U.S. patent application number 13/818688 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for method and system of group based alert distribution.
This patent application is currently assigned to eVigilo, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Feliks Vainik, Guy Weiss. Invention is credited to Feliks Vainik, Guy Weiss.
Application Number | 20130157609 13/818688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45722979 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130157609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vainik; Feliks ; et
al. |
June 20, 2013 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF GROUP BASED ALERT DISTRIBUTION
Abstract
System and method of managing distribution of alert messages to
a plurality of presentation devices. The method and system enable
selecting a broadcast channel out of a plurality of broadcast
channels according to a detected emergency situation. Each
broadcast channel is designated for communication with a target
group of presentation devices. An alert message, corresponding to
the emergency situation is broadcasted to the target group over the
selected broadcast channel, to allow each presentation device of
the target group to present the broadcasted alert message.
Inventors: |
Vainik; Feliks; (Natania,
IL) ; Weiss; Guy; (Herzlia, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vainik; Feliks
Weiss; Guy |
Natania
Herzlia |
|
IL
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
eVigilo, Ltd.
Natania
IL
|
Family ID: |
45722979 |
Appl. No.: |
13/818688 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 17, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL11/00669 |
371 Date: |
February 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61423132 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
|
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|
61376274 |
Aug 24, 2010 |
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61376276 |
Aug 24, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/404.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 11/0781 20130101;
H04H 20/59 20130101; H04W 4/90 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/404.1 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/22 20060101
H04W004/22 |
Claims
1. A method of managing distribution of alert messages to a
plurality of presentation devices, said method comprising:
receiving an alert distribution request from at least one alerting
source, said alert distribution request is indicative of an
emergency situation; selecting at least one broadcast channel out
of a plurality of broadcast channels according to said emergency
situation, wherein each said broadcast channel is designated for
communication with at least one target group of presentation
devices; and broadcasting an alert message, which corresponds to
said emergency situation, to respective said at least one target
group over said selected at least one broadcast channel, to allow
each respective presentation device of said target group to present
said alert message.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting at least one
broadcasting station out of a plurality of broadcasting stations
having a distribution area that corresponds to an area of the
emergency situation, and broadcasting said alert message through
said selected broadcasting station to presentation devices of said
respective target group located in respective said distribution
area.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at least one
update relating to a current status of the emergency situation and
broadcasting, in response, a plurality of updated messages to said
at least one target groups through their respective broadcast
channels, using a common communication network, wherein each
updated message is designated to a different said target group and
comprises information relating to said current status and to said
respective target group.
4. A system of managing distribution of alert messages to a
plurality of presentation devices, said system comprising: a
distribution managing unit, which receives an alert distribution
request from at least one alerting source, indicative of an
emergency situation, selects at least one broadcast channel out of
a plurality of broadcast channels each designated for communication
with at least one target group of presentation devices, according
to said emergency situation; a broadcasting unit, which enables
broadcasting an alert message, corresponding to said emergency
situation, to said target group through said selected broadcast
channel, to allow each respective presentation device of said
target group to present said alert message; and a plurality of
receiving modules, each installed in each said presentation device
and receives alert messages through one of said plurality of
broadcast channels which is associated with the target group of a
respective said presentation device.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said broadcasting unit selects at
least one broadcasting station having a distribution area
corresponding to an area of the emergency situation, each said
selected broadcasting station broadcasts said alert message over
said selected broadcast channel to presentation devices of a
respective said target group located in said emergency situation
area.
6. The system of claim 4, further comprising a channels database
comprising a list of broadcast channels, each broadcast channel is
associated with at least one emergency situation characteristic,
wherein said distribution managing unit selects at least one
broadcast channel in said list that is associated with a
characteristic that corresponds to said indicated emergency
situation.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit
identifies at least one subgroup of said target group out of a
plurality of subgroups associated therewith, according to said
emergency situation, said broadcasting unit enables broadcasting an
indication of said identified subgroup, wherein each receiving
module of said target group receives said subgroup indication and
outputs said alert message when its respective presentation device
belongs to said indicated subgroup.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit
encrypts each alert message according to predefined encrypting
associated with each said selected broadcast channel, and wherein
said plurality of receiving modules of each respective said target
group decrypt said encrypted alert message upon receiving thereof,
by using a decryption method corresponding to the encryption
associated with the respective broadcast channel.
9. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit
creates a plurality of alert messages corresponding to the same
emergency situation, and selects a different broadcast channel for
broadcasting each of said plurality of alert messages, said
broadcasting unit enables broadcasting each of said plurality of
alert messages to each said target group through its respective
broadcast channel.
10. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one of said plurality
of receiving modules converts each received text alert message into
a voice alert message for outputting a voice message through its
respective presentation device.
11. The system of claim 4, wherein each said alert message is a
SMS-CB message broadcasted through cellular said selected broadcast
channels to target groups of mobile devices.
12. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit
enables receiving response messages from a plurality of said
presentation devices of each said respective target group,
indicative of receiving said alert message, identifying a
broadcasting failure in relation to each respective target group
according to the number of received response messages, and
executing a backing process upon identification of said
broadcasting failure.
13. The system of claim 4, wherein said distribution managing unit
enables executing an automatic multistage process for supporting a
respective said emergency situation, by selecting at least one
broadcast channel and broadcasting at least one alert message
through said at least one channel, in each stage of said process,
in an area corresponding to said emergency situation area and to
said respective stage, allowing at least one respective said target
group to receive said respective alert message at every stage, each
said respective alert message is associated with said stage.
14. A receiving module which is installed and operated by a
presentation device associated with at least one target group, said
receiving module receives broadcasted alert messages, each
indicative of an emergency situation, via a broadcast channel
designated to said at least one target group, said receiving module
outputs each said received alert message through a presentation
unit of said presentation device.
15. The receiving module of claim 14, comprising a presentation
module which presents a content of each received said alert message
according to at least one characteristic of its respective
emergency situation, said characteristic is indicated in said
received alert message.
16. A method of instructing a plurality of users in an emergency
situation, using a plurality of presentation devices enabling to
receive data over a common communication network, said method
comprising: identifying a current status of an emergency situation;
and instructing a plurality of target groups, according to said
current status of said emergency situation, by broadcasting a
plurality of messages, each designated to a different target group
and broadcasted over a different broadcast channel designated for
communication with presentation devices of a respective said target
group, each of said plurality of messages includes instructions for
a respective said target group, wherein said instructing of said
plurality of target groups is a multistage process in which said
instructing of said target groups is carried out whenever a new
current status is identified.
Description
[0001] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to systems and methods of managing distribution of alerts and
particularly to group based distribution of alert messages.
[0003] Alert systems are commonly used in many organizations and
facilities and usually involve detection of an alerting situation
and reporting the situation to one or more authorized
destinations.
[0004] Many commercial alarm systems use sensors to detect
emergencies such as burglary, leakages of chemicals, or fire and
transmit the sensors data to a designated emergency center upon.
The center, in turn, transmits messages or calls one or more
predefined people to report the emergency situation. Other systems
allow people using communication devices to report an emergency
situation to an emergency center by calling the emergency center.
The center then allows disseminating an alert to designated
destinations such as the owner of the facility where the emergency
situation occurs. In many cases the designated person cannot
respond or react to the emergency situation since the designated
person is too far from the location of interest or for other
reasons. In this case the person himself is required to contact the
police, the fire department, and the like, to ask them to handle
the situation.
[0005] Other alert systems verify the emergency situation and
initiate communication with the authority related to the situation
such as the fire department or the police, upon verification of the
emergency situation. The communication in some systems is
automatic, where the system automatically transmits a message to
the police or the fire department and in other systems a human
operator calls these authorities.
[0006] System such as the commercial mobile alert system (CMAS) or
the AMBER alert system allow transmitting text messages through
emails or short messaging services (SMS) messages to a plurality of
destinations such as police departments and other authorized
registered destinations to notify an alert. These systems enable
transmission of alert messages on a large scale to a large
population in counties, organization departments and the like to
allow as many people or organizations that are registered to assist
in solving the emergency situation. For example, the AMBER system
for searching of missing children transmits messages to as many
people and organizations possible in the designated country or
county where the child was last seen to allow as many people as
possible to assist in searching for that child.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a method of managing distribution of alert
messages to a plurality of presentation devices. The method may
comprise receiving an alert distribution request from at least one
alerting source, where the alert distribution request is indicative
of an emergency situation; selecting at least one broadcast channel
out of a plurality of broadcast channels according to the emergency
situation, wherein each broadcast channel is designated for
communication with at least one target group of presentation
devices; and broadcasting an alert message, which corresponds to
the emergency situation, to at least one respective target group
over the selected at least one broadcast channel, to allow each
respective presentation device of the target group to present the
alert message.
[0008] Optionally, the method further comprises selecting at least
one broadcasting station out of a plurality of broadcasting
stations having a distribution area that corresponds to an area of
the emergency situation, and broadcasting the alert message through
the selected broadcasting station to presentation devices of the
respective target group located in the respective distribution
area.
[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the method further comprises
receiving at least one update relating to a current status of the
emergency situation and broadcasting, in response, a plurality of
updated messages to the plurality of target groups through their
respective broadcast channels, using a common communication
network, wherein each updated message is designated to a different
said target group and comprises information relating to the current
status and to the respective target group.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a system of managing distribution of alert
messages to a plurality of presentation devices. The system may
comprise a distribution managing unit, which receives an alert
distribution request from at least one alerting source, indicative
of an emergency situation, selects at least one broadcast channel
out of a plurality of broadcast channels each designated for
communication with at least one target group of presentation
devices, according to the emergency situation; a broadcasting unit,
which enables broadcasting an alert message, corresponding to the
emergency situation, to the target group through said selected
broadcast channel, to allow each respective presentation device of
the target group to present the alert message; and a plurality of
receiving modules, each installed in each said presentation device
and receives alert messages through one of the plurality of
broadcast channels which is associated with the target group of a
respective presentation device.
[0011] Optionally, the broadcasting unit selects at least one
broadcasting station having a distribution area corresponding to an
area of the emergency situation, each selected broadcasting station
broadcasts said alert message over said selected broadcast channel
to presentation devices of a respective target group located in the
emergency situation area.
[0012] The system may further comprise a channels database
comprising a list of broadcast channels, each broadcast channel is
associated with at least one emergency situation characteristic,
wherein the distribution managing unit selects at least one
broadcast channel in the list that is associated with a
characteristic that corresponds to the indicated emergency
situation.
[0013] Optionally, the distribution managing unit identifies at
least one subgroup of the target group out of a plurality of
subgroups associated therewith, according to the emergency
situation, where the broadcasting unit enables broadcasting an
indication of the identified subgroup, wherein each receiving
module of the target group receives the subgroup indication and
outputs the alert message when its respective presentation device
belongs to the indicated subgroup.
[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the distribution managing
unit encrypts each alert message according to predefined encrypting
associated with each selected broadcast channel, wherein the
plurality of receiving modules of each respective target group
decrypt the encrypted alert message upon receiving thereof, by
using a decryption method corresponding to the encryption
associated with the respective broadcast channel.
[0015] Optionally, the distribution managing unit creates a
plurality of alert messages corresponding to the same emergency
situation, and selects a different broadcast channel for
broadcasting each of the plurality of alert messages, where the
broadcasting unit enables broadcasting each of the plurality of
alert messages to each target group through its respective
broadcast channel.
[0016] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality
of receiving modules converts each received text alert message into
a voice alert message for outputting a voice message through its
respective presentation device.
[0017] Optionally, each alert message is a SMS-CB message
broadcasted through cellular said selected broadcast channels to
target groups of mobile devices.
[0018] Optionally, the distribution managing unit enables receiving
response messages from the plurality of presentation devices of
each respective target group, indicative of receiving the alert
message, identifying a broadcasting failure in relation to each
respective target group according to the number of received
response messages, and executing a backing process upon
identification of such broadcasting failure.
[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the distribution managing
unit enables executing an automatic multistage process for
supporting a respective emergency situation, by selecting at least
one broadcast channel and broadcasting at least one alert message
through the at least one channel, in each stage of the process, in
an area corresponding to the emergency situation area and to the
respective stage, allowing at least one respective target group to
receive the respective alert message at every stage, each
respective alert message is associated with the stage.
[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a receiving module which is installed and
operated by a presentation device associated with at least one
target group, where the receiving module receives broadcasted alert
messages, each indicative of an emergency situation, via a
broadcast channel designated to the at least one target group, and
where the receiving module outputs each received alert message
through a presentation unit of the presentation device.
[0021] Optionally, the receiving module comprises a presentation
module which presents a content of each received alert message
according to at least one characteristic of its respective
emergency situation, where the characteristic is indicated in the
received alert message.
[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a method of instructing a plurality of users in
an emergency situation, using a plurality of presentation devices
enabling to receive data over a common communication network. The
method may comprise identifying a current status of an emergency
situation; and instructing a plurality of target groups, according
to the current status of the emergency situation, by broadcasting a
plurality of messages, each designated to a different target group
and broadcasted over a different broadcast channel designated for
communication with presentation devices of a respective target
group, where each of the plurality of messages includes
instructions for a respective target group, and where the
instructing of the plurality of target groups is a multistage
process in which instructing of the target groups is carried out
whenever a new current status is identified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0024] In the drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a
system of managing distribution of alert messages to designated
target groups, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a
distribution managing unit of a system of managing distribution of
alert messages to designated target groups, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a receiving module for
receiving alert messages through a designated broadcast channel,
according to some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a process of managing
distribution of a plurality of alert messages corresponding to an
emergency situation to different target groups, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to systems and methods of managing distribution of alert
messages.
[0030] The systems and methods enable distributing alert messages
to target groups of presentation devices such as mobile
communication device, electronic screens such as electronic
billboards, computer systems, and the like, when an emergency
situation (ES) is detected. The distributing is performed via
broadcast channels selected according to a match with the
characteristics of the ES. The broadcast channel is selected from a
set of broadcast channels each designated for communicating with a
certain target group of presentation devices. Upon selecting the
broadcast channels, alert messages are broadcasted to the target
groups associated therewith through the selected broadcast
channels. In such a manner, target groups, which receive the alert
messages, are the groups who should operate in response to the
detection of the respective ES.
[0031] Broadcasting alert messages to associated target groups
through designated broadcast channels allow securing
confidentiality of distribution as well as avoiding traffic of
other broadcast channels. In this way, the alert messages are
distributed in an efficient and secure manner.
[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention there
is provided a distribution process in which requests for
distributing alerts or notification of an ES are broadcasted by one
or more alerting sources designated client terminals, for example
mobile devices, such as tablets, laptops and cellular phones and/or
automotive alarm and/or monitoring systems, for example stationary
sensors and/or data monitoring units. The alert distribution
request may include one or more characteristics of the ES such as
the type of the ES, the area in which it takes place, a security
level associated with the ES and/or the like. Each received alert
distribution request triggers the distribution of a corresponding
alert message. The distribution is performed via selected broadcast
channels which are designated for one or more target groups of
presentation devices. The alert message is then broadcasted and
intercepted by respective target groups.
[0033] A broadcast channel may be a communication link at any
frequency or frequency range for broadcasting data.
[0034] The systems and methods allow distribution of an alert
message corresponding to an ES to a plurality of target groups by
using the plurality of channels associated therewith. This allows
notifying the groups in an optimal time span, since each target
group uses a different traffic-free broadcast channel.
[0035] The systems and methods may allow consecutive broadcasting
of the alert message channel-after-channel or simultaneously to all
selected broadcast channels, if technically possible.
[0036] Each alert message may be broadcasted through one or more
types of broadcasting stations using one or more broadcasting
technologies and networks such as over one or more wireless
communication networks, Cable TV networks, radio transmission
networks, and the like. For example, Cellular broadcasting (CB)
short messages services (SMS) (SMS-CB) may be used for distributing
SMS-CB alert messages to designated target groups of mobile devices
such as cellular phones, personal digital assistance (PDA) devices,
and the like. These messages may be transmitted via cellular
broadcasting stations located in specific distribution areas.
[0037] A cellular broadcasting station may be any wireless
communication facility including one or more cellular antennas
enabling to broadcast data through one or more cellular broadcast
channels. The distribution area of each broadcasting station is
determined according to location and transmission and interception
area coverage of each cellular antenna of the broadcast
channel.
[0038] The broadcasting stations may be selected according to the
ES area by identifying broadcasting stations having distribution
areas that correspond to the location of the ES. These broadcasting
stations broadcast the alert messages over the predefined broadcast
channels in the corresponding distribution area. Each broadcasting
satiation may include a set of broadcast channels for broadcasting
data that is not related to alert messages such as phone calls and
other messages traffic and the like, and a second set of broadcast
channels exclusively designated for broadcasting alert messages.
This allows using existing broadcasting stations of broadcasting
operators such as cellular operators, for broadcasting alert
messages in a secured manner. Since each broadcasting station
enables broadcasting the received alert messages in its
distribution area, presentation devices of each selected target
group that are located in the vicinity of the ES area receive and
display alert messages corresponding thereto. In this way the
systems and methods provide location based notification of target
groups.
[0039] Each presentation device may include a receiving module
installed therein. The receiving module may be an application
and/or a device enabling to receive data from a designated
broadcast channel corresponding to the target group to which the
presentation device is associated with.
[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
receiving module enables its respective presentation device, such
as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistance (PDA) device, an
electronic screen set, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), and the
like, to present each received alert message using the presentation
device visual and/or audio presentation abilities and devices such
as speakers, screens, earphones and the like, for displaying and/or
voicing each received alert message.
[0041] The systems and methods do not require databases of specific
users indicating communication details of each presentation device
such as phone number, and the like since they allow automatically
broadcasting the alert message through the selected designated
broadcast channels to the presentation devices of the respective
target groups. This allows saving time and simplifies the
processing required for identifying suitable destinations for
receiving the alert message.
[0042] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings and/or the examples. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0043] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a block diagram
schematically illustrating a system 1000 of managing distribution
of alert messages to designated target groups, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The system 1000 includes a
distribution managing unit 100 which receives alert distribution
requests from one or more alerting sources and creates alert
distribution requests each corresponding to a respective alert
distribution request. Upon receiving an alert distribution request,
the distribution managing unit 100 selects one or more broadcast
channels out of a set of broadcast channels for distributing the
alert message therethrough. Each of the broadcast channels is
designated for communication with a certain group of presentation
devices. For brevity, such a group may be referred to herein as a
target group. The broadcasting channel is optionally at a frequency
or a frequency range which is allocated for transmission to
presentation devices of a certain target group. A presentation
device may be any device enabling receiving alert messages and
presenting them to users, for example a mobile phone, a laptop, a
personal computer (PC), a tablet, a screen, a speaker system with a
receiver, and/or the like. The message may include an alerting
content which is encoded in various formats such as text, voice,
and/or video.
[0044] The distribution managing unit 100 may receive alert
distribution requests from one or more sensors units 500. Each
alert distribution request indicates one or more characteristics of
an ES such as an ES type, an area, a hyperlink to a file or a
website indicating the type and area of the ES, a security level,
and/or the like. The sensor unit 500 includes one or more sensors
such as thermometers, optical volume sensors, smoke detectors, and
the like, located in a predefined monitored area, monitoring the
area for identification of an ES. Each sensor monitors changes in
one or more conditions such as temperature, volume changes, flow
changes of a liquid and the like. The sensors unit 500 may include
a processor enabling to analyze data received from each of its
sensors to identify an ES. For example, the sensors unit 500 can
identify an ES by identifying deviation from predefined normal
values or value ranges of one or more of the sensed parameters.
[0045] For example, the sensors unit 500 includes fire detectors,
such as thermometers and smoke detectors that detect fire in the
monitored area. In another case, the sensors unit 500 is connected
to an earthquake detecting system, a Tsunami Warning System (TWS)
and the like. Once the sensors unit 500 detects an ES, it may
automatically initiate distribution of a corresponding alert
message by automatically transmitting an alert distribution request
to the distribution managing unit 100. The alert distribution
request may be transmitted through any predefined one or more
communication networks such as through the internet 91a, a wireless
communication network, and the like. The alert distribution request
may include information indicative of the characteristic of the
detected ES such as the sensors data, the ES type, the ES area, the
security level, and the like.
[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the alerting source is a
client terminal 600 such as a computer, a laptop, a handheld device
such as a cellular phone or a PDA and the like. Once a user
identifies an ES, the user manually initiates distribution of an
alert message by, for example, entering a graphical user interface
(GUI) 610 from a designated website supported by the distribution
managing unit 100. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, the GUI 610 allows the user to insert and define the
content of the alert message, the area in which the ES takes place,
and other parameters such as the urgency level of the situation,
the security level associated with the area and/or the ES and the
like. The user may transmit the alert distribution request through
the GUI 610 using an internet communication network 91b or any
other communication technology known in the art such as wireless
communication technology.
[0047] The GUI 610 may include predefined input fields for allowing
the user to input content of the alert message, to input one or
more characteristics of the ES such as a security level associated
with the ES, a type of the ES, the time passed from the beginning
of the situation, and/or the like.
[0048] The alert distribution request may be formed once the user
has filled all input fields and confirmed transmission of an alert
distribution request. The input data may then be formatted by a web
application supported by the distribution managing unit 100,
forming HTTP headers including all inputted information. The
headers are transmitted to the distribution managing unit 100
through the internet 91b.
[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
system 1000 additionally includes a geographical information system
(GIS) 140, which allows retrieval of maps upon transmission of a
location indication thereto, as known in the art. The GUI 610 may
allow automatically transmitting a map retrieval request to the GIS
140 upon receiving user input of the ES area, or alternatively upon
identifying the client location by, for example, identifying the
client 600 internet protocol (IP) address, phone number, and the
like. The retrieved map is presented to the user and allows the
user to graphically define the precise location of the ES.
[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each
predefined broadcast channel may be associated with one
characteristic of ES such as the ES type, allowing selecting the
suitable broadcast channels and therefore the suitable target group
upon identifying or concluding this characteristic. The
characteristic may be indicated in the received alert distribution
request and/or concluded from data thereof. For example, the type
of ES may be concluded from the sensors data of a fire detection
sensor unit indicating parameters values such as temperature,
detection of smoke, and the like. These values enable the
distribution managing unit 100 to identify a fire ES type. In a
case of fire detection, two broadcast channels may be selected each
associated with a different target group, a first broadcast channel
associated with presentation devices such as screens located in a
fire department and a second broadcast channel associated with
mobile devices of paramedics and ambulatory services.
[0051] The distribution managing unit 100 creates an alert message
such as a text or a voice alert message corresponding to the ES
indicated in the alert distribution request. The alert message
includes, for example, the ES type, area, and additional
information such as security level relating to the ES area and/or
ES.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system additionally includes a
broadcasting unit 200 which receives each created alert message,
the ES area associated therewith and an indication of the selected
broadcast channels from the distribution managing unit 100. The
broadcasting unit 200 includes a database 210 consisting of a list
of broadcasting stations and details such as their communication
details for transmitting data, their distribution areas and the
like. The broadcasting unit 200 then selects one or more
broadcasting stations from the database 210, of one or more
broadcasting networks such as broadcasting stations 20a and 20b,
which may be, for example cellular broadcasting systems (CBSs),
using SMS-CB messaging. The broadcasting stations are selected
according to their distribution area in relation to the indicated
ES area and optionally also according to designated channels they
can deliver alert messages through. In a case in which not all
broadcasting stations enable broadcasting from all predefined
designated broadcast channels, the database 210 additionally
includes the respective designated broadcast channels associated
with each broadcasting station in the list. According to some
embodiments of the present invention, each broadcasting station may
have a designated transmitter device installed therein to allow
broadcasting alert messages over one or more of the predefined
designated broadcast channels.
[0053] For example, a first broadcasting station 20a enables
broadcasting alert messages through a first and a second broadcast
channel 80a and 80b in a distribution area. In this exemplary case,
the system 1000 enables broadcasting alert messages through three
designated broadcast channels 80a-80c. A second broadcasting
station 20b enables broadcasting alert message in the same
distribution area, through all three designated broadcast channels.
In one ES case, the distribution managing unit 100 selects the
third broadcast channel 80c for broadcasting the alert message to a
target group associated therewith in an ES area corresponding to
the distribution area of the first and second broadcasting
stations. In this case, the broadcasting unit 200 selects only the
second broadcasting station 20b for broadcasting the alert message
to presentation devices in the ES area of a target group associated
with the third designated broadcast channel 80c.
[0054] The broadcasting unit 200 may allow transmitting the alert
message and additional data including, for example, an indication
of the selected broadcast channels to the broadcasting stations 20a
and 20b through one or more communication networks of one or more
types such as a cellular communication network, the internet, and
the like. For example, the broadcasting unit 200 may transmit
SMS-CB messages, each including the alert message and indication of
the selected broadcast channels to each selected cellular
broadcasting station through a cellular communication network. In
other cases, the data may be transmitted to each broadcasting
station over the internet using extensible markup language (XML)
based data protocols, where each broadcasting station broadcasts
the alert message through the selected broadcast channels. Upon
receiving the alert message and an indication of its respective one
or more selected broadcast channels, each broadcasting station such
as 20a and 20b may broadcast the alert message to the presentation
devices of the respective target groups that are located in their
distribution area over the selected broadcast channels. Since each
broadcasting station broadcasts alert messages in its distribution
area, presentation devices of the respective target groups that are
located in the distribution area of the selected broadcasting
stations will be able to receive and present the alert message. As
other broadcasting stations of distribution areas that do not
include or that are not in the vicinity of the ES area do not
receive the alert message, presentation devices of the respective
target group that are not located in the respective distribution
area do not receive and therefore cannot present the alert
message.
[0055] Each presentation device may allow receiving data only from
broadcasting stations of a communication network associated
therewith. For example, mobile devices subscribed to a specific
cellular communication network, receive SMS-CB alert messages only
from CB stations associated with the same network, and/or display
devices such as TV sets, receive alert messages only from a TV
network they are subscribed to.
[0056] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each
presentation device may operate a receiving module installed
therein. The receiving module may be a software and/or hardware
application enabling receiving alert messages from a single
designated broadcast channel corresponding to the target group of
it respective presentation device. The designated broadcast channel
through which the receiving module can receive alert messages is
one of the predefined designated broadcast channels.
[0057] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the system may enable
broadcasting alert messages through a total of three broadcast
channels 80a-80c, each associated with a different target group of
presentation devices. A first receiving module 50a installed in a
first mobile device 10a, which belongs to a first target group
receives SMS-CB alert messages through the first broadcast channel
80a enabling the first mobile device 10a to display each received
alert message over the mobile device 10a screen. A second receiving
module 50b installed in a second mobile device 10a, which belongs
to a second target group receives SMS-CB alert messages through the
second broadcast channel 80b enabling the second mobile device 10b
to display each received alert message over the second mobile
device 10b screen. A third receiving module 50c installed in a
third mobile device 10c, which belongs to a third target group
receives SMS-CB alert messages through the third broadcast channel
80c enabling the third mobile device 10c to display each received
alert message designated thereto over its screen.
[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each
broadcasting station allows automatically transmitting a
distribution feedback report to the broadcasting unit 200
indicating whether the alert message was broadcasted or not. For
example, each broadcasting station may be able to transmit SMS
messages to the distribution managing unit 100 or an IP based
messages such as email messages using WiFi communication. The
broadcasting unit 200 may initiate a backing process for allowing
the broadcasting unit 200 to re-broadcast the alert message through
the selected broadcast channels in case there was broadcasting
failure or locate other broadcasting stations of the same or nearby
distribution area for broadcasting the alert message
therethrough.
[0059] Additionally or alternatively, each receiving module allows
transmitting a response message to the broadcasting unit 200
indicating that the alert message was received thereby. The
receiving module may enable the user of the respective presentation
device to transmit a SMS message indicating each successful
receiving of each alert message. The response message may be an SMS
message designated to the distribution managing unit 100. The
distribution managing unit 100 may identify a broadcasting failure
in relation to each target group/broadcast channel in cases in
which a large number of presentation devices of the respective
target group did not transmit a response message if no other
communication problems are identified such a communication problem
in the network itself preventing the users from transmitting
response messages such as SMS messages. In these cases the
distribution managing unit 100 initiates a backing process in which
one or more other broadcast channels associated with other target
groups are selected to ensure the ES is informed and handled.
[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each
alert message and additional data such as the selected broadcast
channels and/or the ES area may be encrypted by the distribution
managing unit 100 before it is transmitted to the broadcasting unit
200. The encryption may be carried out in relation to each selected
broadcast channel, where each broadcast channel may be associated
with a different encryption. Each receiving module of each
presentation device of each target group may allow decrypting an
encrypted alert message designated thereto. This allows securing
the broadcasting data even further.
[0061] For example, in cases in which an alert message is
broadcasted as a SMS-CB message through CBSs broadcast stations,
the distribution managing unit 100 may transmit an encrypted SMS-CB
message including the alert message content, the ES area and an
indication of a selected broadcast channel to the broadcasting unit
200. The broadcasting unit 200 allows the selected broadcasting
stations to broadcast this data as an encrypted SMS-CB message to
mobile devices in the ES area of the respective target group. The
alert message is encrypted according to encryption definitions
associated with the selected broadcast channel. Each receiving
module of each mobile device of the respective target group in the
ES area then decrypts the encrypted SMS-CB message it receives,
using a decrypting application or program included in the receiving
module and associated therewith, to allow displaying the alert
message. The decrypting application or program is related to the
encryption of the specific broadcast channel from which the
respective receiving module can receive alert messages.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which schematically
illustrates the distribution managing unit 100, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The distribution managing
unit 100 includes an alert receiving interface 110, which receives
alert distribution requests from the alerting sources such as from
the sensors unit 500 and/or the client 600. The alert receiving
interface 110 manages receiving and/or retrieving alert
distribution requests from different sources, different request
format types and different retrieval and/ receiving processes.
[0063] For example, the sensors unit 500 may transmit a retrieval
request, such as a Syslog request for retrieval of an alert
distribution request to a remote server such as a file transfer
protocol (FTP) based server, associated with the sensors unit 500.
The FTP server retrieves the alert distribution request from the
sensor unit 500 which is in a format of an FTP header and returns a
corresponding alert distribution request in XML based format, which
is then retrieved by the alert receiving interface 110. This
retrieval process allows securing the information of the alert
distribution request and may be used in systems and areas where
high information security is required.
[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the alert distribution
request may be formatted and transmitted to the alert receiving
interface 110 directly as an XML based request.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution managing unit 100
additionally includes a processing module 120 operatively
associated with the alert receiving interface 110 and with a
channels databases 121. The processing module 120 receives
information such as the ES type, ES area, and the like, indicated
in the alert distribution request, from the alert receiving
interface 110 and creates an alert message corresponding to this
information. For example, if the alert distribution request was
inputted by the user, the processing module 120 uses the inputted
content, area associated with the ES type, and the like, to create
an alert message including the inputted content and indication of
the area and the ES type. If the alert distribution request was
received from a sensors unit 500, for example, the processing
module 120 indicates all parameters such as sensors data, ES area,
ES type, and the like. The ES area may be identified by the
processing module 120 upon receiving an identification code of the
sensors unit 500 in cases in which the sensors unit 500 is
associated with a single known monitored area. For example, a TWS
alerting source that can transmit coordinates of a detected
earthquake spot in an oceanic area as well as estimated areas that
can be influenced by a consequential tsunami. The coordinates
and/or areas that can be influenced may be indicated in the data of
the alert distribution request.
[0066] The channels database 121 may include a list of broadcast
channels each associated with one or more ES characteristics such
as with an ES types. Since each broadcast channel enables
communication with one or more target groups of presentation
devices, upon selecting the broadcast channels that are associated
with an ES type, the corresponding designated target groups are
automatically defined.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution managing unit 100
additionally includes a transmission module 130, which receives the
content of the alert message and an indication of each selected
broadcast channel and optionally the ES area, from the processing
module 120. The transmission module 130 then transmits the received
information to the broadcasting unit 200, according to data
transmission definitions of the broadcasting unit 200, in cases in
which the broadcasting unit 200 is operated by a remote server.
[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the channels database 121
includes a list of predefined target groups each associated with
one or more designated broadcast channels and with one or more ES
characteristics such as with one or more ES types. For example, a
target group of a rescue team is associated with several ES types
such as a fire ES, a terrorist attack ES, a pollution ES, and the
like, and with a single broadcast channel, whereas a target group
of firefighters may be associated with a single fire ES type and a
single broadcast channel. This means that the processing module 120
identifies the suitable target groups for receiving the alert
message according to the ES type and then enables transmitting an
indication of the corresponding broadcast channels to the
broadcasting unit 200 using the list in the channels database
121.
[0069] Additionally or alternatively, each target group and/or
broadcast channel in the channels database 121 may be associated
with an indication of a different encryption method and/or program
for allowing encrypting alert messages designated for each target
group and/or each broadcast channel in a different manner. Each
receiving module of each target group enables decrypting received
alert messages according to a decryption method and/or program that
corresponds to the encrypting method associated with its respective
target group and/or to its designated broadcast channel.
[0070] Additionally or alternatively, each target group in the
channels database 121 may also be associated with a list of
subgroups. The processing module 120 may select one or more
subgroups of each selected target group to allow only the selected
subgroups to receive the alert message out of all possible
subgroups of the selected target group and/or for allowing
broadcasting different alert messages corresponding to the same ES
to different subgroups. An indication of each selected subgroup is
then transmitted by the transmission module 130 to the broadcasting
unit 200 along with the alert message, the ES area and an
indication of the associated broadcast channels. Each receiving
module allows identifying whether one of the indicated subgroups
matches the presentation device in which it is installed and only
output the alert message upon identifying a match. In this way, all
receiving modules of all presentation devices of the selected
broadcast channels receive the alert message but only presentation
devices of the indicated subgroups actually output the alert
message. This allows using a limited number of broadcast channels
while still allowing segmentation into smaller multiple
subgroups.
[0071] For example, a target group of a general target group of
policeman may be divided into associated subgroups of mobile
devices of police officers from different police departments such
as a traffic department, a narcotics department, a juvenile
department, and the like. Upon receiving an alert distribution
request indicating a specific ES relating to a car accident, for
instance, the processing module 120 selects the subgroup of the
traffic department, which uses the same broadcast channel as the
other departments. The processing module 120 then creates a
corresponding alert message and the transmission module 130
transmits the ES area, an indication of the selected broadcast
channel, the alert message and an indication of the traffic
department subgroup as a SMS-CB message to the broadcasting unit
200 which in turn identifies the broadcasting stations according to
the ES area and transmits the SMS-CB message to each identified
broadcasting station. Each identified broadcasting station then
broadcasts the SMS-CB message through the selected broadcast
channel thereby allowing mobile devices of the police target group
located in the ES area to receive the SMS-BC alert message. Each of
the receiving modules of each of the target groups' mobile devices
in the ES area then receives the SMS-CB message and displays the
alert message therein only if its associated mobile device belongs
to the traffic department subgroup. In this way only police
officers of the traffic department located in the vicinity of the
ES area can view or hear the alert message.
[0072] Additionally or alternatively, each broadcast channel,
target group and/or subgroup in the channels database 121 is
associated with one or more additional characteristics such as
security level, urgency level, and the like. Each alert
distribution request may include corresponding indications such as
indication of the ES security level, severity of the ES, and the
like. The processing module 120 may select broadcast channels,
target groups and/or subgroups according to one or more of the
indicated characteristics. For example, an alert distribution
request includes sensors data and other data indicating the ES
area, and an ES type of an earthquake of a specific level. In this
exemplary case, the processing module 120 concludes the severity of
the ES from the level of the earthquake and selects subgroups
associated with the ES type and severity such as rescue teams, and
medical assisting teams associated with earthquake ES types and the
corresponding ES severity. An alert message revealing the details
of the ES such as the ES type, location and earthquake level, is
created and broadcasted to the target groups associated with the
selected subgroups over the designated broadcast channels for
allowing displaying the alert message over presentation devices
associated with the respective subgroups.
[0073] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
system 1000 allows supporting the ES event in real time throughout
the event. The alert receiving interface 110 may receive in real
time updated information relating to the ES event, referred to
hereinafter as "the event" from various sources such as from users
of the presentation devices of the respective target groups, the
alerting sources, and/or any other external source. The information
may include the current severity of the ES, the current area of the
ES in cases in which the ES area changes over time such as
spreading of pollution and the like, the current status of handling
the situation such as indication regarding rescue teams that
already arrived at the scene, and the like. The system 1000 may be
updated every predefined time interval and/or according to the
activity in the area. For example, in a case of a fire event, the
sensors unit 500 may update when the rescue and firefighting teams
have arrived and when the fire was extinguished.
[0074] With each update the processing module 120 may create one or
more updated message each message designated to a different target
group out of the selected target groups and broadcasted through the
groups' respective broadcast channels. Each message may include
instructions for the target group for handling the event according
to the current status thereof and/or report of the current status
of the ES event.
[0075] For example, in a case of a fire ES in a facility, where two
target groups are notified a fire department and a medical rescue
team, the fire department group may receive indication of the
current injuries evacuation status and instruction for handling the
fire according to the current severity of the fire and the location
and/or situation of the injuries. Respectively, the medical rescue
team group may receive indication of the current status of the fire
and instruction regarding rescuing the people located in the
facility. This process may allow the distribution managing unit 100
to support the entire event by allowing users of presentation
devices of the relevant target groups and/or subgroups to be aware
of the situation in real time and along time in relation to their
current location and target group.
[0076] The processing module 120 may receive continuous real time
updates regarding the event including information indicating the
current status of the ES. The processing module 120 may enable
deciding whether a new updated message is required or not according
to the information received. For example, if the received
information reveals no change in the status of the ES or a change
in the situation that is not sufficiently significant, the
processing module 120 may not create and allow broadcasting another
alert message until a significant change is identified.
Alternatively, the processing module 120 may allow resending the
same message through the same broadcast channels to the same target
groups and/or subgroups repeatedly until a significant change is
identified. Upon identifying a significant change in the ES, a
second alert message may be created and broadcasted notifying the
newly identified status of the event in real time. This process
allows instructing users of presentation devices of respective
target groups, in real time, using their respective broadcast
channels. This process may be a multistage process in which the
target groups receive instructions in relation to the current
status of the ES whenever a change in the ES is detected. For
example, the supporting process may include stages such as
broadcasting a first alert message in a first distribution area
corresponding to the ES area to all channels of target groups of
all rescue teams. Then after a predefined time interval,
broadcasting a second alert message to specific target groups or
subgroups of rescue teams in a corresponding second distribution
area that is larger than the first distribution area both including
the ES area therein. After a second time interval, a third alert
message may be broadcasted to another specific target group in the
second distribution area and so forth. The system may include a
backup automatic process which will be executed if no updates are
received regarding the ES event. In case updates are received and a
significant change in the ES is identified, the preset process may
be adapted accordingly or terminated.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which schematically
illustrates a receiving module 50 enabling to receive SMS-CB
messages data over a designated broadcast channel, and installed in
a mobile device associated with a specific subgroup of a target
group and a specific security level. The receiving module 50
includes a designated channel receiver 51, which may be a device
enabling to receive SMS-CB messages over the designated broadcast
channel or an application enabling the mobile device to receive
those messages over the designated broadcast channel. The receiving
module 50 additionally includes an analyzer 52 which analyzes each
received SMS-CB message. For example, the analyzer may analyze a
subgroup indicated in the SMS-CB message to determine whether the
indicated subgroup matches its respective mobile device subgroup.
The receiving module 50 additionally includes a presentation module
53 for allowing outputting alert messages through the mobile device
such as displaying and/or voicing received alert messages. The
presentation module 53 may only output the alert message included
in the SMS-CB message, if the indicated subgroup matches the mobile
device's subgroup.
[0078] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
presentation module 53 allows defining the graphical and/or audio
display features according to ES characteristics indicated in the
SMS-CB message. For example, if the ES is of a high severity and/or
urgency level, the presentation module 53 displays a text alert
message over the mobile device's screen and accompanies the text
display with an alarm audio sound and/or visual effects such as
flickering of the text and the like.
[0079] The receiving module 50 may optionally include a
text-to-speech conversion module 54 enabling to receive text alert
messages and convert them into voice messages to allow the mobile
device to play the voice message through audio means thereof such
as speakers, earphones and the like. The text-to-speech conversion
module 54 may be useful for users of presentation devices that
prefer receiving voice messages due to eyesight deficiencies or any
other reason and/or in cases in which the presentation device is
only capable of outputting audio messages such as speakers systems,
radio sets and the like.
[0080] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which schematically
illustrates a process of managing distribution of a plurality of
alert messages corresponding to the same ES to different target
groups, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An
alert distribution request is received 31 from an alerting source
such as from a sensors unit including information relating to a
detected ES such as the ES area, type, security level and the like.
Target groups corresponding to the ES type are then identified 32
and their respective broadcast channels 33. Each identified target
group may be associated with a different security level, where only
one or some of the identified target groups have a security level
corresponding to the indicated one. In this case a first alert
message may be created designated to the target groups that do not
have the appropriate security level and a second alert message may
be created designated to the target groups associated with a
corresponding security level 34. The first alert message may
indicate the ES type and area only and the second alert message may
indicate all other confidential details of the ES such as sensors
data, suspected causes for the ES and the like. The confidential
data may be indicated in the alert distribution request.
Broadcasting stations for broadcasting the alert messages may then
be selected 35 according to the ES. An indication of each selected
broadcast channel and each respective alert message are then
transmitted to the selected broadcasting stations 36. The selected
broadcasting stations may then broadcast each alert message through
its respective broadcast channels to the target groups 37. for
example, the first alert message designated to target groups of
mobile devices having a low security level may be broadcasted
through a first set of broadcast channels associated with those
target groups and the second alert message may broadcasted through
a second set of broadcast channels designated to the target group
or groups that have a high security level. Each presentation device
of each of the identified target groups located in the vicinity of
the ES area then receives and displays the alert message associated
with the security level of the target group to which it belongs,
using the receiving module 38.
[0081] This process allows notifying target groups that do not need
to be notified regarding classified details of the ES but still
need to be notified regarding the ES itself while notifying those
of an appropriate security level regarding classified details they
need to be aware of. For example, in case of a terrorist attack ES,
security forces groups may receive a first alert message including
classified details such as the manner in which the attack was
performed, the amount of detected explosives and the like. A second
alert message, designated to medical and other rescue teams only
indicate that there was a terrorist attack and its location. In
this way rescue teams that should reach the ES area can still be
notified without having to disclose details that are irrelevant to
those teams and are sensitive security wise.
[0082] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant systems and methods will be
developed and the scope of the term a module, a communication
device, a presentation device, a network, a link, broadcasting and
a broadcast channel is intended to include all such new
technologies a priori.
[0083] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to". This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0084] The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or
steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not
materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed
composition or method.
[0085] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound", "one or more
compounds", or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of
compounds, including mixtures thereof.
[0086] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the
incorporation of features from other embodiments.
[0087] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in
some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any
particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of
"optional" features unless such features conflict.
[0088] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0089] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0090] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0091] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0092] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
* * * * *