Agent has exceeded the agreed limit, the account can be closed and an e-mail sent to the Broadcast Agent Administrator explaining this.

Control of pops is also provided for the local carriers112because the spacing of Radio Base Stations decreases with increasing population density. A dense urban area may be covered by more cells than the same corresponding area in a rural environment. From a signaling point of view, more cells are signaled for an area in the city that in the country. Therefore, the relationship between pops and network load should be considered. For example, the number of messages times the population targeted [Mess*Pops] is one possible strategy for determining billing, since pop figures are directly available from the reports generated by account administration.

A Broadcast message may consist of 15 82-character messages linked together. The standard default maximum size of a message may be that used by second generation GSM systems, which is 93 characters, or 82 octets of data. However, in practice each message should be less in order to support multiple language messages and for practical application reasons. The Broadcast Agent Administrator may set limits on the length of an individual message. The Broadcast Agent Administrator may also set a limit on how much in total has been sent by all of the Broadcast Agents within his control. An extended-message button on the advanced message dialogue box provides for setting further message contents as required. For future systems, messages may include multimedia messages such as photographs or maps. In such a case, a multimedia facility dialogue box is utilized.

The Broadcast Agent Administrator may also predefine set messages in the message library, so that some accounts may broadcast only predefined messages. Others may be able to create their own messages and store them in the library. Past messages are also stored in the message library for later recall or repetition. Either from the advanced menu or from an advanced button on the quick message box, the Broadcast Agent can select the advanced message panel. Here the Broadcast Agent has many more options to control messages. For example, a particular message may be used frequently, or the precise wording of a message may have been approved at a higher political level in advance and only this wording broadcast. In such a case, the Broadcast Agent selects from a Message Library of standard messages available to this Broadcast Agent. The system stores past messages and is capable of retrieving them for re-transmission.

The system provides for the ability to repeat a message if the emergency continues for a long time, as the location broadcast message will only last for a limited period and be repeated. In other cases, the broadcast event may be triggered by an automatic machine such as a water level device. If so, the event triggers the predefined message as set up by previous agreements ahead of time between the Broadcast Agent Administrator for that organization and the Administrative Operator who administers the accounts on the PLBS-SB102in accordance with guidelines agreed upon by government authorities and local carriers.

A Broadcast Proposal includes both the message and the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint together. In some cases both the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint and the message may be predefined by one group of Broadcast Agents giving other Broadcast Agents only the choice as to when to send the message. The Broadcast library also keeps copies of previously sent messages, and their Broadcast Target Area/Footprints, for fast recall and for internal management within the Broadcast Agent organization.

The system also provides for the broadcasting of public messages that are in several languages. In this case the Broadcast Agent will not be allowed to proceed until messages in the other languages have been compiled. Alternatively, the broadcast message may be sent in each language as each is entered. Otherwise translation servers can be signaled for a best effort translation. The account administration parameters will determine this.

In many cases, end users may be travelers from an area where a different language is the primary language. If so, by keeping separate channels for warnings in each language, the end user may receive a message in his own language. This may also be required in multilingual countries or portions of countries such as along a border. The PLBS Operator or Broadcast Agent Administrator may also be required by government authorities to send messages in more than one language. If so, the Administration system reminds the Broadcast Agent to open up messages for all the required languages. It will then link them together so that when one is recalled, they are all recalled together and treated as if the same message.

The Broadcast Agent may not be able to read and write the message in the other language, for example, he may not read Chinese or Arabic. In this case, he can go to the library of messages, which will automatically match the other language message. However this restricts the message to those not containing any variables.

If the Broadcast Agent decides to recall a message from the network and request that its broadcast cease, the linkage will ensure that all languages are recalled at the same time.

The system also provides for the specification of how long a single broadcast continues to be broadcast. For example, for many situations a 20-minute broadcast may be long enough, after which a new command to send the message again can be initiated. The PLBS system may provide for a default time to be set in the Broadcast Agent account. Additionally, in the advanced menu options, the Broadcast Agent may be enabled to set start and stop times.

In other cases, Carriers or their networks112may require that the broadcast message have a start time and stop time specified to the cell118. The message is held at the cell118and transmitted only when the start time arises, then transmission will be at regular intervals until the stop time arises, unless a command is received by the cell118to cease the message. As such, the PLBS includes a default start time that is set by the PLBS-SB102to be NOW, and the stop time to be 20 minutes. In some situations, the Broadcast Agent may have authority to set up messages for delivery at a predetermined time in advance, or to set the broadcast time for a longer or shorter time. For example, the Broadcast Agent may be planning a highway shutdown, and may pre-program the night's messages accordingly. This frees manpower at the busy command center at the very moment when attention may be needed on the radio and elsewhere.

In the advanced message window, a start and stop time box may appear which is set to the defaults. The Broadcast Agent has the option to change these, but as usual the administration system will check that the Broadcast Agent has authority to do so before proceeding with the message.

Channel codes define the type of message sent, which in turn defines the targeted message end user recipients. The subscriber end user who owns the terminal has to switch on or off the channels at his discretion. The account will define which channel codes are defaults for this Broadcast Agent and which are allowed.

The Broadcast message is preceded by a channel code. End users may be given the option to select the type of messages they want to receive by going through a menu on their phone. Some mobile phones are sold with the default state set to disable the receipt of messages. However, to enable mass distribution of broadcast message, the channel numbers are defined for the various message types.

In any case, the Broadcast Agent may have another special need in mind other than to address the public for warnings. The Broadcast Agent may, for example, want to address only police officers or neighborhood watch volunteers in the area. In other instances, there may be automatic equipment in the area which needs to be commanded to perform in a certain way in some conditions and locations, for example, sirens to sound. If so, a different channel number is defined.

If the Broadcast Agent has the authority, the channel number may be changed. In the simple version, the default is the standard code for public safety messaging. In any case, this code is checked against the Broadcast Agent profile by the Broadcast Agent Administrator before the message is sent to verify the authority of the Broadcast Agent.

In many areas, more than one official language is used. In such regions, people speaking one language, can be regularly crossing borders into countries which in themselves have multiple official languages, with primacy in different order. In other cases, such as the maritime service, information should be on the same code, regardless of which country the ship is near. Therefore, the system provides for the ability to transmit alert messages in all major official languages for a region. The system provides a mechanism to give the networks and governmental authorities flexibility in addressing this requirement.

End users may be required to activate one or more functions of their phone. The end user may be motivated to do that if he knows that he will get messages in his language. If the end user can speak more than one language, he can enable more than one code at his discretion. In addition, if the end user is a tourist or traveling businessman, he will get messages in his own language if that host country transmits them as such. For example, at airports, authorities may decide to transmit in English as well as the official languages, so as to warn passengers regardless if they speak the local language or not. Popular holiday resorts are another example.

Furthermore, there may be politically sensitive positions regarding which language is the first and which the second. In one embodiment, pre-assigning codes according the internationally recognized order specified in ISO 639 may be implemented. The use of 145 codes covers most languages (plus some spare for special cases). However, a network112may use the unused codes for another purpose. In any case since there are 1,000 codes available, this loss is a low price to pay in return for a good solution.

There are some cases where internationally agreed codes are required. One case in point is that of the maritime service channel. Many small pleasure craft and small coastal fishing vessels are not fitted with marine radio equipment. However, in many cases one of the occupants of the boat does have a mobile unit in their possession. Certainly most large ships do have a GSM installation. If so, the coastal authorities may decide to relay maritime safety information over a Citizen Band (CB) maritime service channel. If so, coastal shipping could switch on this channel. In that case, the channel number should be the same for every port the ship may visit, requiring an internationally assigned channel. In another example, the United Nations (UN) has the responsibility to care for the security concerns of all international relief workers working for them and any Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). If the UN Security Coordinator (UNSECORD) had a standard channel, then this highly mobile but very vulnerable group would be reachable on a geographically specific basis, but without having to change the channel number on their phone each time they change border. These two examples illustrate the benefits of the system100for supporting multi-border Broadcast Agents.

One embodiment of a coding scheme consistent with the PLBS is provided in Appendix 1.

FIG. 2illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the Public Service Message Location Broadcast System200along with expanded illustration of the service bureau102components and operations. InFIG. 2, the exemplary embodiment of the service bureau102illustrates the components and operations of creating and submitting a broadcast request by a Broadcast Agent, receiving authorization by the Service Bureau responsible for authenticating such requests and distributing the authorized message to participating networks112A,112B and112C.

In this exemplary embodiment, the service bureau102hosts a web portal202, such as indicated inFIG. 1as webpage106. The web portal202provides a man-machine interface to a Broadcast Agent utilizing a Broadcast Agent access device104(not shown). As shown, the web portal202receives from the Account Data216the profile204for each message entered for broadcast delivery. This can include any variety of user definable parameters and limits. For instance, as shown the message profile204can include a set of user parameters206, broadcast target area footprint parameters208, message parameters210, and/or status parameters212. The user parameter206can include authorizations or limitations related to the Broadcast Agent and/or the Broadcast Agent Access Device104. The footprint parameters208can include one or more geographic areas or locations in which the Broadcast Agent has defined for broad message delivery (broadcast target area) or a selection of a predefined broadcast target area. The message parameters210can include limits or specification for each proposed message or on the total number of authorized messages or time limits for delivery of the message. Additionally, this can include a set of one or more predefined messages for selection by the Broadcast Agent. The status212can identify or define the status of the Broadcast Agent and/or previously proposed or submitted messages.

The service bureau102can also include a logfile214for logging access by each Broadcast Agent or by the Broadcast Administrator or Operator. Additionally, as this logfile214is held in a storage system or memory associated with the service bureau102, the message profile204can be stored within the logfile214. All broadcast messages are logged by the PLBS-SB102in the logfile224and cannot be tampered with by the Broadcast Agent or Administrative Operator. In the case of any dispute over a message, the Broadcast Agent Administrator, the Administrative Operator, and/or a government authority may view the log to establish what has occurred.

The logfile214may also be used for off line statistics and account administration. The reporting system may send a copy by e-mail to the Broadcast Agent and/or Broadcast Agent Administrators if required. In some cases, billing can be derived from the message log and an off-line billing gateway program that would use agreed information to derive billing.

An account data216can also provide stored information related to one or more accounts or Broadcast Agents utilizing or accessing the service bureau102. Additionally, a gatekeeper management module218can provide for the management of access and system utilization by coordinating between the logfile214and the account data216.

An admission control220provides for security and management of each Broadcast Agent accessing the web portal202or other functions and systems of the service bureau102. The admission control220receives the message profile204received by the web portal202and receives input from the account data216. Admission control220receives the message request that contains the proposed message as well as the broadcast target area. A report subsystem222generates reports for administration and operator review. Such reports can be stored and/or logged in the logfile214.

A distributor224receives the broadcast message request and maps the Broadcast Agent's broadcast target area to determine which broadcast distribution networks112or network service providers have networks providing broadcast distribution systems serving the broadcast target area. Once the distributor224has identified the broadcast distribution networks for the broadcast target area, it determines whether the broadcast distribution network112has its own cell broadcast center114and an associated service bureau102(identified as CBE) to cell broadcast center114(CBC) interface.

As shown inFIG. 2, each network112having broadcast capable networks serving at least a portion of the broadcast target area receives the broadcast message and its associated parameters at its cell broadcast center114. The cell broadcast center114also receives the coordinates for the broadcast target area in which the message is to be delivered. The cell broadcast center114identifies the network elements within its serving network associated with the broadcast target area and transmits the broadcast message to those network elements for appropriate transmission. InFIG. 2, the cell broadcast center114A of network A112A communicates the message to the network addresses to a broadcast switching center (or system)116A1and116A2for delivery and transmission over broadcast facilities230A1and230A2, such as towers or antennas on a tower, by way of example. Similarly, a second network112B may also provide service to some or all of the broadcast target area and also have broadcast facilities230B1and230B2that are addressed by network B's broadcast switching center116B1and116B2. The broadcast switching center116can be any network element configured to support delivery and/or transmission of the broadcast message to a geographic or location specific user delivery device or broadcast facility230. The broadcast facility230can be an antenna, a satellite, a fiber cable, a wireline system, or other network element capable of delivering the broadcast message to end users within the designated broadcast target area.

In operation, the Broadcast Agent utilizes the web portal202to define the broadcast target area. The service bureau102receives the message profile204entered by the Broadcast Agent and cleared or authorized by the admission control module220. The distributor224identifies the networks providing service to the broadcast target area for the requested message. The distributor224sends the broadcast message along with a coordinate-defined broadcast target area over the CBE-CBC interface226to the appropriate cell broadcast centers114. The cell broadcast center114determines the network elements providing service to the defined broadcast target area and identifies the network addresses thereof. The cell broadcast center114transmits the broadcast message within the network112over a local facility to a broadcast switching center116.

In one alternative exemplary embodiment, the network service provider for the particular network112may have designated the service bureau102to provide the required broadcast message network routing for delivery of the broadcast message within the network service provider's network112. As shown inFIG. 2, the network112C includes a remote selector228rather than a cell broadcast center114. In this case, the service bureau102maps the broadcast target area into network addresses for direct network addressing of the broadcast messages for network routing through the remote selectors228and to ultimately be delivered to end users within the broadcast target area served by the network provider112C. The remote selector228receives the network addressed broadcast message and delivers the message using the network addresses to the associated broadcast facility (not shown) in the network112C that serves the broadcast target area.

The Broadcast Agent requires the permission of the local carrier to use their network for this purpose. The administration of individual accounts is provided to the Administrative Operator to define network guidelines for each Broadcast Agent Administrator. For each Broadcast Agent Administrator, the carriers that have agreed to carry his traffic are signaled individually. Each Broadcast Agent Administrator is provided with the ability to customize the interface between the various networks230A,230B and230C to match the protocols or business requirements of the carriers.

The message is transmitted to the carrier for broadcast transmission over their network. In most cases, the message is transmitted to every known operator offering coverage of the area and may include mobile carriers, digital private radio systems operators, private radio system operators, internet service providers, wireline telecommunication service providers, satellite service providers, CATV operators, etc.

The PLBS-SB102sends a copy of the message and geographical information about the required Broadcast Target Area/Footprint to each operator's network center112A,112B and112C for further processing by the Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC) to determine which cells are involved, then send the signals to the correct switching center or Gateway platform. Some messages may be intended only for the private digital radio system used by the organization such as a police radio network. In other cases, sending a multimedia message such as a map or photo to a text-capable second generation 2G networks may not be applicable.

Carriers or telecommunications operators may decline to accept messages from a message source, or of a particular subject matter, context, or content. In each case, the networks which have been selected may be checked by a Gatekeeper Administration Subsystem218or Administrative Entity before the message is transmitted.

In some cases the Broadcast Agent may decide to recall the message before it has elapsed its time. In this case, the Broadcast Agent will select the message from the message library and click or press the recall button. Administration sends the recall command to the concerned networks or carriers.

Emergency situations are very dynamic, and the situation may change shortly after sending the message and before the expiration of the message time. If so, the PLBS100provides the Broadcast Agent with the ability to recall the message. The system100also includes a recall button to recall the message as displayed in the window. Each message is given a daily number for fast recall purposes.

The Broadcast Agent may wish to confirm that the broadcast has indeed been passed to the networks for broadcasting. This confirmation can be by an e-mail or a report box on the browser from the report subsystem222or other administration reporter. Additionally, the reporter subsystem222can transmit copies to other connected systems or monitoring centers (not shown).

Since the actual broadcast is managed by each participating local carrier through the carrier's network of gateways and switches, the PLBS-SB102does not have any further influence on the process after the message/target broadcast information has been sent to the participating carriers cell broadcast center114. Therefore, any message broadcast progress information passed back is only valid up to the moment of information handoff to each participating carrier.

The report system222can send a pop-up window back to the Broadcast Agent provided he has not logged off the system100. This report can show ticks indicating that the message was handed off to the participating networks112. However, it does not indicate that the message is actually being transmitted in real-time. Optionally the report system222can send an e-mail to the Broadcast Agent Administrator to inform him that messages have been sent. Should any irregularities occur or other trigger events, such as the near exhaustion of agreed messages, then a report can be sent to the Broadcast Agent Administrator's e-mail address reporting this.

Reports may be automatically generated as plain text messages and sent to an electronic address or e-mail account defined by the Broadcast Agent Administrator and/or Administrative Operator.

The Web Portal202, as hosted directly or indirectly by the PLBS Service Bureau102, communicates with a Web Browser106at the Broadcast Agent's location, as discussed below. The objective of the Web Portal202is the creation of a Broadcast Request, a file which holds the following information.a. Broadcast Target Area/Footprintb. Broadcast Message and related parametersc. User Parameters (e.g., Broadcast Agent User ID and Password)d. Status of the Broadcast Request, (times Proposed, Authenticated, Handed off) and status reports.

The Admission Control Subsystem220ensures that the proposed Broadcast Request by the particular Broadcast Agent at this time is authentic before passing it to the participating networks112A,112B, and112C.

For the Broadcast Agent and session, the Web Portal202provides an environment for the Broadcast Agent consisting of the maps of his jurisdiction, the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint, message and broadcast libraries that apply. The Web Portal202gets this information from the Account data216. When the Multi-Language feature is required, appropriate windows are provided in the message window.

The Broadcast Agent Web Portal202creates a Broadcast Request record with the name, the current system date and time from when the Create Message button was pressed.

When the Broadcast Agent clicks the GO-button, the Admission Control Subsystem220fetches a Broadcast Agent profile from the account database226. It checks all the parameters of the Broadcast Agent and message to determine if the message will be admitted or declined.

When a message is declined, the Broadcast Record is marked as such by its status register212and sent to reporting; a report is then generated and e-mailed as per the parameters in the account data. The Broadcast Record is then stored along with the reports in the broadcast log214. The Broadcast Agent creates a new broadcast that has a new number.

The Broadcast Agent ID and password details are checked against the profile to authenticate the Broadcast Agent. If not authentic, the message is declined. Admission Control220will then check the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint against the profile. If not within the Jurisdiction the message will be declined. Admission Control220then calculates the Pops figure for this message by multiplying the area derived from the Broadcast Target Area/Footprint, by the population density. Population density figure data is fetched from Account Data216. The [total messages], [Pop density], and [total mess*pop] figure is then fetched from the Account Data216, and the new figure is added in the broadcast record but not written into the account data. The total result is checked against the limits set in account data. If the limit is exceeded, then the admission rules are checked to see if the broadcast may be sent. If not, the message is declined. Alternatively, a report may be generated according to the admission rules.

Multi-language messaging checks may be performed to see if the Broadcast Agent has defined a message for each language as required by the government authorities. If not then the Broadcast may or may not be declined according to admission control rules.

The networks requested are checked against the Account Data216. The Web Portal202may have participating networks112that the Account Data216has defined, however in some cases some networks may accept some channels while others do not. If so, the broadcast may continue on the allowed networks and declined on others, or it may be declined altogether.

If Admission Control220is satisfied that the Broadcast Request is valid, then it is sent to the Distributor224.

The Admission Control220ensures that that any Broadcast Request meets with the approval based on preset guidelines. The parameters as to what is acceptable and what is not are set by the Administrative Operator in the Administration Data Base Account Data216. Each registered Broadcast Agent, that is everyone who is allowed to create Broadcasts, has a separate Profile recorded in the Administration Database. Only the Administrative Operator has access to this file and can create, edit and delete Broadcast Agents. All Broadcast Agents belong to a Broadcast Agent Administrator, and may not have authority exceeding their Broadcast Agent Administrator.

The parameters used in the Administration Data Base are reviewed in the PLBS-SB 102 System description document. There are other parameters about the User ID, the Broadcast Agent Administrator to whom the Broadcast Agent reports, and the current password and authentication key for each Broadcast Agent that may also be included.

The Administration Subsystem is responsible for creating an object called the Broadcast Request. This file details everything known about each proposal. It also contains a check list of flags that are used by the system to track the progress of each Broadcast Request. A Broadcast Request is known by a unique ID consisting of the PLBS-SB102that accepted the proposal, and the date time group identifying when it was accepted as a valid proposal.

When the Broadcast Agent clicks the “propose” or “GO” button, the Gatekeeper Administration Subsystem will check that the Broadcast Request has been created with enough required information, and is formatted correctly. When the Proposal is correctly formatted, it is recorded in the logfile214data base, in an area where pending proposals are kept. The Administration Subsystem then orders the Admission Control220system to run.

Once Admission Control220has authenticated and approved the transmission of the Broadcast Request, the message and broadcast target area information is submitted to the Distributor224for transmission to Participating Networks112for message distribution. If the carrier has provided its facility, network addresses or location coverage area data to the PLBS-SB102, the Distributor224converts the target area map parameters entered by the Broadcast Agent into a network addresses and transmits the message parameters and associated network addresses to the carrier via the carrier's Carrier Broadcast Center114.

For carriers that elect not to provide the PLSB-SB102the details of the networks including the network facility addresses, the Distributor224transmits the message and the target broadcast area coordinates of the target broadcast area to the carrier. The carrier performs the required conversions of target broadcast area to network or location addresses, such as cell site identifiers.

The network facility selector function managed by the Distributor224can be supported via predefined network facility service pools, e.g., so that predefined message target broadcast areas and their associated network facility identifiers can be expeditiously processed by each carrier.

Referring toFIG. 3, the illustrated admission control method300(also referred to as the Haslemere algorithm) uses the convention of having a yes answer coming out of the side, and a no answer from the bottom is applicable unless otherwise indicated.

The method300starts at a Next Broadcast Agent302process that provides that when activated, the Admission Control (AC)220(admission) fetches the next Broadcast Agent from the logfile214where pending Broadcast Messages are waiting. The AC also copies all the parameters.

Next a Fetch User Profile304process provides that the User ID is read and the Broadcast Agent profile is fetched from the Administration Data Base such as Account Data216.

The next process is a Security Fail306process that provides that the User ID is checked against the password and authentication key entered in the database. (The Administration Control system has validated the data link and network address of the originating terminal in the case of secure tunneling or Virtual Private Network or VPN access).

A Security Report308process provides that if the security check fails in306, a short message explaining the reason for the failure is generated. The short message is appended to the report field for this Broadcast Request. In the case of a security offense or alert, additional data may be included such as details related to the attempted action.

In an All Decline Flags Set310process, to avoid a transmission of this Broadcast Agent, a Decline Flag is set for a Broadcast Request on all the network fields to restrict transmission.

A Next Network312process provides that if there is no security problem, the Broadcast Request is examined to see which is the first network to be attempted. The Admission Parameters for this network will now be queried from the Administration Data Base or from the Account Data216and examined. When this is performed for all networks, a copy of the Broadcast Request is sent to the distributor224, which converts the Broadcast Request into a signal for sending to the Carrier Broadcast Center114at the network management center of a network112. A communication protocol is used that may be a standard protocol or an application specific protocol such as a Broadcast Message Submission Protocol (BMSP).

In an All Nets Done314process, an end of file marker is checked and read to determine whether all required networks have been analyzed. When all networks have been signaled, the Set Admiss Done Flag process316sets the flag to complete or notification is set on the Broadcast Request record along with a timestamp indicating completion of the administration process. A copy is transmitted to the Broadcast Agent Access Device104. Also a Copy To Reporting process318or set reporting flag provides that a copy of all Broadcasts and Broadcast Requests are written to or stored to the Broadcast Request reporting field that is sent to the reporting subsystem for transmission to the Broadcast Agent Administrator and to the Carrier Broadcast Centers or their reporting subsystem. Also a Copy to Logfile process (not shown) can provide that the Broadcast Request is stored in the Logfile214and deleted from the pending area. At this time, as all networks have been signaled with the intended message, the location message broadcasting method300is complete.

If all networks have not been signaled, the process continues to a Next Broadcast Agent Parameter322process (labeled as Next User Parameter) that provides for retrieving the Next Broadcast Agent parameter from the Administration Data Base and comparing it to the requesting Broadcast Agent. An All Parameters Done324process ensures that all parameters have been evaluated and the file processing is near completion. If all parameters are not done in process324(e.g., results in a NO), then a Fail?326process determines if a parameter in the Broadcast Request does not meet predefined criteria for a Broadcast Message as defined by the PLBS100and/or of the Broadcast Agent Administrator. If the Fail?326process is negative, then the method300continues to a Pass Report328process. In the Pass Report328process, if the parameter is within the predefined criteria, the reporting system appends to the Broadcast Request report a short message indicating which parameter has been passed. This provides for trouble shooting and resolving disputes. After this, the method300returns to the Next Broadcast Agent Parameter322process.

However, if the Fail?326process results in a yes, then the method continues with a Decline?330process. The Decline?330process provides that if the parameter under test does not fall within the predefined criteria, the parameter fails and special handing procedures are applied. Such procedures may enable a system override or an operator override such that the Broadcast Request may continue even in light of the parameter within the predefined criteria. Such procedure may include checking the Decline parameter. If the Decline?330process results in a NO, than a Warning Report332process (if the Decline Parameter is not met), generates a warning message and appends it to the Broadcast Request. Next a Warning Flag334process sets a warning flag against the particular network. The method400then loops back to the Next Broadcast Agent Parameter322process. However, if the Decline?330process results in a yes (e.g., if the Decline parameter indicates that the Broadcast Request is declined), then a Decline Report326process generates and appends a decline report to the Broadcast Request. A Decline Flag338process sets a decline flag against that network upon indication of a Decline Parameter. A decline flag may apply to one or more networks as a function of the network facilities or arrangements. After the Decline Flag338process, the method300returns to the Next Broadcast Agent Parameter322process for further processing.

Referring again to the All Parameters Done324process, if the All Parameters Done324process results in a yes, indicating that all parameters have been processed, a Decline Flag this Network340process is initiated. The Decline this Network340process provides that when all the parameters have been evaluated, the All Parameters Done message is returned. Prior to sending a Broadcast Request to the Distributor224for sending to the participating Carrier and Carrier's network112or Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114, a determination of whether the Broadcast Request or message has been declined by the entity or system is determined. If the Decline Flag This Net process340results in a yes, the process returns to the Next Network312process so that the next network is evaluated since each network will have network-specific criteria and parameters.

However, if the broadcast message has not been declined for the particular network, then the message is passed on to a Copy to Broadcast Request Distributor342process. In process342a copy of all or the relevant parts of the Broadcast Request is sent to the Broadcast Distributor224or placed in a queue. The Broadcast Distributor224may reformat the data according to one or more predefined parameters, formats or protocol associated with the transmission facility or link for communicating to the Carrier or the Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114. Next a Submission Report344process provides for a submission date and timestamp to be appended to the report, and stored by the PLBS100and/or Broadcast Agent Access Device104. The process returns to the Next Network312process so that the next network is evaluated since each network will have network-specific criteria and parameters.

In practice, a Broadcast Agent using the Broadcast Agent Access Device such as the Broadcast Agent Access Device104, defines the broadcast target area by drawing shapes or indicating areas on a map to where the broadcast message should be sent. As the broadcast target area will likely be served by two or more carriers or telecommunications service providers, the PLBS100determines which carriers serve all or a portion of the broadcast target area. The PLBS100may perform this function by a Broadcast Distributor224which may be an integral system or module or a separate standalone system or module. It may be implemented in hardware or software. The Broadcast Distributor224routes the broadcast message to the Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114of the carriers providing service to all or a part of the broadcast target area as defined in the Broadcast Request. This may be implemented in any possible arrangement including a table, chart, or map.

Operators may in turn have different vendor implementations for a Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114, for example, the GMG 1.5, CellTech, or the Logica 1100, so a different mode of signaling for each type may be provided. One known industry standard protocol is Broadcast Message Submission Protocol (BMSP). Administration data includes routing or address information for the appropriate Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC) 114 interface unit, so that the appropriate signaling protocol conversion occurs.

Signaling to the CBC114may utilize an industry standard BMSP protocol that defines the area polygons in WGS84 co-ordinates, the message, and associated scheduling information. The CBC114provides a check of the proposed broadcast message for validity and converts the defined broadcast target area that may be defined by map polygons into a Cell Identification (CellID) list. In one embodiment, the CBC114sends the CellID list to the broadcast switching centers (BSC)116by standard communication protocol such as the GSM 03.49 protocol/list. Transmission between PLBS-SB102and CBC114may utilize commercially available systems and facilities that may include TCP/IP secure tunneling protocols, or X.25 as specified by the local carrier.

When a PLBS Location Selector is provided at the carriers or local carrier's location, the Broadcast Request file may be transmitted by FTP/TCP/IP to the Location Selector for local processing into a Cell ID list before sending to the CBC114or the BSC116.

The Administrative Operator utilizes the system100to designate administrative and operating parameters and profiles, authorizations, and restrictions for each Broadcast Agent Administrator. These may be based on government regulations, negotiated agreements, standards or policies and practices. This may include establishing schedule of authorizations for various Broadcast Agent Administrators and/or Broadcast Agents.

The Administrative Operator also establishes within the system an Administration Database to set account parameters so that Broadcast Agent Administrators and their Broadcast Agents have defined authorization levels. The Administrative Operator also uses the system to establish and maintain an account for each Broadcast Agent and Broadcast Agent Administrator for billing and administration purposes.

The system is configured to enable the Administrative Operator to resolve review Logfiles214and Broadcast Requests. The system enables the Administrative Operator to read the logfiles214, and to read and write to the Administration Data Base. The Administrative Operator Management Subsystem is configured to provide the Administrative Operator with a web control panel or GUI environment in which to administer the User account data and system. The system is configured to generate statistics for administration, management, reporting, and billing.

A Location Broadcast Reporter110may be configured to store broadcast messaging data and to prepare and produce reports related to past, pending, and future broadcast messages in one or more areas. The Location Broadcast Reporter110may be located at a disaster management office, a control room, or the PLBS-SB102. However, if the Decline Report336process finds that the Decline parameter indicates that the Broadcast Request is declined, access to such reports and data is only made available to authorized personnel of the PLBS operator or an administrative or government entity. Such reports may be made in real-time via a web-based interface such that immediate action may be taken or additional or related actions may be initiated.

When the Admission Control Subsystem220does not accept the Proposed Broadcast Request, a status message may be sent to the Broadcast Agent Access Device and a Report Required flag may be set. The profile is obtained from the account data to determine the appropriate procedure.

Additionally, a notice or dialogue box may be opened at the Broadcast Agent Access Device to report the situation to the Broadcast Agent. If the Broadcast Agent has logged off the Broadcast Agent Access Device, a notification such as an email report is sent to the Broadcast Agent Administrator and the Broadcast Agent according to predefined addresses and arrangements. A copy of the report is also appended to the Broadcast Request to provide a record of the action.

Reporting also provides for reporting of any activity on the account to the Administrative Operator and Broadcast Agent Administrator. This includes reporting of any warnings that the account may expire. Reporting also sends account information to the Broadcast Agent Administrator on a regular basis depending on parameters defined in the account data. Reports are stored in the logfile which may be accessed by the Broadcast Administrative Operator.

A Broadcast Agent Access Device or Terminal104accessing the Broadcast Agent Portal202or Webpage106may be located at a Disaster Management Office such as a police control room. The authorized Broadcast Agent creates and proposes the message using a web or internet browser, with web access, public service message location broadcasting system Direct, or the Public Service Location Broadcast Controller (PLBC).

The Broadcast Agent interacts with the PLBS-SB102over a web page106, (via a Web Portal202) and loading of special client software is usually unnecessary. Almost any computer can use PLBS-SB102without any modification.

The Broadcast Agent accesses the Public Service Location Broadcast System (PLBS)100via a communication network including the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The Broadcast Agent device may be any communication device and is preferably one that is configured to access the Internet and/or to host a webpage. This includes a personal computer, laptop computer, mobile phone, and personal administrative device and variations thereof.

The Broadcast Agent device can access a webpage106or portal202hosted directly or indirectly by the public service message location broadcasting system. Any current or future web, internet, or similar future services browser or access method may be used by the Broadcast Agent. A standard language, such as in one embodiment a Hyper Text Mark-up Language, HTML, may be utilized using any existing or future hardware and/or software platform. Standard, proprietary, and/or commercially available communications systems and protocols may be utilized to provide the various communications facilities and interconnections.

When added security is desired, commercially available or proprietary effective security protocols and measures such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) with public key encryption may be employed along with private networking facilities, Virtual Private Network (VPN) facilities, and/or secure tunneling features.

A Broadcast Agent Web Portal202is made available throughout a LAN or an Internet to provide each and every Broadcast Agent with the flexibility of accessing the Public Service Message Location Broadcast System (PLBS)100via any workstation wherever it may be located, including ones located at a home, remote office, or a portable computer, device or platform. The system may utilize wireless LANs such as the 802.11 technology and mobile Internet systems and networks.

The Broadcast Agent Web Portal202is presented as a Web Page106. The Broadcast Agent Webpage106may be displayed in a design configuration or pattern with an appearance of a control room or panel. Additionally, the Broadcast Agent Webpage106may include a Geographical Information System (GIS) service portal or webpage.

The Broadcast Agent Web Portal202or Webpage106may include or be composed of one or more maps with scroll bars and zoom options for easy and quick map viewing. One or more tool bars provide the Broadcast Agent with the ability to select and define a broadcast target area in a map format. While current web browsers do not process Geographical Information System (GIS) data, the map may be a Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) format image or file with conversions for position being performed by the PLBS-SB to aid the browser. However, it is expected that in the future the Broadcast Agent Web Portal202or Web Page106will directly support GIS map data, displaying such information, and definitional inputs.

Referring toFIG. 4, a graphical user interface (GUI)400, or similar user interface, can be provided by the Web Portal202, the Web Page106, local software or similar mechanism, including the Advanced Broadcast Commander108. The user will have first entered his userID and password before access is allowed. The system100can display a map to the Broadcast Agent as a function of the user ID and his authorized jurisdiction. A Home Page402of the Broadcast Agent Web Page106may present a map404of the demonstration zone and a city or location name associated with the particular geographic area and/or the particular Broadcast Agent. The GUI interface400to the Broadcast Agent can be provided by either the Web Portal202or the Advanced Broadcast Controller108. In an alternative embodiment, the Home Page106may display general data available to all users.

When a Broadcast Agent logs in to the PLBS System100, a map404of the jurisdiction of that Broadcast Agent is displayed. The map404is established by the Administrative Operator and/or the Broadcast Agent Administrator to prevent accidentally sending messages to an unrelated or unauthorized area. As shown, the displayed map404includes geographic areas in which the Broadcast Agent can specify or define a target broadcast area. This map can include streets, municipal boundaries, and/or points of interest, by way of example.

The Broadcast Agent Web Portal202or Web Page106are designed to enable the sending or requesting of a Broadcast Request or message within six “Enters” or “clicks” from the Broadcast Agent accessing the Web Portal202. Similarly, the system is designed so that such actions are timely and may be accomplished in 15 seconds.

Referring to the displayed user interface500ofFIG. 5, the Broadcast Agent utilizing the Broadcast Agent Web Page106uses a pointing device such as a mouse or touchpad to define an area for which the message will be broadcast, e.g., the broadcast target area502or Footprint. Preferably, the broadcast target area502is defined by the Broadcast Agent through a graphical selection means such as clicking a mouse on the displayed map404. For example, when displayed the interface500, the user may use the move buttons to scroll the map404, and select a scale. He then can use a Draw tool to point and click a mouse to create an area know as the ‘Footprint,’ such as the target broadcast area502. In this example, a mapping footprint is selected to be a circle504and to be visually indicated by the color blue506as selected by the Broadcast Agent.

Additionally, as shown in the displayed user interface600inFIG. 6, the Broadcast Agent can utilize the GUI interface and use a shape tool to define the irregular-shaped target broadcast area. In this example, the shape tool602selected with the color blue506and the Broadcast Agent has defined on map404an irregular polygon604that surrounds a section of highway606that may be the focus of a traffic alert. Such irregular target broadcast area608can be defined and saved into a footprint library for later recall.

FIG. 7illustrates an embodiment of the displayed user interface700illustrating selection of a target broadcast area from a library702of predefined footprints704from which a target broadcast area706may be selected on a map708. One such application may include a library702having various flood zone areas704that can be selected to broadcast a warning message to recipients in the area in the case of a flood or similar emergency.

As shown in the display image800ofFIG. 8, after the Broadcast Agent defines the broadcast target area, the Broadcast Agent initiates a message menu button on the menu bar802and enters a message801such as by typing a text message into a keyboard. The message entry display screen or window804can allow for the identification of the message type806, the duration of the message808, and an entry of a message name810. In some embodiments, once the target broadcast area is defined, a dialogue box opens showing options available to the Broadcast Agent. These are typically defined by an administrator, operator, and/or under contract. The Broadcast Agent can then enter the text of the message801, its channel number (or this may be fixed), and the duration of the broadcast808.

In some embodiments as shown in display image900ofFIG. 9, in some applications a standard library message902can be selected from a list of predefined messages, and include the predetermined message904and possibly a predetermined target broadcast area906. Each of these may be recalled in order to expedite the submission of a message broadcast request by a lower authorized Broadcast Agent. As shown in display image900, the shefford chemical spill910is identified on map912.

After the Broadcast Agent defines or selects the message to be broadcast and the target broadcast area, the Broadcast Agent authenticates the Broadcast Request through one or more authentication procedures. These may include entering a User ID and Password, speaking a voice authentication message, or otherwise.FIG. 10illustrates the display image1000and authentication window1002that enables the Broadcast Agent to enter and confirm his Broadcast Agent's user identification1004and authorization password1006. After the Broadcast Request has been authenticated, the Broadcast Agent initiates the Broadcast Request by pressing a start button1008and the Broadcast Request becomes a Broadcast Proposal and is forwarded to the Public Service Location Broadcast System Service Bureau (PLBS-SB)102for consideration by Admission Control220.

Optional system features may also be made available to the Broadcast Agent via the Broadcast Agent Web Portal202or Web Page106. These may be implemented as additional options on an Advanced button or the toolbar. These optional features may include:

Broadcast Target Area/Footprint library

Message library

Multiple language messages

Long messages

Start time, Stop time

Channel codes

Recall messages

Select networks

Progress windows

The Broadcast Agent Web Portal202and Web Page106may provide one or more progress windows.

Once the Broadcast Agent has clicked the GO-button1008, and accepted liability for the message by typing his User ID1004and password1006, the message is not transmitted directly. Instead it is sent to the PLBS-SB's administrations subsystem where the Broadcast Agent is validated for authority for this message. For example, the message has been defined for transmission within his jurisdiction. There may be restrictions on how many messages one individual or center may send in a period. This may be defined by the local carriers, government entities, or by the PLBS-SB102operator.

Billing for the service may be based on the area that was defined for the message, or the population density of the broadcast target area for the message. In each case, the Broadcast Agent may want to know what the message is costing before deciding to proceed.

The Broadcast Agent's request and message are validated by the administration subsystem to ensure compliance with all agreements with government authorities and the local carriers. Only in the case of full compliance does the message proceed. If so, a dialogue box confirms when each local carrier has accepted the message.

If not, then the Broadcast Agent will get a dialogue box explaining why the message was declined and a suggestion as to what to do next to get the message sent quickly. For example, a smaller less ambitious Broadcast Target Area/Footprint may be tried, or perhaps authorization from a higher ranking Broadcast Agent.

Alternatively, when a web-based interface cannot handle a particular application or situation, the Advanced Broadcast Controller108(ABC) may provide this functionality. This third party application, can call on more, perhaps confidential information to define the broadcast area. In this way, the confidential information never leaves the building.

At the local carrier's office, there is a Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114server that correlates the cell Latitude and Longitude data received from the PLBS-SB with the locally provided Cell ID data for that carrier's network. A cell serving area map or table is derived from a local carrier's planning tool, systems, and data. Typically, a carrier's engineering group prepares similar information for planning, maintenance and administration purposes.

Location broadcast messages are broadcast by Cellular Network Operators on a per-cell basis over a location broadcast channel. In order to send a location broadcast message, a signal is sent to the Carrier Broadcast Center114A and114B. From there, the message is transmitted to the Base Station Controllers (BSC), containing the message to be transmitted, and crucially, the Global Cell IDs of the cells in which the broadcast is to be made, along with some other data such as how often and when the message is to be broadcast.

Cellular operators guard the information about their cells (the cell data) with great care, as the information can be useful to a competitor. They may find the prospect of having this information on multiple unsecured servers to be unacceptable.

According to one embodiment of the PLBS, each carrier maintains and controls access to their own proprietary network data including cell locations and cell serving areas, seeFIG. 2. Each carrier receives geographic data defining the target area for the public service broadcast message and determines which transmission links and their associated transmitting locations relate to the target area. Once established, each carrier initiates message broadcasting to only those locations or areas which relate in whole or in part to the broadcast target area. As such, competing carriers do not have access to other carrier's networks or their proprietary network or customer data.

Transmission between PLBS-SB102and CBC114is achieved with available telecommunication facilities and protocols which may include TCP/IP secure tunneling protocols, security, and authentication. Transmission may be by wireline, wireless, including satellite facilities.

In one embodiment, the PLBS system100ensures that the Carrier's cell data is retained by the Carrier in a look up table in the Carrier Broadcast Center114at the Local Carrier's office. This includes the Cell Identification Codes of the cells, the Latitude and Longitude positions of their respective Radio Base Station sites and azimuth data for their sectors. Inclusion of cell-sector azimuth data leads to per-cell per-sector resolution, but for the first application per-cell resolution may be good enough considering the small size of modern cells, which are typically 1-3 Km in diameter (about 2 miles). The cell data never leaves the Carrier's Network office. The local carrier such as a mobile service carrier provides the hosting of the cell-broadcast messaging technology, access to the local cell network, and transmission of the cell-broadcast messages to its subscribers. Additionally, the carriers or mobile unit service providers may provide cell-site geographic coverage data either internally or to the PLBS operator to enable the operator GUI interface.

Location broadcast messages may be employed in several ways when numerous operators or carriers in a particular geographical area require the same information in a timely manner. Such information may include text messages relating to emergency situations, and, for 3G cells and phones, pictures of wanted or missing persons, graphical data, maps of problem areas including areas to avoid and escape routes.

Location broadcasting is a function of cellular networks and is defined by the official standardization bodies, such as GSM MoU, (GSM 03.41) UMTS, 3GPP/3GPP2 and IS95 CDMA. Many networks have location broadcast channels defined for their networks which are unused at present for lack of a suitable application.

There is typically more than one carrier or operator providing service in the same area. There is no coordination of cell planning between competing operators, and as such, the Cell layouts and Cell IDs are unique to each carrier. In addition, due to continuous innovation in telecommunication technologies, cell coverage and network capacity, the network design, and size and layout of geographic network systems and cells covering a particular area can be dynamic, e.g., network reconfigurations, cell splits and switch cutovers.

Also, many networks112have a hierarchical network or cell structure system, with overlapping patterns of networks or cells of different sizes, such as Umbrella Cells, Macro Cells, Overlaid cells, Micro Cells and Pico cells. They may also have multiple layers of sub-band structure in different frequency bands such as (850-1900 or 900-1800-2 Ghz, with each having unique Cell IDs and different base station spacing.

Multi-network configurations will continue to increase in complexity with the introduction of 3G General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), EDGE, CDMA2000, UMTS and TD-SCDMA. 3G location broadcast messages will be much more capable, so different Cell ID tables are entered for a plain text version of the broadcast message than for a multi-media version.

A single message transmission of about 1 KB may be used by the Carrier for each transmission area or cell. The base station controller transceiver then carries out the repetition of the message for the time required.

User receiving devices may include mobile or cellular phones, PDA's, PC's, etc. Receiving devices may provide a distinct alert ring-tone that continues until the message is acknowledged by a local user. Such features and functions are dependent on the features and functionality of the various receiving devices. Some receiving devices may be configured to receive text messages, graphical data, images, and maps or may be capable of connecting to a designated website that provides additional information.

With one or more embodiments of the current system, special handsets or mobile unit units are not required. Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) handsets may display a public service message location broadcasting system message as provided by a supporting GSM mobile service provider. Additionally, 3rd Generation mobile unit services providers and mobile unit or cellular devices will display location broadcast messages consistent with the public service message location broadcasting system100.

A public service message location broadcasting service may also display a public service message location broadcasting system provider insignia or service mark.

Because the public service message location broadcasting system is independent of the mobile carrier's voice and SMS channels, cell-broadcasting will continue to operate during emergencies that result in high calling volume thereby enabling local authorities with a viable communications link for emergency instructions despite interruptions in voice and SMS service.

In operation, the public service location broadcasting system100may be provided, in one embodiment, by a method described herein. In the event of a need for a public service message broadcast, an authorized Broadcast Agent enters a password to access the public service message location broadcasting system via a Broadcast Agent System accessing a Broadcast Agent Web Portal from an attached Internet-enabled device. The system recognizes the Broadcast Agent and displays a map or illustration of his jurisdiction.

The Broadcast Agent defines or selects the broadcast target area which may be the entire authorized Broadcast Jurisdiction or may be a portion thereof. The Broadcast Agent constructs a text message indicating the nature of the emergency and/or required action. The Broadcast Agent specifies the length of time the message is to be broadcast and/or received by the receiving devices in the target area. The Broadcast Agent utilizing the Broadcast Agent System confirms and sends the data to the public service message location broadcasting system server.

The public service message location broadcasting system's Broadcast Data Management (BDM) server reformats the data and forwards it to the Carrier Broadcast Center114for each of the telecommunication carriers providing service within the broadcast target area.

Each participating Carrier Broadcast Center (CBC)114selects one or more sub-networks and/or cell-sectors (such as transmission towers) that serve all or a portion of the target area so that the entire broadcast target area is covered by a broadcast. The CBC114broadcasts the message to all receiving devices within its serving area. The CBC114broadcast transmission process is repeated for the duration of the alert to accommodate additional devices entering, becoming available, or being activated/powering-on within the target area. Receiving devices located within the broadcast sub-networks or cells receive the public service broadcast message, and may provide an alert and display of the message.

In practice, operation of one or more embodiments may be described by the following example.

It is late at night and a river level is rising to dangerous levels. The local police want to warn the population at risk, the people who live in the area likely to flood. However, since it is night time, they are not watching their televisions or listening to the radio. The senior police officer, or disaster manager, in the position of a Broadcast Agent accesses the public service message location broadcasting system web page106that is located at a central site. The officer selects a map of the area that is in danger of flooding. The officer defines or selects a geographic broadcast target area to be notified of the danger. The officer enters a message indicating the nature of the danger and suggested actions such as FLOOD WARNING in your area. The officer initiates the broadcast messaging by following a security procedure and clicks a Go-button1008.

The PLBS-SB102receives the messages, performs a check on the validity of the officer as a Broadcast Agent that is proposing the message for the particular notification or target broadcast area. Once validated, the PLBS-SB102sends messages to each of the telecommunication service providers or carriers having networks112, coverage, or receiving units within the defined coverage area.

Each local telecommunication service provider receives the message and target broadcast area definitions from the broadcast system and initiates transmission of the broadcast message to the particular carrier's transmission networks112serving the defined target broadcast area. The local network112of the telecommunication service provider broadcasts the message to every active compatible receiving unit active within the defined notification area. Each receiving unit receives the broadcast message and displays the message and may provide a common or unique alerting signal.

It is further to be understood that the steps described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

APPENDIX 1: CODE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS