U.S. patent application number 16/530245 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for notifying entities of relevant events.
The applicant listed for this patent is Banjo, Inc.. Invention is credited to Corey Hart, KW Justin Leung, Rish Mehta, Damien Patton.
Application Number | 20200387560 16/530245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005037919 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200387560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patton; Damien ; et
al. |
December 10, 2020 |
NOTIFYING ENTITIES OF RELEVANT EVENTS
Abstract
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer
program products for notifying entities of relevant events. An
event feed containing a plurality of events is received. Each event
includes an event location, an event category, an event an event
truthfulness, an event severity, and an event time. Entity
notification preferences defining events relevant to an entity are
accessed. Location and distance preferences collectively define an
interest in events within a specified distance of one or more
locations. The time preferences define that event notification
occur at least within a specified time period of event detection.
For an event in the event feed, characteristics of the event are
compared to the entity notification preferences. It is determined
that the event satisfies the entity notification preferences based
on the comparisons. The entity (or another entity) is notified of
the event in compliance with the time preferences.
Inventors: |
Patton; Damien; (Park City,
UT) ; Leung; KW Justin; (Redwood City, CA) ;
Mehta; Rish; (Redwood City, CA) ; Hart; Corey;
(Redwood City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Banjo, Inc. |
Park City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005037919 |
Appl. No.: |
16/530245 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16353212 |
Mar 14, 2019 |
10423688 |
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16530245 |
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62657695 |
Apr 13, 2018 |
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62657705 |
Apr 13, 2018 |
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62660934 |
Apr 20, 2018 |
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62660924 |
Apr 20, 2018 |
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62660929 |
Apr 20, 2018 |
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62664001 |
Apr 27, 2018 |
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62667616 |
May 7, 2018 |
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62669540 |
May 10, 2018 |
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62686791 |
Jun 19, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/9535
20190101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 16/9535 20060101
G06F016/9535 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method comprising: receiving an event from an event feed
containing a plurality of events, the event being detected from a
Time, Location, Context (TLC) normalized signal derived by
dimensionally reducing one or more raw signals; accessing a
plurality of entity event preferences, including at least a
truthfulness threshold preference corresponding to a truthfulness
value of the event that at least approximates an inherent
reliability of the one or more raw signals corresponding to the TLC
normalized signal; comparing characteristics of the event to the
plurality of entity event preferences, including at least comparing
the truthfulness threshold preference to the truthfulness value;
determining, based on the comparisons, that the event satisfies
each of the entity event preferences, including determining that
the truthfulness value at least meets the truthfulness threshold
preference; based on determining that the event satisfies each of
the entity event preferences, notifying an electronic device of the
event.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein accessing a plurality of entity
event preferences comprises accessing a time preference.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein accessing the time preferences
comprises accessing define an entity's desire to be notified of
events in real time or of events that occurred within a specific
amount of time prior to a present time.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein accessing an entity's desire to
be notified of events that occurred within the specific amount of
time prior to the present time comprises accessing an entity's
desire to be notified of events that occurred between 1 minute and
60 minutes prior to the present time.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: accessing location
data corresponding to the entity; determining a current location of
the entity from the location data; and wherein comparing
characteristics of the event to the plurality of the entity event
preferences comprises comparing an event location to the current
location of the entity.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein notifying the electronic device
comprises notifying another entity.
8. The method of claim 2, further comprising: accessing location
data corresponding to the entity; determining a probable future
location of the entity from the location data; and wherein
comparing characteristic of the event to the plurality of entity
event preferences comprises comparing an event location to the
probable future location of the entity.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein notifying the electronic device
comprises notifying another entity.
10. The method of claim 2, further comprising: comparing
characteristics of the event to characteristics of a plurality
prior events; identifying sufficient similarity between the event
and one or more prior events from the plurality of prior events;
predicting an impact of the event based on impacts associated with
the one or more prior events; creating a second notification
indicative of the predicted impacts; and sending the second
notification to the electronic device.
11. The computer system of claim 2, wherein comparing
characteristics of the event to the plurality of entity event
preferences comprises comparing the truthfulness value of the TLC
normalized signal to the entity event preferences.
12. A computer system comprising: a processor; system memory
coupled to the processor and storing instructions configured to
cause the processor to: receive an event from an event feed
containing a plurality of events, the event being detected from a
Time, Location, Context (TLC) normalized signal derived by
dimensionally reducing one or more raw signals; access a plurality
of entity event preferences, including at least a truthfulness
threshold preference corresponding to a truthfulness value that at
least approximates an inherent reliability of the one or more raw
signals corresponding to the TLC normalized signal; compare
characteristics of the event to the plurality of entity event
preferences, including at least comparing the truthfulness
threshold preference to the truthfulness value; determine, based on
the comparisons, that the event satisfies each of the entity event
preferences, including that the truthfulness value at least meets
the truthfulness threshold preference; and based on determining
that the event satisfies each of the entity event preferences,
notify an electronic device of the event.
13. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the instructions
configured to cause the processor to notify an electronic device of
the event comprise instructions configured to cause the processor
to notify the electronic device of the event in live time.
14. The computer system of claim 12, further comprising
instructions configured to cause the processor to, prior to
notifying the electronic device, wait for a time delay defined a
time preference within the plurality of entity event
preferences.
15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the time delay is
between 1 minute and 60 minutes.
16. The computer system of claim 12, further comprising
instructions configured to cause the processor to: determine a
location of the event; access location data corresponding to the
entity; determine a current location of the entity from the
location data; and compare a location of the event to the current
location of the entity; and compare a distance between the location
of the event and the location of the entity to a location
preference within the entity event preferences.
17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein instructions
configured to cause the processor to notify an electronic device
comprises instructions configured to cause the processor to notify
another entity.
18. The computer system of claim 12, further comprising
instructions configured to cause the processor to: access location
data corresponding to the entity; and determine a probable future
location of the entity from the location data; and determine
whether the entity will satisfy a distance preference within the
entity event preferences based on the probable future location of
the entity.
19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein instructions
configured to cause the processor to notify an electronic device
comprise instructions configured to cause the processor to notify
another entity.
20. The computer system of claim 18, further comprising
instructions configured to cause the processor to: compare
characteristics of the event to characteristics of a plurality
prior events; Identify sufficient similarity between the event and
one or more prior events from the plurality of prior events;
predict an impact of the event based on impacts associated with the
one or more prior events; create a second notification indicative
of the predicted impacts; and send the second notification to the
electronic device.
21. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the instructions
configured to receive the event from the event feed further
comprise causing the computing system to receive the truthfulness
value within the event.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/353,212, entitled "Notifying Entities of
Relevant Events," filed Mar. 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein
in its entirety.
[0002] That application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/657,695, entitled "Event
Identification And Notification Based On Entity Selected Event
Notification Preferences", filed Apr. 13, 2018; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/657,705, entitled "Pushing Event
Notifications Based On Current or Predicted Entity Location", filed
Apr. 13, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/660,934, entitled "Event Identification And Notification Based
On Entity Selected Event Notification Preferences", filed Apr. 20,
2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/660,924,
entitled "Pushing Event Notifications Based On Current or Predicted
Entity Location", filed Apr. 20, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/660,929, entitled "Determining Event
Truthfulness From Multiple Input Signals", filed Apr. 20, 2018;
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/664,001, entitled
"Normalizing Different Types Of Ingested Signals Into A Common
Format", filed Apr. 27, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/667,616, entitled "Normalizing Different Types Of
Ingested Signals Into A Common Format", filed May 7, 2018; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/669,540, entitled
"Determining Event Severity From Multiple Input Signals", filed May
10, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/686,791 entitled, "Normalizing Signals", filed Jun. 19, 2018,
each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Background and Relevant Art
[0003] Entities (e.g., parents, guardians, friends, relatives,
teachers, social workers, first responders, hospitals, delivery
services, media outlets, government entities, etc.) may desire to
be made aware of relevant events (e.g., fires, accidents, police
presence, shootings, etc.) as close as possible to the events'
occurrence. However, entities typically are not made aware of an
event until after a person observes the event (or the event
aftermath) and calls authorities.
[0004] Some techniques to automate event detection have been
attempted. However, in general, automated event detection
techniques are unreliable. Some techniques attempt to mine social
media data to detect events and forecast when events might occur.
However, events can occur without prior planning and/or may not be
detectable using social media data. Further, these techniques are
not capable of meaningfully processing available data nor are these
techniques capable of differentiating false data (e.g., hoax social
media posts)
[0005] Further, data provided to computer systems can come from any
number of different sources, such as, for example, user input,
files, databases, applications, sensors, social media systems,
cameras, emergency communications, etc. In some environments,
computer systems receive (potentially large volumes of) data from a
variety of different domains and/or verticals in a variety of
different formats. When data is received from different sources
and/or in different formats, it can be difficult to efficiently and
effectively derive intelligence from the data.
[0006] Extract, transform, and load (ETL) refers to a technique
that extracts data from data sources, transforms the data to fit
operational needs, and loads the data into an end target. ETL
systems can be used to integrate data from multiple varied sources,
such as, for example, from different vendors, hosted on different
computer systems, etc.
[0007] ETL is essentially an extract and then store process. Prior
to implementing an ETL solution, a user defines what (e.g., subset
of) data is to be extracted from a data source and a schema of how
the extracted data is to be stored. During the ETL process, the
defined (e.g., subset of) data is extracted, transformed to the
form of the schema (i.e., schema is used on write), and loaded into
a data store. To access different data from the data source, the
user has to redefine what data is to be extracted. To change how
data is stored, the user has to define a new schema.
[0008] ETL is beneficial because it allows a user to access a
desired portion of data in a desired format. However, ETL can be
cumbersome as data needs evolve. Each change to the extracted data
and/or the data storage results in the ETL process having to be
restarted. As such, ETL is marginally practical, at best, for
automated event detection. When using ETL, measures can be taken to
reduce the possibility of introducing errors or inconsistencies
into event detection and notification processes. However,
inevitably errors and/or inconsistencies occur at least from time
to time.
[0009] Unfortunately, many events are related to human suffering
and possibly even human death, such as, for example, accidents,
shootings, natural disasters, etc. Entities being notified of such
events (e.g., drivers, first responders, disaster relief
organizations, etc.) attempt to tailor their response based on
circumstances of an event. Thus, entities can rely on event
notification when allocating and expending resources. Errors or
inconsistencies in event detection and notification may cause
entities to respond inappropriately (insufficiently), waste
resources, etc.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] Examples extend to methods, systems, and computer program
products for notifying entities of relevant events.
[0011] An event feed containing a plurality of events is received.
Each event is detected from one or more normalized signals and
includes an event location, an event category, an event an event
truthfulness, an event severity, and an event time. Entity
notification preferences defining events relevant to an entity are
accessed. The entity notification preferences include category
preferences, location preferences, distance preferences, truth
preferences, severity preferences, and time preferences. The
location preferences and distance preferences collectively define
that the entity is interested in events within a specified distance
of one or more locations. The time preferences define that the
entity desires event notification at least within a specified time
period of event detection.
[0012] For an event in the event feed, characteristics of the event
are compared to the entity notification preferences. Comparison can
include: comparing the event location to the location preferences
in view of the distance preferences, comparing the event category
to the category preferences, comparing the event truthfulness to
the truth preferences, and comparing the event severity to the
severity preferences. It is determined that the event satisfies the
entity notification preferences based on the comparisons. The
entity (or another entity) is notified of the event in compliance
with the time preferences.
[0013] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0014] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice. The features and
advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
These and other features and advantages will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be learned by practice as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more
particular description will be rendered by reference to specific
implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some
implementations and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, implementations will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates an example computer architecture that
facilitates normalizing ingesting signals.
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates an example computer architecture that
facilitates detecting events from normalized signals.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
normalizing ingested signals.
[0019] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate other example components
that can be included in signal ingestion modules.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information, location
information, and context information.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information and
location information.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of truthfulness
determination module.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
determining event truthfulness.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a more detailed view of severity
determination module.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
determining event severity.
[0027] FIGS. 11A-1 and 11A-2 illustrate a computer architecture
that facilitates identifying relevant events and notifying entities
of relevant events.
[0028] FIG. 11B illustrates a computer architecture that
facilitates identifying relevant events and notifying entities of
relevant events.
[0029] FIG. 12A illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
identifying relevant events and notifying entities of relevant
events.
[0030] FIG. 12B illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
identifying relevant events and notifying entities of relevant
events.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
notifying of an event at or near the current location of an
entity.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
notifying of an event at or near a predicted future location of an
entity.
[0033] FIG. 15 depicts an example user interface that facilitates
selecting event notification preferences.
[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
predicting event impact and notifying relevant entities.
[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for
predicting event impact and notifying relevant entities.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Examples extend to methods, systems, and computer program
products for notifying entities of relevant events.
[0037] Entities (e.g., parents, other family members, guardians,
friends, teachers, social workers, first responders, hospitals,
delivery services, media outlets, government entities, security
personnel, etc.) may desire to be made aware of relevant events as
close as possible to the events' occurrence (i.e., as close as
possible to "moment zero"). Different types of ingested signals
(e.g., social media signals, web signals, and streaming signals)
can be used to detect events. Event relevancy can be determined
from entity selectable notification preferences including but not
limited to: event categories, event location, a computed event
truth, a computed event severity, event impact, etc. Entities can
also select notification preferences indicating a minimal
notification delay. The minimal notification delay defines a
minimum time after a relevant event is detected that an entity
desires notification of the relevant event.
[0038] In general, signal ingestion modules ingest different types
of raw structured and/or raw unstructured signals on an ongoing
basis. Different types of signals can include different data media
types and different data formats. Data media types can include
audio, video, image, and text. Different formats can include text
in XML, text in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), text in RSS
feed, plain text, video stream in Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over
HTTP (DASH), video stream in HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), video
stream in Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), other Multipurpose
Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) types, etc. Handling different
types and formats of data introduces inefficiencies into subsequent
event detection processes, including when determining if different
signals relate to the same event.
[0039] Accordingly, the signal ingestion modules can normalize raw
signals across multiple data dimensions to form normalized signals.
Each dimension can be a scalar value or a vector of values. In one
aspect, raw signals are normalized into normalized signals having a
Time, Location, Context (or "TLC") dimensions.
[0040] A Time (T) dimension can include a time of origin or
alternatively a "event time" of a signal. A Location (L) dimension
can include a location anywhere across a geographic area, such as,
a country (e.g., the United States), a State, a defined area, an
impacted area, an area defined by a geo cell, an address, etc.
[0041] A Context (C) dimension indicates circumstances surrounding
formation/origination of a raw signal in terms that facilitate
understanding and assessment of the raw signal. The Context (C)
dimension of a raw signal can be derived from express as well as
inferred signal features of the raw signal.
[0042] Signal ingestion modules can include one or more single
source classifiers. A single source classifier can compute a single
source probability for a raw signal from features of the raw
signal. A single source probability can reflect a mathematical
probability or approximation of a mathematical probability (e.g., a
percentage between 0%-100%) of an event actually occurring. A
single source classifier can be configured to compute a single
source probability for a single event type or to compute a single
source probability for each of a plurality of different event
types. A single source classifier can compute a single source
probability using artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural
networks, logic, heuristics, etc.
[0043] As such, single source probabilities and corresponding
probability details can represent a Context (C) dimension.
Probability details can indicate (e.g., can include a hash field
indicating) a probabilistic model and (express and/or inferred)
signal features considered in a signal source probability
calculation.
[0044] Thus, per signal type, signal ingestion modules determine
Time (T), a Location (L), and a Context (C) dimensions associated
with a signal. Different ingestion modules can be utilized/tailored
to determine T, L, and C dimensions associated with different
signal types. Normalized (or "TLC") signals can be forwarded to an
event detection infrastructure. When signals are normalized across
common dimensions subsequent event detection is more efficient and
more effective.
[0045] Normalization of ingestion signals can include
dimensionality reduction. Generally, "transdimensionality"
transformations can be structured and defined in a "TLC"
dimensional model. Signal ingestion modules can apply the
"transdimensionality" transformations to generic source data in raw
signals to re-encode the source data into normalized data having
lower dimensionality. Dimensionality reduction can include reducing
dimensionality (e.g., hundreds, thousands, or even more signal
features (dimensions)) of a raw signal into a normalized signal
including a T vector, an L vector, and a C vector. At lower
dimensionality, the complexity of measuring "distances" between
dimensional vectors across different normalized signals is
reduced.
[0046] Concurrently with signal ingestion, an event detection
infrastructure considers features of different combinations of
normalized signals to attempt to identify events. For example, the
event detection infrastructure can determine that features of
multiple different normalized signals collectively indicate an
event. Alternately, the event detection infrastructure can
determine that features of one or more normalized signals indicate
a possible event. The event detection infrastructure then
determines that features of one or more other normalized signals
validate the possible event. Signal features can include: signal
type, signal source, signal content, Time (T) dimension, Location
(L) dimension, Context (C) dimension, other circumstances of signal
creation, etc.
[0047] The event detection infrastructure can send detected events
to an event relevancy module. The event relevancy module can
compare event characteristics to entity selected notification
preferences. Based on the comparisons, the event relevancy module
can determine a detected event is relevant to one or more entities.
Relevant events can be forwarded to an event notification module
along with entity identifiers for the one or more entities. The
event notification module can use the entity identifiers to notify
the one or more entities of the relevant event.
[0048] In one aspect, an entity identifier includes information for
communicating with an entity, such as, for example, an email
address, mobile telephone number, social media name, etc. In
another aspect, an entity identifier is specific to the event
relevancy module. Upon receiving an entity identifier, the event
notification module refers to a database, list, mapping table, etc.
that matches entity identifiers to corresponding information for
communicating with an entity.
[0049] The event notification module notifies the one or more
entities that the relevant event occurred and/or is occurring in
accordance with entity notification preferences. The event
notification module can use one or more communication mechanisms,
such as, for example, email, text, social media direct message,
etc., to attempt to notify an entity of a relevant event. In one
aspect, an entity is notified of a relevant event within a period
of time less than a selected minimal notification delay.
[0050] Implementations can comprise or utilize a special purpose or
general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for
example, one or more computer and/or hardware processors (including
any of Central Processing Units (CPUs), and/or Graphical Processing
Units (GPUs), general-purpose GPUs (GPGPUs), Field Programmable
Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs)) and system memory, as
discussed in greater detail below. Implementations also include
physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing
computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such
computer-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system.
Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions
are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that
carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media.
Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations can
comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of
computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and
transmission media.
[0051] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
CD-ROM, Solid State Drives ("SSDs") (e.g., RAM-based or
Flash-based), Shingled Magnetic Recording ("SMR") devices, Flash
memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), other types of memory, other
optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer.
[0052] In one aspect, one or more processors are configured to
execute instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions,
computer-executable instructions, etc.) to perform any of a
plurality of described operations. The one or more processors can
access information from system memory and/or store information in
system memory. The one or more processors can (e.g., automatically)
transform information between different formats, such as, for
example, between any of: raw signals, normalized signals, signal
features, single source probabilities, times, time dimensions,
locations, location dimensions, geo cells, geo cell entries,
designated market areas (DMAs), contexts, location annotations,
context annotations, classification tags, context dimensions,
events, truth values, truth scores, truth factors, geo fences, time
decay functions, severity values, severity scores, severity ranks,
signal groups, signal bursts, entity input, event notification
preferences, event notifications, entity location data, entity
locations, predicted impacts, impact notifications, etc.
[0053] System memory can be coupled to the one or more processors
and can store instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions,
computer-executable instructions, etc.) executed by the one or more
processors. The system memory can also be configured to store any
of a plurality of other types of data generated and/or transformed
by the described components, such as, for example, raw signals,
normalized signals, signal features, single source probabilities,
times, time dimensions, locations, location dimensions, geo cells,
geo cell entries, designated market areas (DMAs), contexts,
location annotations, context annotations, classification tags,
context dimensions, events, truth values, truth scores, truth
factors, geo fences, time decay functions, severity values,
severity scores, severity ranks, signal groups, signal bursts,
entity input, event notification preferences, event notifications,
entity location data, entity locations, predicted impacts, impact
notifications, etc.
[0054] A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable
the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or
modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is
transferred or provided over a network or another communications
connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of
hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views
the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can
include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0055] Further, upon reaching various computer system components,
program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions
or data structures can be transferred automatically from
transmission media to computer storage media (devices) (or vice
versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data
structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in
RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC"), and then
eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less
volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system.
Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media (devices)
can be included in computer system components that also (or even
primarily) utilize transmission media.
[0056] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which, in response to execution at a
processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain
function or group of functions. The computer executable
instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format
instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be
understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims
is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts
described above. Rather, the described features and acts are
disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
[0057] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described
aspects may be practiced in network computing environments with
many types of computer system configurations, including, personal
computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors,
hand-held devices, wearable devices, multicore processor systems,
multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, routers, switches, and
the like. The described aspects may also be practiced in
distributed system environments where local and remote computer
systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless
data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data
links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed
system environment, program modules may be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0058] Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can
be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware,
digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and/or one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or one or more
Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) can be programmed to carry out one
or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Hardware,
software, firmware, digital components, or analog components can be
specifically tailor-designed for a higher speed detection or
artificial intelligence that can enable signal processing. In
another example, computer code is configured for execution in one
or more processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical
circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices
are provided herein purposes of illustration, and are not intended
to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be
implemented in further types of devices.
[0059] The described aspects can also be implemented in cloud
computing environments. In this description and the following
claims, "cloud computing" is defined as a model for enabling
on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing
resources. For example, cloud computing can be employed in the
marketplace to offer ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to
the shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., compute
resources, networking resources, and storage resources). The shared
pool of configurable computing resources can be provisioned via
virtualization and released with low effort or service provider
interaction, and then scaled accordingly.
[0060] A cloud computing model can be composed of various
characteristics such as, for example, on-demand self-service, broad
network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured
service, and so forth. A cloud computing model can also expose
various service models, such as, for example, Software as a Service
("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), and Infrastructure as a
Service ("IaaS"). A cloud computing model can also be deployed
using different deployment models such as private cloud, community
cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth. In this
description and in the following claims, a "cloud computing
environment" is an environment in which cloud computing is
employed.
[0061] In this description and the following claims, a "geo cell"
is defined as a piece of "cell" in a spatial grid in any form. In
one aspect, geo cells are arranged in a hierarchical structure.
Cells of different geometries can be used.
[0062] A "geohash" is an example of a "geo cell".
[0063] In this description and the following claims, "geohash" is
defined as a geocoding system which encodes a geographic location
into a short string of letters and digits. Geohash is a
hierarchical spatial data structure which subdivides space into
buckets of grid shape (e.g., a square). Geohashes offer properties
like arbitrary precision and the possibility of gradually removing
characters from the end of the code to reduce its size (and
gradually lose precision). As a consequence of the gradual
precision degradation, nearby places will often (but not always)
present similar prefixes. The longer a shared prefix is, the closer
the two places are. geo cells can be used as a unique identifier
and to approximate point data (e.g., in databases).
[0064] In one aspect, a "geohash" is used to refer to a string
encoding of an area or point on the Earth. The area or point on the
Earth may be represented (among other possible coordinate systems)
as a latitude/longitude or Easting/Northing--the choice of which is
dependent on the coordinate system chosen to represent an area or
point on the Earth. geo cell can refer to an encoding of this area
or point, where the geo cell may be a binary string comprised of 0s
and 1s corresponding to the area or point, or a string comprised of
0s, 1s, and a ternary character (such as X)--which is used to refer
to a don't care character (0 or 1). A geo cell can also be
represented as a string encoding of the area or point, for example,
one possible encoding is base-32, where every 5 binary characters
are encoded as an ASCII character.
[0065] Depending on latitude, the size of an area defined at a
specified geo cell precision can vary. When geohash is used for
spatial indexing, the areas defined at various geo cell precisions
are approximately:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example Areas at Various Geohash Precisions
Geohash Length/Precision width .times. height 1 5,009.4 km .times.
4,992.6 km 2 1,252.3 km .times. 624.1 km.sup. 3 156.5 km .times.
156 km.sup. 4 39.1 km .times. 19.5 km 5 4.9 km .times. 4.9 km 6 1.2
km .times. 609.4 m 7 152.9 m .times. 152.4 m 8 38.2 m .times. 19
m.sup. 9 4.8 m .times. 4.8 m 10 1.2 m .times. 59.5 cm 11 14.9 cm
.times. 14.9 cm 12 3.7 cm .times. 1.9 cm
Other geo cell geometries, such as, hexagonal tiling, triangular
tiling, etc. are also possible. For example, the H3 geospatial
indexing system is a multi-precision hexagonal tiling of a sphere
(such as the Earth) indexed with hierarchical linear indexes.
[0066] In another aspect, geo cells are a hierarchical
decomposition of a sphere (such as the Earth) into representations
of regions or points based a Hilbert curve (e.g., the S2 hierarchy
or other hierarchies). Regions/points of the sphere can be
projected into a cube and each face of the cube includes a
quad-tree where the sphere point is projected into. After that,
transformations can be applied and the space discretized. The geo
cells are then enumerated on a Hilbert Curve (a space-filling curve
that converts multiple dimensions into one dimension and preserves
the approximate locality).
[0067] Due to the hierarchical nature of geo cells, any signal,
event, entity, etc., associated with a geo cell of a specified
precision is by default associated with any less precise geo cells
that contain the geo cell. For example, if a signal is associated
with a geo cell of precision 9, the signal is by default also
associated with corresponding geo cells of precisions 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, and 8. Similar mechanisms are applicable to other tiling
and geo cell arrangements. For example, S2 has a cell level
hierarchy ranging from level zero (85,011,012 km.sup.2) to level 30
(between 0.48 cm.sup.2 to 0.96 cm.sup.2).
[0068] Signal Ingestion and Normalization
[0069] Signal ingestion modules ingest a variety of raw structured
and/or raw unstructured signals on an on going basis and in
essentially real-time. Raw signals can include social posts, live
broadcasts, traffic camera feeds, other camera feeds (e.g., from
other public cameras or from CCTV cameras), listening device feeds,
911 calls, weather data, planned events, IoT device data, crowd
sourced traffic and road information, satellite data, air quality
sensor data, smart city sensor data, public radio communication
(e.g., among first responders and/or dispatchers, between air
traffic controllers and pilots), subscription data services, etc.
The content of raw signals can include images, video, audio, text,
etc.
[0070] In general, signal normalization can prepare (or
pre-process) raw signals into normalized signals to increase
efficiency and effectiveness of subsequent computing activities,
such as, event detection, event notification, etc., that utilize
the normalized signals. For example, signal ingestion modules can
normalize raw signals into normalized signals having a Time,
Location, and Context (TLC) dimensions. An event detection
infrastructure can use the Time, Location, and Content dimensions
to more efficiently and effectively detect events.
[0071] Per signal type and signal content, different normalization
modules can be used to extract, derive, infer, etc. Time, Location,
and Context dimensions from/for a raw signal. For example, one set
of normalization modules can be configured to extract/derive/infer
Time, Location and Context dimensions from/for social signals.
Another set of normalization modules can be configured to
extract/derive/infer Time, Location and Context dimensions from/for
Web signals. A further set of normalization modules can be
configured to extract/derive/infer Time, Location and Context
dimensions from/for streaming signals.
[0072] Normalization modules for extracting/deriving/inferring
Time, Location, and Context dimensions can include text processing
modules, NLP modules, image processing modules, video processing
modules, etc. The modules can be used to extract/derive/infer data
representative of Time, Location, and Context dimensions for a
signal. Time, Location, and Context dimensions for a signal can be
extracted/derived/inferred from metadata and/or content of the
signal.
[0073] For example, NLP modules can analyze metadata and content of
a sound clip to identify a time, location, and keywords (e.g.,
fire, shooter, etc.). An acoustic listener can also interpret the
meaning of sounds in a sound clip (e.g., a gunshot, vehicle
collision, etc.) and convert to relevant context. Live acoustic
listeners can determine the distance and direction of a sound.
Similarly, image processing modules can analyze metadata and pixels
in an image to identify a time, location and keywords (e.g., fire,
shooter, etc.). Image processing modules can also interpret the
meaning of parts of an image (e.g., a person holding a gun, flames,
a store logo, etc.) and convert to relevant context. Other modules
can perform similar operations for other types of content including
text and video.
[0074] Per signal type, each set of normalization modules can
differ but may include at least some similar modules or may share
some common modules. For example, similar (or the same) image
analysis modules can be used to extract named entities from social
signal images and public camera feeds. Likewise, similar (or the
same) NLP modules can be used to extract named entities from social
signal text and web text.
[0075] In some aspects, an ingested signal includes sufficient
expressly defined time, location, and context information upon
ingestion. The expressly defined time, location, and context
information is used to determine Time, Location, and Context
dimensions for the ingested signal. In other aspects, an ingested
signal lacks expressly defined location information or expressly
defined location information is insufficient (e.g., lacks
precision) upon ingestion. In these other aspects, Location
dimension or additional Location dimension can be inferred from
features of an ingested signal and/or through references to other
data sources. In further aspects, an ingested signal lacks
expressly defined context information or expressly defined context
information is insufficient (e.g., lacks precision) upon ingestion.
In these further aspects, Context dimension or additional Context
dimension can be inferred from features of an ingested signal
and/or through reference to other data sources.
[0076] In further aspects, time information may not be included, or
included time information may not be given with high enough
precision and Time dimension is inferred. For example, a user may
post an image to a social network which had been taken some
indeterminate time earlier.
[0077] Normalization modules can use named entity recognition and
reference to a geo cell database to infer Location dimension. Named
entities can be recognized in text, images, video, audio, or sensor
data. The recognized named entities can be compared to named
entities in geo cell entries. Matches indicate possible signal
origination in a geographic area defined by a geo cell.
[0078] As such, a normalized signal can include a Time dimension, a
Location dimension, a Context dimension (e.g., single source
probabilities and probability details), a signal type, a signal
source, and content.
[0079] A single source probability can be calculated by single
source classifiers (e.g., machine learning models, artificial
intelligence, neural networks, statistical models, etc.) that
consider hundreds, thousands, or even more signal features
(dimensions) of a signal. Single source classifiers can be based on
binary models and/or multi-class models.
[0080] FIG. 1A depicts part of computer architecture 100 that
facilitates ingesting and normalizing signals. As depicted,
computer architecture 100 includes signal ingestion modules 101,
social signals 171, Web signals 172, and streaming signals 173.
Signal ingestion modules 101, social signals 171, Web signals 172,
and streaming signals 173 can be connected to (or be part of) a
network, such as, for example, a system bus, a Local Area Network
("LAN"), a Wide Area Network ("WAN"), and even the Internet.
Accordingly, signal ingestion modules 101, social signals 171, Web
signals 172, and streaming signals 173 as well as any other
connected computer systems and their components can create and
exchange message related data (e.g., Internet Protocol ("IP")
datagrams and other higher layer protocols that utilize IP
datagrams, such as, Transmission Control Protocol ("TCP"),
Hypertext Transfer Protocol ("HTTP"), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
("SMTP"), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), etc. or using other
non-datagram protocols) over the network.
[0081] Signal ingestion module(s) 101 can ingest raw signals 121,
including social signals 171, web signals 172, and streaming
signals 173, on an on going basis and in essentially real-time. Raw
signals 121 can include social posts, traffic camera feeds, other
camera feeds, listening device feeds, 911 calls, weather data,
planned events, IoT device data, crowd sourced traffic and road
information, satellite data, air quality sensor data, smart city
sensor data, public radio communication, subscription data service
data, etc. As such, potentially thousands, millions or even
billions of unique raw signals, each with unique characteristics,
are can be ingested and used determine event characteristics, such
as, event truthfulness, event severity, event category or
categories, etc.
[0082] Signal ingestion module(s) 101 include social content
ingestion modules 174, web content ingestion modules 176, stream
content ingestion modules 176, and signal formatter 180. Signal
formatter 180 further includes social signal processing module 181,
web signal processing module 182, and stream signal processing
modules 183.
[0083] For each type of signal, a corresponding ingestion module
and signal processing module can interoperate to normalize the
signal into a Time, Location, Context (TLC) dimensions. For
example, social content ingestion modules 174 and social signal
processing module 181 can interoperate to normalize social signals
171 into TLC dimensions. Similarly, web content ingestion modules
176 and web signal processing module 182 can interoperate to
normalize web signals 172 into TLC dimensions. Likewise, stream
content ingestion modules 176 and stream signal processing modules
183 can interoperate to normalize streaming signals 173 into TLC
dimensions.
[0084] In one aspect, signal content exceeding specified size
requirements (e.g., audio or video) is cached upon ingestion.
Signal ingestion modules 101 include a URL or other identifier to
the cached content within the context for the signal.
[0085] In one aspect, signal formatter 180 includes modules for
determining a single source probability as a ratio of signals
turning into events based on the following signal properties: (1)
event class (e.g., fire, accident, weather, etc.), (2) media type
(e.g., text, image, audio, etc.), (3) source (e.g., twitter,
traffic camera, first responder radio traffic, etc.), and (4) geo
type (e.g., geo cell, region, or non-geo). Probabilities can be
stored in a lookup table for different combinations of the signal
properties. Features of a signal can be derived and used to query
the lookup table. For example, the lookup table can be queried with
terms ("accident", "image", "twitter", "region"). The corresponding
ratio (probability) can be returned from the table.
[0086] In another aspect, signal formatter 180 includes a plurality
of single source classifiers (e.g., artificial intelligence,
machine learning modules, neural networks, etc.). Each single
source classifier can consider hundreds, thousands, or even more
signal features (dimensions) of a signal. Signal features of a
signal can be derived and submitted to a signal source classifier.
The single source classifier can return a probability that a signal
indicates a type of event. Single source classifiers can be binary
classifiers or multi-source classifiers.
[0087] Raw classifier output can be adjusted to more accurately
represent a probability that a signal is a "true positive". For
example, 1,000 signals whose raw classifier output is 0.9 may
include 80% as true positives. Thus, probability can be adjusted to
0.8 to reflect true probability of the signal being a true
positive. "Calibration" can be done in such a way that for any
"calibrated score" this score reflects the true probability of a
true positive outcome.
[0088] Signal ingestion modules 101 can insert one or more single
source probabilities and corresponding probability details into a
normalized signal to represent a Context (C) dimension. Probability
details can indicate a probabilistic model and features used to
calculate the probability. In one aspect, a probabilistic model and
signal features are contained in a hash field.
[0089] Signal ingestion modules 101 can access
"transdimensionality" transformations structured and defined in a
"TLC" dimensional model. Signal ingestion modules 101 can apply the
"transdimensionality" transformations to generic source data in raw
signals to re-encode the source data into normalized data having
lower dimensionality. Dimensionality reduction can include reducing
dimensionality (e.g., hundreds, thousands, or even more signal
features (dimensions)) of a raw signal into a normalized signal
including a T vector, an L vector, and a C vector. At lower
dimensionality, the complexity of measuring "distances" between
dimensional vectors across different normalized signals is
reduced.
[0090] Thus, in general, any received raw signals can be normalized
into normalized signals including a Time (T) dimension, a Location
(L) dimension, a Context (C) dimension, signal source, signal type,
and content. Signal ingestion modules 101 can send normalized
signals 122 to event detection infrastructure 103.
[0091] For example, signal ingestion modules 101 can send
normalized signal 122A, including time 123A, location 124A, context
126A, content 127A, type 128A, and source 129A to event detection
infrastructure 103. Similarly, signal ingestion modules 101 can
send normalized signal 122B, including time 123B, location 124B,
context 126B, content 127B, type 128B, and source 129B to event
detection infrastructure 103.
[0092] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 200 for
normalizing ingested signals. Method 200 will be described with
respect to the components and data in computer architecture
100.
[0093] Method 200 includes ingesting a raw signal including a time
stamp, an indication of a signal type, an indication of a signal
source, and content (201). For example, signal ingestion modules
101 can ingest a raw signal 121 from one of: social signals 171,
web signals 172, or streaming signals 173.
[0094] Method 200 includes forming a normalized signal from
characteristics of the raw signal (202). For example, signal
ingestion modules 101 can form a normalized signal 122A from the
ingested raw signal 121.
[0095] Forming a normalized signal includes forwarding the raw
signal to ingestion modules matched to the signal type and/or the
signal source (203). For example, if ingested raw signal 121 is
from social signals 171, raw signal 121 can be forwarded to social
content ingestion modules 174 and social signal processing modules
181. If ingested raw signal 121 is from web signals 172, raw signal
121 can be forwarded to web content ingestion modules 175 and web
signal processing modules 182. If ingested raw signal 121 is from
streaming signals 173, raw signal 121 can be forwarded to streaming
content ingestion modules 176 and streaming signal processing
modules 183.
[0096] Forming a normalized signal includes determining a time
dimension associated with the raw signal from the time stamp (204).
For example, signal ingestion modules 101 can determine time 123A
from a time stamp in ingested raw signal 121.
[0097] Forming a normalized signal includes determining a location
dimension associated with the raw signal from one or more of:
location information included in the raw signal or from location
annotations inferred from signal characteristics (205). For
example, signal ingestion modules 101 can determine location 124A
from location information included in raw signal 121 or from
location annotations derived from characteristics of raw signal 121
(e.g., signal source, signal type, signal content).
[0098] Forming a normalized signal includes determining a context
dimension associated with the raw signal from one or more of:
context information included in the raw signal or from context
signal annotations inferred from signal characteristics (206). For
example, signal ingestion modules 101 can determine context 126A
from context information included in raw signal 121 or from context
annotations derived from characteristics of raw signal 121 (e.g.,
signal source, signal type, signal content).
[0099] Forming a normalized signal includes inserting the time
dimension, the location dimension, and the context dimension in the
normalized signal (207). For example, signal ingestion modules 101
can insert time 123A, location 124A, and context 126A in normalized
signal 122. Method 200 includes sending the normalized signal to an
event detection infrastructure (208). For example, signal ingestion
modules 101 can send normalized signal 122A to event detection
infrastructure 103.
[0100] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict other example components that
can be included in signal ingestion modules 101. Signal ingestion
modules 101 can include signal transformers for different types of
signals including signal transformer 301A (for TLC signals), signal
transformer 301B (for TL signals), and signal transformer 301C (for
T signals). In one aspect, a single module combines the
functionality of multiple different signal transformers.
[0101] Signal ingestion modules 101 can also include location
services 302, classification tag service 306, signal aggregator
308, context inference module 312, and location inference module
316. Location services 302, classification tag service 306, signal
aggregator 308, context inference module 312, and location
inference module 316 or parts thereof can interoperate with and/or
be integrated into any of ingestion modules 174, web content
ingestion modules 176, stream content ingestion modules 176, social
signal processing module 181, web signal processing module 182, and
stream signal processing modules 183. Location services 302,
classification tag service 306, signal aggregator 308, context
inference module 312, and location inference module 316 can
interoperate to implement "transdimensionality" transformations to
reduce raw signal dimensionality into normalized TLC signals.
[0102] Signal ingestion modules 101 can also include storage for
signals in different stages of normalization, including TLC signal
storage 307, TL signal storage 311, T signal storage 313, TC signal
storage 314, and aggregated TLC signal storage 309. In one aspect,
data ingestion modules 101 implement a distributed messaging
system. Each of signal storage 307, 309, 311, 313, and 314 can be
implemented as a message container (e.g., a topic) associated with
a type of message.
[0103] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 400 for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information, location
information, and context information. Method 400 will be described
with respect to the components and data in FIG. 3A.
[0104] Method 400 includes accessing a raw signal including a time
stamp, location information, context information, an indication of
a signal type, an indication of a signal source, and content (401).
For example, signal transformer 301A can access raw signal 221A.
Raw signal 221A includes timestamp 231A, location information 232A
(e.g., lat/lon, GPS coordinates, etc.), context information 233A
(e.g., text expressly indicating a type of event), signal type 227A
(e.g., social media, 911 communication, traffic camera feed, etc.),
signal source 228A (e.g., Facebook, twitter, Waze, etc.), and
signal content 229A (e.g., one or more of: image, video, text,
keyword, locale, etc.).
[0105] Method 400 includes determining a Time dimension for the raw
signal (402). For example, signal transformer 301A can determine
time 223A from timestamp 231A.
[0106] Method 400 includes determining a Location dimension for the
raw signal (403). For example, signal transformer 301A sends
location information 232A to location services 302. Geo cell
service 303 can identify a geo cell corresponding to location
information 232A. Market service 304 can identify a designated
market area (DMA) corresponding to location information 232A.
Location services 302 can include the identified geo cell and/or
DMA in location 224A. Location services 302 return location 224A to
signal transformer 301.
[0107] Method 400 includes determining a Context dimension for the
raw signal (404). For example, signal transformer 301A sends
context information 233A to classification tag service 306.
Classification tag service 306 identifies one or more
classification tags 226A (e.g., fire, police presence, accident,
natural disaster, etc.) from context information 233A.
Classification tag service 306 returns classification tags 226A to
signal transformer 301A.
[0108] Method 400 includes inserting the Time dimension, the
Location dimension, and the Context dimension in a normalized
signal (405). For example, signal transformer 301A can insert time
223A, location 224A, and tags 226A in normalized signal 222A (a TLC
signal). Method 400 includes storing the normalized signal in
signal storage (406). For example, signal transformer 301A can
store normalized signal 222A in TLC signal storage 307. (Although
not depicted, timestamp 231A, location information 232A, and
context information 233A can also be included (or remain) in
normalized signal 222A).
[0109] Method 400 includes storing the normalized signal in
aggregated storage (406). For example, signal aggregator 308 can
aggregate normalized signal 222A along with other normalized
signals determined to relate to the same event. In one aspect,
signal aggregator 308 forms a sequence of signals related to the
same event. Signal aggregator 308 stores the signal sequence,
including normalized signal 222A, in aggregated TLC storage 309 and
eventually forwards the signal sequence to event detection
infrastructure 103.
[0110] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 500 for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information and
location information. Method 500 will be described with respect to
the components and data in FIG. 3B.
[0111] Method 500 includes accessing a raw signal including a time
stamp, location information, an indication of a signal type, an
indication of a signal source, and content (501). For example,
signal transformer 301B can access raw signal 221B. Raw signal 221B
includes timestamp 231B, location information 232B (e.g., lat/lon,
GPS coordinates, etc.), signal type 227B (e.g., social media, 911
communication, traffic camera feed, etc.), signal source 228B
(e.g., Facebook, twitter, Waze, etc.), and signal content 229B
(e.g., one or more of: image, video, audio, text, keyword, locale,
etc.).
[0112] Method 500 includes determining a Time dimension for the raw
signal (502). For example, signal transformer 301B can determine
time 223B from timestamp 231B.
[0113] Method 500 includes determining a Location dimension for the
raw signal (503). For example, signal transformer 301B sends
location information 232B to location services 302. Geo cell
service 303 can be identify a geo cell corresponding to location
information 232B. Market service 304 can identify a designated
market area (DMA) corresponding to location information 232B.
Location services 302 can include the identified geo cell and/or
DMA in location 224B. Location services 302 returns location 224B
to signal transformer 301.
[0114] Method 500 includes inserting the Time dimension and
Location dimension into a signal (504). For example, signal
transformer 301B can insert time 223B and location 224B into TL
signal 236B. (Although not depicted, timestamp 231B and location
information 232B can also be included (or remain) in TL signal
236B). Method 500 includes storing the signal, along with the
determined Time dimension and Location dimension, to a Time,
Location message container (505). For example, signal transformer
301B can store TL signal 236B to TL signal storage 311. Method 500
includes accessing the signal from the Time, Location message
container (506). For example, signal aggregator 308 can access TL
signal 236B from TL signal storage 311.
[0115] Method 500 includes inferring context annotations based on
characteristics of the signal (507). For example, context inference
module 312 can access TL signal 236B from TL signal storage 311.
Context inference module 312 can infer context annotations 241 from
characteristics of TL signal 236B, including one or more of: time
223B, location 224B, type 227B, source 228B, and content 229B. In
one aspect, context inference module 312 includes one or more of:
NLP modules, audio analysis modules, image analysis modules, video
analysis modules, etc. Context inference module 312 can process
content 229B in view of time 223B, location 224B, type 227B, source
228B, to infer context annotations 241 (e.g., using machine
learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, machine
classifiers, etc.). For example, if content 229B is an image that
depicts flames and a fire engine, context inference module 312 can
infer that content 229B is related to a fire. Context inference 312
module can return context annotations 241 to signal aggregator
308.
[0116] Method 500 includes appending the context annotations to the
signal (508). For example, signal aggregator 308 can append context
annotations 241 to TL signal 236B. Method 500 includes looking up
classification tags corresponding to the classification annotations
(509). For example, signal aggregator 308 can send context
annotations 241 to classification tag service 306. Classification
tag service 306 can identify one or more classification tags 226B
(a Context dimension) (e.g., fire, police presence, accident,
natural disaster, etc.) from context annotations 241.
Classification tag service 306 returns classification tags 226B to
signal aggregator 308.
[0117] Method 500 includes inserting the classification tags in a
normalized signal (510). For example, signal aggregator 308 can
insert tags 226B (a Context dimension) into normalized signal 222B
(a TLC signal). Method 500 includes storing the normalized signal
in aggregated storage (511). For example, signal aggregator 308 can
aggregate normalized signal 222B along with other normalized
signals determined to relate to the same event. In one aspect,
signal aggregator 308 forms a sequence of signals related to the
same event. Signal aggregator 308 stores the signal sequence,
including normalized signal 222B, in aggregated TLC storage 309 and
eventually forwards the signal sequence to event detection
infrastructure 103. (Although not depicted, timestamp 231B,
location information 232C, and context annotations 241 can also be
included (or remain) in normalized signal 222B).
[0118] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 600 for
normalizing an ingested signal including time information and
location information. Method 600 will be described with respect to
the components and data in FIG. 3C.
[0119] Method 600 includes accessing a raw signal including a time
stamp, an indication of a signal type, an indication of a signal
source, and content (601). For example, signal transformer 301C can
access raw signal 221C. Raw signal 221C includes timestamp 231C,
signal type 227C (e.g., social media, 911 communication, traffic
camera feed, etc.), signal source 228C (e.g., Facebook, twitter,
Waze, etc.), and signal content 229C (e.g., one or more of: image,
video, text, keyword, locale, etc.).
[0120] Method 600 includes determining a Time dimension for the raw
signal (602). For example, signal transformer 301C can determine
time 223C from timestamp 231C. Method 600 includes inserting the
Time dimension into a T signal (603). For example, signal
transformer 301C can insert time 223C into T signal 234C. (Although
not depicted, timestamp 231C can also be included (or remain) in T
signal 234C).
[0121] Method 600 includes storing the T signal, along with the
determined Time dimension, to a Time message container (604). For
example, signal transformer 301C can store T signal 236C to T
signal storage 313. Method 600 includes accessing the T signal from
the Time message container (605). For example, signal aggregator
308 can access T signal 234C from T signal storage 313.
[0122] Method 600 includes inferring context annotations based on
characteristics of the T signal (606). For example, context
inference module 312 can access T signal 234C from T signal storage
313. Context inference module 312 can infer context annotations 242
from characteristics of T signal 234C, including one or more of:
time 223C, type 227C, source 228C, and content 229C. As described,
context inference module 312 can include one or more of: NLP
modules, audio analysis modules, image analysis modules, video
analysis modules, etc. Context inference module 312 can process
content 229C in view of time 223C, type 227C, source 228C, to infer
context annotations 242 (e.g., using machine learning, artificial
intelligence, neural networks, machine classifiers, etc.). For
example, if content 229C is a video depicting two vehicles
colliding on a roadway, context inference module 312 can infer that
content 229C is related to an accident. Context inference 312
module can return context annotations 242 to signal aggregator
308.
[0123] Method 600 includes appending the context annotations to the
T signal (607). For example, signal aggregator 308 can append
context annotations 242 to T signal 234C. Method 600 includes
looking up classification tags corresponding to the classification
annotations (608). For example, signal aggregator 308 can send
context annotations 242 to classification tag service 306.
Classification tag service 306 can identify one or more
classification tags 226C (a Context dimension) (e.g., fire, police
presence, accident, natural disaster, etc.) from context
annotations 242. Classification tag service 306 returns
classification tags 226C to signal aggregator 308.
[0124] Method 600 includes inserting the classification tags into a
TC signal (609). For example, signal aggregator 308 can insert tags
226C into TC signal 237C. Method 600 includes storing the TC signal
to a Time, Context message container (610). For example, signal
aggregator 308 can store TC signal 237C in TC signal storage 314.
(Although not depicted, timestamp 231C and context annotations 242
can also be included (or remain) in normalized signal 237C).
[0125] Method 600 includes inferring location annotations based on
characteristics of the TC signal (611). For example, location
inference module 316 can access TC signal 237C from TC signal
storage 314. Location inference module 316 can include one or more
of: NLP modules, audio analysis modules, image analysis modules,
video analysis modules, etc. Location inference module 316 can
process content 229C in view of time 223C, type 227C, source 228C,
and classification tags 226C (and possibly context annotations 242)
to infer location annotations 243 (e.g., using machine learning,
artificial intelligence, neural networks, machine classifiers,
etc.). For example, if content 229C is a video depicting two
vehicles colliding on a roadway, the video can include a nearby
street sign, business name, etc. Location inference module 316 can
infer a location from the street sign, business name, etc. Location
inference module 316 can return location annotations 243 to signal
aggregator 308.
[0126] Method 600 includes appending the location annotations to
the TC signal with location annotations (612). For example, signal
aggregator 308 can append location annotations 243 to TC signal
237C. Method 600 determining a Location dimension for the TC signal
(613). For example, signal aggregator 308 can send location
annotations 243 to location services 302. Geo cell service 303 can
identify a geo cell corresponding to location annotations 243.
Market service 304 can identify a designated market area (DMA)
corresponding to location annotations 243. Location services 302
can include the identified geo cell and/or DMA in location 224C.
Location services 302 returns location 224C to signal aggregation
services 308.
[0127] Method 600 includes inserting the Location dimension into a
normalized signal (614). For example, signal aggregator 308 can
insert location 224C into normalized signal 222C. Method 600
includes storing the normalized signal in aggregated storage (615).
For example, signal aggregator 308 can aggregate normalized signal
222C along with other normalized signals determined to relate to
the same event. In one aspect, signal aggregator 308 forms a
sequence of signals related to the same event. Signal aggregator
308 stores the signal sequence, including normalized signal 222C,
in aggregated TLC storage 309 and eventually forwards the signal
sequence to event detection infrastructure 103. (Although not
depicted, timestamp 231B, context annotations 241, and location
annotations 24, can also be included (or remain) in normalized
signal 222B).
[0128] In another aspect, a Location dimension is determined prior
to a Context dimension when a T signal is accessed. A Location
dimension (e.g., geo cell and/or DMA) and/or location annotations
are used when inferring context annotations.
[0129] Accordingly, location services 302 can identify a geo cell
and/or DMA for a signal from location information in the signal
and/or from inferred location annotations. Similarly,
classification tag service 306 can identify classification tags for
a signal from context information in the signal and/or from
inferred context annotations.
[0130] Signal aggregator 308 can concurrently handle a plurality of
signals in a plurality of different stages of normalization. For
example, signal aggregator 308 can concurrently ingest and/or
process a plurality T signals, a plurality of TL signals, a
plurality of TC signals, and a plurality of TLC signals.
Accordingly, aspects of the invention facilitate acquisition of
live, ongoing forms of data into an event detection system with
signal aggregator 308 acting as an "air traffic controller" of live
data. Signals from multiple sources of data can be aggregated and
normalized for a common purpose (e.g., of event detection). Data
ingestion, event detection, and event notification can process data
through multiple stages of logic with concurrency.
[0131] As such, a unified interface can handle incoming signals and
content of any kind. The interface can handle live extraction of
signals across dimensions of time, location, and context. In some
aspects, heuristic processes are used to determine one or more
dimensions. Acquired signals can include text and images as well as
live-feed binaries, including live media in audio, speech, fast
still frames, video streams, etc.
[0132] Signal normalization enables the world's live signals to be
collected at scale and analyzed for detection and validation of
live events happening globally. A data ingestion and event
detection pipeline aggregates signals and combines detections of
various strengths into truthful events. Thus, normalization
increases event detection efficiency facilitating event detection
closer to "live time" or at "moment zero".
[0133] Event Detection
[0134] Turning back to FIG. 1B, computer architecture 100 also
includes components that facilitate detecting events. As depicted,
computer architecture 100 includes geo cell database 111 and event
notification 116. Geo cell database 111 and event notification 116
can be connected to (or be part of) a network with signal ingestion
modules 101 and event detection infrastructure 103. As such, geo
cell database 111 and even notification 116 can create and exchange
message related data over the network.
[0135] As described, in general, on an ongoing basis, concurrently
with signal ingestion (and also essentially in real-time), event
detection infrastructure 103 detects different categories of
(planned and unplanned) events (e.g., fire, police response, mass
shooting, traffic accident, natural disaster, storm, active
shooter, concerts, protests, etc.) in different locations (e.g.,
anywhere across a geographic area, such as, the United States, a
State, a defined area, an impacted area, an area defined by a geo
cell, an address, etc.), at different times from Time, Location,
and Context dimensions included in normalized signals. Since,
normalized signals are normalized to include Time, Location, and
Context dimensions, event detection infrastructure 103 can handle
normalized signals in a more uniform manner increasing event
detection efficiency and effectiveness.
[0136] Event detection infrastructure 103 can also determine an
event truthfulness, event severity, and an associated geo cell. In
one aspect, a Context dimension in a normalized signal increases
the efficiency and effectiveness of determining truthfulness,
severity, and an associated geo cell.
[0137] Generally, an event truthfulness indicates how likely a
detected event is actually an event (vs. a hoax, fake,
misinterpreted, etc.). Truthfulness can range from less likely to
be true to more likely to be true. In one aspect, truthfulness is
represented as a numerical value, such as, for example, from 1
(less truthful) to 10 (more truthful) or as percentage value in a
percentage range, such as, for example, from 0% (less truthful) to
100% (more truthful). Other truthfulness representations are also
possible. For example, truthfulness can be a dimension or
represented by one or more vectors.
[0138] Generally, an event severity indicates how severe an event
is (e.g., what degree of badness, what degree of damage, etc. is
associated with the event). Severity can range from less severe
(e.g., a single vehicle accident without injuries) to more severe
(e.g., multi vehicle accident with multiple injuries and a possible
fatality). As another example, a shooting event can also range from
less severe (e.g., one victim without life threatening injuries) to
more severe (e.g., multiple injuries and multiple fatalities). In
one aspect, severity is represented as a numerical value, such as,
for example, from 1 (less severe) to 5 (more severe). Other
severity representations are also possible. For example, severity
can be a dimension or represented by one or more vectors.
[0139] In general, event detection infrastructure 103 can include a
geo determination module including modules for processing different
kinds of content including location, time, context, text, images,
audio, and video into search terms. The geo determination module
can query a geo cell database with search terms formulated from
normalized signal content. The geo cell database can return any geo
cells having matching supplemental information. For example, if a
search term includes a street name, a subset of one or more geo
cells including the street name in supplemental information can be
returned to the event detection infrastructure.
[0140] Event detection infrastructure 103 can use the subset of geo
cells to determine a geo cell associated with an event location.
Events associated with a geo cell can be stored back into an entry
for the geo cell in the geo cell database. Thus, over time an
historical progression of events within a geo cell can be
accumulated.
[0141] As such, event detection infrastructure 103 can assign an
event ID, an event time, an event location, an event category, an
event description, an event truthfulness, and an event severity to
each detected event. Detected events can be sent to relevant
entities, including to mobile devices, to computer systems, to
APIs, to data storage, etc.
[0142] Event detection infrastructure 103 detects events from
information contained in normalized signals 122. Event detection
infrastructure 103 can detect an event from a single normalized
signal 122 or from multiple normalized signals 122. In one aspect,
event detection infrastructure 103 detects an event based on
information contained in one or more normalized signals 122. In
another aspect, event detection infrastructure 103 detects a
possible event based on information contained in one or more
normalized signals 122. Event detection infrastructure 103 then
validates the potential event as an event based on information
contained in one or more other normalized signals 122.
[0143] As depicted, event detection infrastructure 103 includes geo
determination module 104, categorization module 106, truthfulness
determination module 107, and severity determination module
108.
[0144] Generally, geo determination module 104 can include NLP
modules, image analysis modules, etc. for identifying location
information from a normalized signal. Geo determination module 104
can formulate (e.g., location) search terms 141 by using NLP
modules to process audio, using image analysis modules to process
images, etc. Search terms can include street addresses, building
names, landmark names, location names, school names, image
fingerprints, etc. Event detection infrastructure 103 can use a URL
or identifier to access cached content when appropriate.
[0145] Generally, categorization module 106 can categorize a
detected event into one of a plurality of different categories
(e.g., fire, police response, mass shooting, traffic accident,
natural disaster, storm, active shooter, concerts, protests, etc.)
based on the content of normalized signals used to detect and/or
otherwise related to an event.
[0146] Generally, truthfulness determination module 107 can
determine the truthfulness of a detected event based on one or more
of: source, type, age, and content of normalized signals used to
detect and/or otherwise related to the event. Some signal types may
be inherently more reliable than other signal types. For example,
video from a live traffic camera feed may be more reliable than
text in a social media post. Some signal sources may be inherently
more reliable than others. For example, a social media account of a
government agency may be more reliable than a social media account
of an individual. The reliability of a signal can decay over
time.
[0147] Generally, severity determination module 108 can determine
the severity of a detected event based on or more of: location,
content (e.g., dispatch codes, keywords, etc.), and volume of
normalized signals used to detect and/or otherwise related to an
event. Events at some locations may be inherently more severe than
events at other locations. For example, an event at a hospital is
potentially more severe than the same event at an abandoned
warehouse. Event category can also be considered when determining
severity. For example, an event categorized as a "Shooting" may be
inherently more severe than an event categorized as "Police
Presence" since a shooting implies that someone has been
injured.
[0148] Geo cell database 111 includes a plurality of geo cell
entries. Each geo cell entry is included in a geo cell defining an
area and corresponding supplemental information about things
included in the defined area. The corresponding supplemental
information can include latitude/longitude, street names in the
area defined by and/or beyond the geo cell, businesses in the area
defined by the geo cell, other Areas of Interest (AOIs) (e.g.,
event venues, such as, arenas, stadiums, theaters, concert halls,
etc.) in the area defined by the geo cell, image fingerprints
derived from images captured in the area defined by the geo cell,
and prior events that have occurred in the area defined by the geo
cell. For example, geo cell entry 151 includes geo cell 152,
lat/lon 153, streets 154, businesses 155, AOIs 156, and prior
events 157. Each event in prior events 157 can include a location
(e.g., a street address), a time (event occurrence time), an event
category, an event truthfulness, an event severity, and an event
description. Similarly, geo cell entry 161 includes geo cell 162,
lat/lon 163, streets 164, businesses 165, AOIs 166, and prior
events 167. Each event in prior events 167 can include a location
(e.g., a street address), a time (event occurrence time), an event
category, an event truthfulness, an event severity, and an event
description.
[0149] Other geo cell entries can include the same or different
(more or less) supplemental information, for example, depending on
infrastructure density in an area. For example, a geo cell entry
for an urban area can contain more diverse supplemental information
than a geo cell entry for an agricultural area (e.g., in an empty
field).
[0150] Geo cell database 111 can store geo cell entries in a
hierarchical arrangement based on geo cell precision. As such, geo
cell information of more precise geo cells is included in the geo
cell information for any less precise geo cells that include the
more precise geo cell.
[0151] Geo determination module 104 can query geo cell database 111
with search terms 141. Geo cell database 111 can identify any geo
cells having supplemental information that matches search terms
141. For example, if search terms 141 include a street address and
a business name, geo cell database 111 can identify geo cells
having the street name and business name in the area defined by the
geo cell. Geo cell database 111 can return any identified geo cells
to geo determination module 104 in geo cell subset 142.
[0152] Geo determination module can use geo cell subset 142 to
determine the location of event 135 and/or a geo cell associated
with event 135. As depicted, event 135 includes event ID 132, time
133, location 137, description 136, category 137, truthfulness 138,
and severity 139.
[0153] Event detection infrastructure 103 can also determine that
event 135 occurred in an area defined by geo cell 162 (e.g., a
geohash having precision of level 7 or level 9). For example, event
detection infrastructure 103 can determine that location 134 is in
the area defined by geo cell 162. As such, event detection
infrastructure 103 can store event 135 in events 167 (i.e.,
historical events that have occurred in the area defined by geo
cell 162).
[0154] Event detection infrastructure 103 can also send event 135
to event notification module 116. Event notification module 116 can
notify one or more entities about event 135.
[0155] Determining Event Truthfulness
[0156] When determining how (or if) to respond to notification of
an event, an entity may consider the truthfulness of the detected
event. The entity may desire some level of confidence in the
veracity of a detected event before taking an action. For example,
the entity may want assurances that a detected event isn't a hoax,
fake, misinterpreted, etc. Accordingly, aspects of the invention
include mechanisms for determining truthfulness of an event from
multiple input signals used to detect the event.
[0157] Thus, as generally described, truthfulness determination
module 107 can determine an event truthfulness. In one aspect,
truth scores are calculated for received signals as the signals are
received. Truthfulness determination module 107 calculates and
recalculates an evolving truth factor (truthfulness) for an event
from the truth scores. In one aspect, the truth factor
(truthfulness) is sent along with a detected event to event
notification 116. Event notification 116 can also send the truth
factor (truthfulness) to an entity that is notified of the detected
event. In one aspect, an entity registers to receive events at or
above a specified truthfulness. The entity can then be notified of
events having a truth factor at or above the specified
truthfulness. On the other hand, events having a truth factor below
the specified truthfulness can be filtered out and not sent to the
entity.
[0158] Truth factor (truthfulness) can be represented as a score, a
numeric value, a percentage, etc. In one aspect, truth factor
(truthfulness) is represented by a percentage between 0%-100%
indicating a probability that an associated event is actually
occurring (or is actually true). Percentages closer to 100% can
indicate an increased probability that an associated event is
actually occurring. On the other hand, percentages closer to 0% can
indicate a decreased probability that an associated event is
actually occurring.
[0159] Similar indications can be associated with scores and
numeric values. Higher scores or numeric values can indicate an
increased likelihood that an associated event is actually
occurring. Lower scores or numeric values can indicate a decreased
likelihood that an associated event is actually occurring. However,
in other aspects, lower scores or numeric values indicate increased
likelihoods that an associated event is actually occurring and
higher scores or numeric values indicate decreased likelihoods that
an associated event is actually occurring. Scores and numeric
values can be in a range, such as, for example, 1-5, etc.
[0160] When the score, numeric value, percentage, etc. representing
truth factor (truthfulness) and associated with an event exceeds
(or alternately is below) the specified threshold registered by an
entity, the entity can be notified of the event,
[0161] In this description and the following claims, the term
"confidence level" is synonymous with "truth factor" and/or
"truthfulness". Thus, confidence level is also applicable in
implementations described as using "truth factor" and/or
"truthfulness".
[0162] Thus, when an entity is notified of an event, the entity is
also provided an indication of the event's truthfulness. As such,
the entity can consider the event's truthfulness when determining
how (if at all) to respond to the event.
[0163] For each normalized signal, truthfulness determination
module 107 can determine various truth related values based on
characteristics of the normalized signal. For example, truthfulness
determination module 107 can determine one or more of: a signal
type truth value based on signal type, a signal source truth value
based on the signal source, and a signal content truth value based
on content type(s) contained in the normalized signal. Truthfulness
determination module 107 can compute a truth score for a normalized
signal by combining the signal type truth value, the signal source
truth value, and the signal content truth value determined for the
signal. Truthfulness determination module 107 can assign the truth
score to the normalized signal.
[0164] In one aspect, event detection infrastructure 103 detects an
event at least in part on truth characteristics of a signal. For
example, truthfulness determination module 107 determines one or
more of: a signal type truth value based on signal type of the
first signal, a signal source truth value based on the signal
source of the first signal, and a signal content truth value based
on content type(s) contained in the first signal. Truthfulness
determination module 107 computes a first truth score for the first
signal by combining: the signal type truth value, the signal source
truth value, and the signal content truth value determined for the
first signal. Truthfulness determination module 107 assigns the
first truth score to the first signal. Based on the first truth
score (e.g., exceeding a threshold), event detection infrastructure
103 can trigger an event detection for the event. Truthfulness
determination module 107 can also compute a truth factor for the
detected event based on the first truth score.
[0165] Per normalized signal, event detection infrastructure 103
and/or truthfulness determination module 107 can also
determine/maintain a signal origination time, a signal reception
time, and a signal location. Event detection infrastructure 103
and/or truthfulness determination module 107 can track signal
origination time, signal reception time, and signal location per
normalized signal. Thus, when a first normalized signal triggers an
event detection, event detection infrastructure 103 and/or
truthfulness determination module 107 can determine and record a
signal origination time, a signal reception time, and a signal
location associated with the first normalized signal.
[0166] Subsequent to triggering initial event detection, event
detection infrastructure 103 can determine that a second normalized
signal is related to the initial event detection based on
characteristics of the second normalized signal. Truthfulness
module 107 computes one or more of: a signal type truth value based
on signal type of the second signal, a signal source truth value
based on the signal source of the second signal, and a signal
content truth value based on content type(s) contained in the
second signal.
[0167] In addition, event detection infrastructure 103 and/or
truthfulness module 107 determines and records a signal origination
time, a signal reception time, and a signal location associated
with the second normalized signal. Event detection infrastructure
103 and/or truthfulness determination module 107 determines a
distance measure between the signal location of the first
normalized signal and the signal location of the second normalized
signal. Event detection infrastructure 103 and/or truthfulness
determination module 107 computes a time measure between the signal
origination time of the first normalized signal and the signal
origination time of the second normalized signal.
[0168] Truthfulness determination module 107 computes a second
truth score for the second normalized signal by combining: the
signal type truth value determined for the second normalized
signal, the signal source truth value determined for the second
normalized signal, the signal content truth value determined for
the second normalized signal, the distance measure, and the time
measure. Truthfulness determination module 107 assigns the second
truth score to the second signal. Truthfulness determination module
107 can also recompute a truth factor for the detected event based
on the first truth score and the second truth score.
[0169] If/when the event detection infrastructure determines that
additional signals are related to the detected event, similar
actions can be implemented on a per normalized signal basis to
compute a signal truth score for the normalized signal and
recompute an evolving truth factor for the detected event from
aggregated truth scores.
[0170] The truth factor for a detected event can decay over time.
Time decay can be configured per event category based on historical
analysis of signal data. A decay function/curve can be maintained
per event category. A time decay function/curve can be applied to a
truth factor to indicate a reduction in truthfulness as time passes
from initial event detection.
[0171] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of truthfulness
determination module 107. Normalized signals received at event
detection infrastructure 103 can be sent to truthfulness
determination module 107 and event detector 709. From one or more
normalized signals 122, event detector 709 can detect an event. In
one aspect, geofence estimator 711 estimates a distance between
signals and event detector 709 considers signals that are within a
specified distance of each other (or contained in the same
geofence). For example, geofence estimator 711 can estimate if
signals are within the same geofence.
[0172] As depicted, truthfulness module 107 includes type valuer
702, source valuer 703, content valuer 704, distance measurer 705,
and time measurer 706. Type valuer 702 can determine a type value
for a signal based on signal type. Source valuer 703 can determine
a source value for a normalized signal based on signal source.
Content valuer 704 can determine a content value for a normalized
signal based on content types contained in the signal. Distance
measurer 705 can determine a signal location of a normalized signal
and measure a distance between the signal location of the
normalized signal and the signal location of a previously received
normalized signal (when a location of a previously received
normalized signal is available). Time measurer 706 can determine a
signal origination time for a normalized signal and measure a time
between the signal origination time of normalized signal and the
signal origination time of a previously received normalized signal
(when a origination time of a previously received normalized signal
is available).
[0173] A type value, a source value, and a content value and, when
appropriate, a distance measure and a time measure for a normalized
signal can be sent to score combiner 712. Score combiner 712 can
combine received values and measures into a signal truthfulness
score. Score combiner 712 can send the signal truthfulness score to
truth factor calculator 713. Truth factor calculator 713 can
calculate a truth factor for an event from one or more signal truth
scores. Time decay component 214 can discount a truth factor for an
event over time based on a time decay function corresponding to a
category of the event.
[0174] Thus, a truth factor for an event can evolve over time and
as additional normalized signals are received.
[0175] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 800 for
determining event truthfulness. Method 800 will be described with
respect to the components and data depicted in FIG. 7.
[0176] Method 800 includes receiving a normalized signal including
signal characteristics including a signal type, a signal source,
and signal content (801). For example, event detection
infrastructure 103 can receive normalized signal 122A at time
t.sub.1. Normalized signal 122A includes type 128A, source 129A,
and content 127A. Normalized signal 122A can be forwarded to
truthfulness determination module 107 and event detector 709.
[0177] Method 800 includes calculating a signal type truth value, a
signal source truth value, and a signal content truth value based
on the signal type, the signal source, and the signal content
respectively (802). For example, type valuer 702 can calculate
signal type truth value 731A from type 128A, source valuer 703 can
calculate signal source truth value 732A from source 129A, and
content valuer 704 can calculate signal content truth value 733A
from content 127A. Type valuer 702 can send signal type truth value
731A to score combiner 712. Source valuer 703 can send signal
source truth value 732A to score combiner 712. Content valuer 704
can send signal content truth value 733A to score combiner 712.
[0178] Method 800 includes detecting an event in an event category
based on the characteristics of the normalized signal (803). For
example, event detector 709 can detect event 724 in category 726
based on the characteristics of normalized signal 122A (a trigger
signal) (including any of time 123A, location 124A, context 126A,
content 127A, type 128A, sources 129A, etc.) Event detector 709 can
send event 724 and category 726 to truth factor calculator 713.
[0179] Distance measurer 705 can store location 124A as last signal
location 707. Time measurer 706 can store time 123A as last signal
time 708.
[0180] Method 800 includes calculating a signal truth score based
on the signal type truth value, the signal source truth value, and
the signal content truth value (804). For example, score combiner
712 can calculate signal truth score 721A based on signal type
truth value 731A, source truth value 732A, and signal content truth
value 733A. Score combiner 712 can send signal truth score 721A to
truth factor calculator 713.
[0181] Method 800 includes calculating an event truth factor from
the signal truth score (805). For example, truth factor calculator
713 can calculate event truth factor 727A for event 724 from signal
truth score 721A. Method 800 includes sending the event and the
calculated event truth factor to an event notification module
(806). For example, event detection infrastructure 103 can send
event 724 and truth factor 727A to event notification 116 at time
t.sub.3. Time t.sub.3 can be after time t.sub.1. Truth factor 727A
can indicate a truthfulness of event 724.
[0182] Method 800 includes receiving a second normalized signal
including second signal characteristics including a second signal
type, a second signal source, and second signal content (807). For
example, event detection infrastructure 103 can receive normalized
signal 122B at time t.sub.2. Normalized signal 122B includes type
128B, source 129B, and content 127B. Normalized signal 122B can be
forwarded to truthfulness determination module 107 and event
detector 709.
[0183] Method 800 includes determining that the second normalized
signal is associated with the event (808). For example, geofence
estimator 711 can estimate that location 124B is within a threshold
distance of location 124A. Based on location 124B being estimated
to be within a threshold distance of location 124A, event detector
209 can detect signal 122B as confirming/validating, etc. event
224.
[0184] Method 800 includes calculating a second signal type truth
value, a second signal source truth value, and a second signal
content truth value based on the second signal type, the second
signal source, and the second signal content respectively (809).
For example, type valuer 702 can calculate signal type truth value
731B from type 128B, source valuer 703 can calculate signal source
truth value 732B from source 129B, and content valuer 704 can
calculate signal content truth value 733B from content 127B. Type
valuer 702 can send signal type truth value 731B to score combiner
712. Source valuer 703 can send signal source truth value 732B to
score combiner 712. Content valuer 704 can send signal content
truth value 733B to score combiner 712.
[0185] Method 800 includes calculating a second signal truth score
based on the second signal type truth value, the second signal
source truth value, and the second signal content truth value
(810). For example, score combiner 712 can calculate signal truth
score 721B based on signal type truth value 731B, source truth
value 732B, and signal content truth value 733B. Score combiner 712
can send signal truth score 721B to truth factor calculator
713.
[0186] Method 800 includes re-calculating the event truth factor
from the signal truth score and the second signal truth score
(811). For example, truth factor calculator 713 can re-calculate
truth factor 727A as truth factor 727B from signal truth score 721A
and signal truth score 721B. In one aspect, truth factor calculator
713 calculates truth factor 227B for event 224 from a combination
of truth score 721A, truth score 721B, and a time decay discount
value. The time decay discount value can be calculated in
accordance with a time decay function 216 corresponding to category
726.
[0187] Method 800 includes sending the event and the re-calculated
(updated) event truth factor to an event notification module (812).
For example, event detection infrastructure 103 can send event 724
and truth factor 727B to event notification 116 at time t.sub.4.
Time t.sub.4 can be after time t.sub.2. Truth factor 727B can
indicate a truthfulness of event 724. Truth factor 721B can
indicate increased or decreased truthfulness of event 724 relative
to truth factor 721A.
[0188] It may also be that distance measurer 205 measures a
distance between location 124A and 124B and sends the distance
measure to score combiner 712. Distance measurer 705 can also store
the location of signal 122B as last signal location 207. Time
measurer 706 can also measure a time difference between time 123A
and 123B and sends the measured time difference to score combiner
712. Score combiner 712 can combine type value 732A, source value
732B, content value 733B, the measure distance, and the measured
time difference into truth score 721B.
[0189] In some aspects, signals are grouped into social (Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and non-social (EMS radio communication,
CAD, Traffic Cameras, etc.). Individual signals can be valued based
on truth factor evaluation (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD))
and Emergency Management System (EMS) radio communication signals
rank higher than Twitter/FB source signals). Geofences can be
generated based on available signals. The geofences can then be
used to monitor correlating signals and thus can be used to adjust
(improve) truth factor on a continuous basis. Time decay curves can
be incorporated to generate value scores for each correlating new
signal.
[0190] In one aspect, a signal truth score is computed from the
equation:
Signal Truth Score=(Sig.Source Value*Sig.Type Value*Sig.Content
Value*Distance Measure*Time Measure)
[0191] An event truth factor for an event can calculated from the
equation:
Truth Factor=((Signal 1 Score+Signal 2 Score+ . . . +Signal N
Score)/N)*Time Decay
[0192] For each category of events, a time decay function can be
used to decay a truth factor over time.
[0193] Some examples of signal Type and/or Source Rank (value)
include:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Signal Type and/or Source Rank Signal Source
Signal Source Rank Traffic Cameras 10 CAD 9 Twitter - State/Federal
Agency Owned Accounts 8 Facebook - State/Federal Agency Owned
Accounts 7 Twitter - Individual Owned Accounts 6 Facebook -
Individual Owned Accounts 5 Instagram 4 Other 3
[0194] Some examples of Signal Distance Rank (value) include:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Signal Distance Rank Distance measure
between the previous signal and the next new signal (in meters)
Signal Distance Rank 50 10 100 9 200 8 500 7 800 6 1000+ 5
[0195] Some example Signal Time Rank (value) include:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Signal Time Rank Time measure between the
previous signal and the next new signal (in seconds) Signal Time
Rank 30 10 60 9 180 8 300 7 600 6 900+ 5
[0196] Truthfulness determination module 107 can operate
concurrently with other modules included in event detection
infrastructure 103.
[0197] Determining Event Severity
[0198] Severity scores of individual normalized signals can be
considered during event detection. In one aspect, the severity of
an event is determined from characteristics of multiple normalized
signals. Event severity can be determined concurrently with event
detection and determination of other signal/event characteristics,
including event truthfulness.
[0199] An event severity indicates how severe an event is (e.g.,
what degree of badness, what degree of damage, etc. is associated
with the event). Severity can range from less severe (e.g., a
single vehicle accident without injuries) to more severe (e.g.,
multi vehicle accident with multiple injuries and a possible
fatality). As another example, a shooting event can also range from
less severe (e.g., one victim without life threatening injuries) to
more severe (e.g., multiple injuries and multiple fatalities). In
one aspect, severity is represented as a numerical value, such as,
for example, from 1 (less severe) to 5 (more severe). Other
severity representations, such as, for example, "low", "medium",
and "high", are also possible. Additional severity representations
include percentages are also possible.
[0200] Signal volume (e.g., signal bursts) can be considered when
deriving severity for an event. Signal groupings can also be
considered from deriving severity for an event. Severity of
historical events and corresponding combinations of normalized
signals used to detect the historical events can be considered when
deriving severity for a new event.
[0201] In one aspect, event detection infrastructure 103 determines
that characteristics of a first normalized signal provide a basis
for detection of an event. For the first normalized signal,
severity determination module 108 determines one or more of: a
signal location severity value based on signal location of the
first normalized signal, a signal time severity value based on a
signal time of the first normalized signal, a signal response
severity value based on a dispatch codes in the first normalized
signal, a signal category severity value based on a signal category
of the first normalized signal, and a signal impact severity value
based on a signal impact (e.g., on people/property) of the first
normalized signal. Severity determination module 108 can compute a
first signal severity score for the first normalized signal by
combining: the signal location severity value, the signal time
severity value, the signal response severity value, the signal
category severity value, and the signal impact severity value.
[0202] Severity determination module 108 can also calculate an
event severity rank from the first signal severity score.
[0203] Per normalized signal, event detection infrastructure 103
can also determine/maintain a signal origination time, a signal
reception time, and a signal location. Event detection
infrastructure 103 can track signal origination time, signal
reception time, and signal location per normalized signal. Thus,
when a first normalized signal triggers an event detection, event
detection infrastructure 103 can determine and record a signal
origination time, a signal reception time, and a signal location
associated with the first normalized signal.
[0204] Subsequent to triggering event detection, event detection
infrastructure 103 can determine that a second normalized signal is
related to the initial event detection based on characteristics of
the second normalized signal. For the second normalized signal,
severity determination module 108 determines one or more of: a
second signal location severity value based on signal location of
the second normalized signal, a second signal time severity value
based on a signal time of the second normalized signal, a second
signal response severity value based on a dispatch codes in the
second normalized signal, a signal category severity value based on
a signal category of the second normalized signal, and a signal
impact severity value based on a signal impact (e.g., on
people/property) of the second normalized signal.
[0205] In addition, event detection infrastructure 103 determines
and records a signal origination time, a signal reception time, and
a signal location associated with the second normalized signal.
Event detection infrastructure 103 determines a distance measure
between the signal location of the first normalized signal and the
signal location of the second normalized signal. Event detection
infrastructure 103 also determines a time measure between the
signal origination time of the first normalized signal and the
signal origination time of the second normalized signal. The
distance measure and time measure can be used to group normalized
signals within a specified distance or time of one another.
[0206] Severity determination module 108 can compute a second
signal severity score for the second normalized signal by
combining: the second signal location severity value, the second
signal time severity value, the second signal response severity
value, the second signal category severity value, and the second
signal impact severity value.
[0207] Severity determination module 108 recalculates the event
severity rank for the event from the first signal severity score
and the second signal severity score.
[0208] If/when event detection infrastructure 103 determines that
additional normalized signals are related to the event, similar
actions can be implemented on a per normalized signal basis to
calculate a signal severity score for the normalized signal and
recalculate an evolving event severity rank for the event from
aggregated signal severity scores.
[0209] Severity determination module 108 can also consider event
related signal volume, for example, a count of available CAD
signals, burst detection of social signals, etc., when calculating
an event severity rank for an event. For example, a burst of
normalized signals related to an event may indicate a more severe
event. Severity determination module 108 can also consider signal
groupings when calculating an event severity rank for an event. A
tighter grouping of normalized signals may indicate a more
localized and thus less severe event. On the other hand, a wider
grouping of normalized signals may indicate a less localized and
thus more severe event.
[0210] Severity determination module 108 can also consider
historical events and corresponding combinations of normalized
signals used to detect the historical events when calculating a
severity rank for a new event. For example, if a similar event was
received in the past and assigned a particular severity rank, it
may be appropriate to assign a similar severity rank to a new
event.
[0211] FIG. 9 illustrates a more detailed view of severity
determination module 107. Normalized signals 122 received at event
detection infrastructure 103 can be sent to severity determination
module 108 and event detector 909 (e.g., event detector 709). From
one or more normalized signals 122, event detector 209 can detect
an event. From one or more normalized signals 122 and detected
events, severity determination module 108 can detect the severity
of an event.
[0212] As depicted, severity determination module 108 includes
modules 901, score combiner 913 and severity rank calculator 913.
Module 901 further include location valuer 902, time valuer 903,
response valuer 904, categorization valuer 905, impact valuer 906,
distance measurer 907, and time measurer 908. Location valuer 902
can determine a location severity value for a signal or event based
on normalized signal location. Time valuer 903 can determine a time
severity value for a signal or event based on normalized signal
time. Response valuer 904 can determine a response severity value
for a signal or event based on a response to a normalized signal.
Categorization valuer 905 can determine a category severity value
for a signal or event based on a category of a normalized signal.
Impact valuer 906 can determine an impact severity value for a
signal or event based on an impact associated with a normalized
signal. Distance measurer 907 can determine a physical distance
between different normalized signals. Time measurer 908 can
determine a time distance between different normalized signals.
Distance measurer 907 and time measure 908 can interoperate to
detect signal bursts and group signals.
[0213] When available, any of a location severity value, a time
severity value, a response severity value, a category severity
value, an impact severity value can be sent to score combiner 912.
Score combiner 912 can combine received values and into a signal
severity score or an event severity score. Score combiner 912 can
send an event severity score to severity rank calculator 913.
Distance measurer 907/time measurer 908 can also indicated signal
bursts, signal groups to severity rank calculator 913. Severity
rank calculator 913 can calculate a severity rank for an event from
one or more event severity scores, indications of signal bursts
and/or signal groupings, and possibly also through reference to
severity ranks of historical events and signals.
[0214] As such, a severity event rank can evolve over time and as
additional signals are received.
[0215] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 1000
for determining event truthfulness. Method 1000 will be described
with respect to the components and data depicted in FIG. 9.
[0216] Method 1000 includes receiving a normalized signal including
signal characteristics including a signal type, a signal source,
and signal content detecting an event from the content of the first
signal (1001). For example, event detection infrastructure 103 can
receive normalized signal 122A at time t.sub.1. Normalized signal
122A includes type 128A, source 129A, and content 127A. Normalized
signal 122A can be forwarded to severity determination module 108
and event detector 909 (which may be event detector 709).
[0217] Method 1000 includes detecting an event from the content of
the normalized signal (1002). For example, event detector 709 can
detect event 924 (e.g., event 724) in category 926 (e.g., category
726) based on the characteristics of normalized signal 122A (a
trigger signal) (including any of time 123A, location 124A, context
126A, content 127A, type 128A, sources 129A, etc.) Event detector
909 can send event 924 and category 926 to severity rank calculator
913 and to any of modules 901.
[0218] Method 1000 includes calculating a location severity value,
a time severity value, a response severity value, a category
severity value, and an impact severity value based on a location,
time, response, category, and impact respectively associated with
the normalized signal (1003). For example, location valuer 902,
time valuer 903, response valuer 904, categorization valuer 905,
and impact valuer 906 can each calculate a corresponding severity
value for signal 122A, collectively represented as severity values
922A. Distance measurer 907 can determine and store the location of
signal 122A. Time measurer 908 can determine and store an
origination time of signal 122A.
[0219] Method 1000 includes calculating a severity score for the
normalized signal based on the location severity value, the time
severity value, the response severity value, the category severity
value, and the impact severity value (1004). For example, score
combiner 912 can combine severity values 922A into severity score
921A. Score combiner 912 can send severity score 921A to severity
rank calculator 913.
[0220] Method 1000 includes calculating an event severity rank for
the event from the severity score (1005). For example, severity
rank calculator 913 can calculate severity 927A for event 924 from
severity score 921A. Method 1000 includes sending the event and the
event severity rank to an event notification module (1006). For
example, event detection infrastructure 103 can send event 924
along with severity rank 927A to event notification at time
t.sub.5.
[0221] Method 1000 includes receiving a second normalized signal
including second signal characteristics including a second signal
type, a second signal source, and second signal content (1007). For
example, event detection infrastructure 103 can receive normalized
signal 122B at time t.sub.2. Normalized signal 122B includes type
128B, source 129B, and content 127B. Normalized signal 122B can be
forwarded to severity determination module 108 and event detector
909 (which may be event detector 709).
[0222] Method 1000 includes determining that the second normalized
signal is associated with the event (1008). For example, event
detector 909 can determine that normalized signal 122B is
associated with event 924.
[0223] Method 1000 includes calculating a second location severity
value, a second time severity value, a second response severity
value, a second category severity value, and a second impact
severity value based on a location, time, response, category, and
impact respectively associated with the second normalized signal
(1009). For example, location valuer 902, time valuer 903, response
valuer 904, categorization valuer 905, and impact valuer 906 can
each calculate a corresponding severity value for signal 122B,
collectively represented as severity values 922B. Distance measurer
907 can determine and store the location of signal 122B. Time
measurer 908 can determine and store an origination time of signal
122B. Based on locations and origination times, distance measurer
907/time measurer 908 can determine that normalized signals 922A
and 922B are in a signal group 927 (and possibly part of a signal
burst).
[0224] Method 1000 includes calculating a second severity score for
the second normalized signal based on the second location severity
value, the second time severity value, the second response severity
value, the second category severity value, and the second impact
severity value (1010). For example, score combiner 912 can combine
severity values 922B into severity score 921B. Score combiner 912
can send severity score 921B to severity rank calculator 913.
Distance measurer 907/time measurer 908 can also send signal groups
927 to severity rank calculator 913.
[0225] Method 1000 includes calculating an updated event severity
rank for the event from the first severity score and the second
severity score (1011). For example, severity rank calculator 913
can calculate severity 927B for event 924 from severity score 921A,
severity score 921B, and signal groups 927 (and/or one or more
signal bursts). Method 1000 includes sending the event and the
updated event severity rank to the event notification module
(1012). For example, event detection infrastructure 103 can send
event 924 along with severity rank 927B to event notification at
time t.sub.6.
[0226] In one aspect, event 924 is sent to severity determination
module 108.
[0227] Location valuer 902, time valuer 903, response valuer 904,
categorization valuer 905, and impact valuer 906 can calculate
severity values 926 from characteristics of event 224. Distance
measurer 907 can determine and store the location of event 924.
Score combiner 912 can combine severity values 926 into severity
score 928. Score combiner 912 can send severity score 928 to
severity rank calculator 913. Severity rank calculator 913 can
calculate an additional severity rank for event 224 from severity
score 921A, severity score 921B, severity score 928, and signal
groups 927. Event detection infrastructure 103 can send event 224
with the additional severity rank to event notification 116.
[0228] In some aspects, signals are grouped into social (Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and non-social (EMS radio communication,
CAD, Traffic Cameras, etc.). Individual signals can be valued based
on severity rank evaluation (e.g., CAD (computer aided dispatch)
and Traffic Camera signals rank higher than Twitter/FB source
signals). Geofences can be generated based on available signals.
The geofences can then be used to monitor correlating signals and
thus can be used to improve severity rank on a continuous
basis.
[0229] In one aspect, criteria used for a severity assessment
include signal/event location, signal/event time, event response
(dispatch code, nature of 911 call, etc.), event categorization,
event related signal volume, such as, count of signals, detection
of bursts of social signals/events, etc., and event impact (e.g.,
people/property impacted).
[0230] A weighted average module (e.g., integrated into and/or
spanning score combiner 912 and/or severity rank calculator 913)
can be used to determine event severities.
[0231] Location Rank (L1): location groups (cities, schools,
hospitals, places of interest etc.)
[0232] Time Rank (T1): time of occurrence which can directly
influence the severity Response Rank (R1): Priority Dispatch Codes,
and whether it's fire, police, or medical, or all of them+SWAT can
correspond to higher ranks
[0233] Category Rank (C1): Fire, Accident, Explosion, etc. can have
a higher severity rank than certain other event categories
[0234] Signal Rank (S1): Rank signal groups based on historical
observations
[0235] Impact Rank (I1): Rank keywords (Killed, Hurt, Hospitalized,
SWAT, Shots Fired, Officer Shot, Biohazard, Terrorism,
etc.)--places keywords (subway stations, airports, Whitehouse, etc.
have higher ranks)
[0236] Wherein, Event Severity
Rank=(L1*W1)+(T1*W2)+(C1*W3)+(S1*W4)+(I1*W5) and W1, W2, Wn, etc.
represent corresponding weights. Weights can be derived dynamically
using machine learning models built on an historical events
database (i.e., derived based on historical event dissections).
Event Severity can be normalized to derive a Severity Rank (e.g.,
score between 1 and 5, range of "low", "medium", or "high",
etc.)
[0237] Severity determination module 108 can operate concurrently
with truthfulness determination module 107 and other modules
includes in event detection infrastructure 103.
[0238] Event Identification and Notification Based on Entity
Preferences
[0239] Aspects of the invention identify relevant events and notify
entities of relevant events based on entity selected event
notification preferences. Entities indicate event notification
preferences to an event notification service. An event detection
infrastructure detects events based on received signals. The
notification service monitors detected events. For each detected
event, the notification service compares characteristics of the
detected event to event notification preferences for one or more
entities. Based on the comparisons, the event notification service
determines if an event satisfies event notification preferences for
any entities. The event notification service notifies entities
having satisfied event notification preferences about the event.
Components that facilitate identifying relevant events and
notifying entities of relevant events can be integrated with data
ingestion modules and an event detection infrastructure.
[0240] Detected events can be of interest to entities, such as, for
example, parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, first
responders, hospitals, delivery services, media outlets, government
entities, government agencies, etc. based on event characteristics,
such as, for example, a combination of one or more of: event
location, event category, event truthfulness, and event severity.
For example, a teacher may be interested in shooting and police
presence events at and within a specified of distance of a school
where they work regardless of truthfulness, severity, or when the
event occurred. On the other hand, a parent may be interested in
shooting events at the school having at least a specified
truthfulness and regardless of severity and time but not interested
in shootings in the surrounding area and not interested in other
police presence events at the school.
[0241] To be notified of events they deem relevant, entities can
indicate event notification preferences at a user interface. The
user interface can include controls for indicating location
preferences, distance range preferences, event category
preferences, event truthfulness preferences, event severity
preferences, and event time preferences. An entity can select
various preferences through the user interface to define events of
interest to the entity. A preference can be indicated as a less
than, a less than or equal to, a greater than, a greater than or
equal to, or equals, as well as combinations thereof.
[0242] For example, an entity may be interested in accidents (event
category preference), within 5 miles of their house (location
preference and distance range preference), having at least an 80%
probability to be true (truthfulness preference), having a
specified severity (severity preference), and that occurred in the
last 30 minutes. Severity may be considered as a gradient. For
example, for accidents: one vehicle, no injuries (severity 1), one
vehicle and minor injuries (severity 2), multiple vehicles or a
serious injury, (severity 3), life threatening injuries (severity
4), fatalities (severity 5). If the entity is interested in
information impacting their commute, they may prefer notification
about any accidents and can indicate notification for accidents of
severity 1 or greater. On the other hand, a firehouse may be
interested in accidents of severity 3 or greater, for example,
where medical and/or occupant extraction services may be
needed.
[0243] An entity may be interested in different categories of
events in and/or around multiple different locations that having at
least a specified truthfulness and/or that have at least a
specified severity and/or may desire event notification within a
specified time of event detection. As such, an entity can enter
multiple different sets of preferences.
[0244] Entity event notification preferences can be stored in a
preferences database. Each set of preferences for an entity can be
stored along with an entity ID for the entity.
[0245] When the event identification module receives a detected
event, the event identification module can compare characteristics
of the event to different sets of entity event notification
preferences. When the characteristics of an event satisfy a set of
entity preferences associated with an entity, the event and an
entity ID of the entity are sent to an event notification module.
If characteristics of an event satisfy multiple sets of entity
preferences, the event and entity IDs for each associated entity
are sent to the event notification module.
[0246] The event notification module refers to notification
preferences, to determine how to notify an entity. An entity can be
notified via email, via text message, through other messaging
infrastructures, by storing an event in durable storage, etc. An
event can be formatted for compatibility with entity systems. For
example, an event can be stored in a data format requested by an
entity. In one aspect, an event detecting in a format used by one
entity. The even can be translated into a format used by another
entity. As such the meaning of the event can be translated from the
one entity to the other entity. A time preference can indicate a
desire to be notified of an event within a specified time of event
detection. In one aspect, the specified time ranges from live-time
(essentially a preference to be notified concurrently with event
detection) to 60 minutes.
[0247] FIGS. 11A-1 and 11A-2 illustrate a computer architecture
that facilitates identifying relevant events and notifying entities
of relevant events. In one aspect, event detection infrastructure
103 generates event feed 1101. Event feed 1101 includes detected
events, including event 1101A, event 1101B, etc. Each event can
include an event ID, a time, a location, a description, a category
(or categories)(i.e., context), a truthfulness, and a severity. For
example, event 1101A includes ID 1002A, time 1103A, location 1104A,
description 1105A, category (or categories) 1106A, truth 1107A, and
severity 1108A. Similarly, event 1101B includes ID 1102B, time
1103B, location 1104B, description 1105B, category (or categories)
1106B, truth 1107B, and severity 1108B.
[0248] Event detection infrastructure 103 can send event feed 1101
to event notification 116.
[0249] As depicted in FIG. 11A-2, user interface 1111 includes
location control 1112, distance control 1113, time control 1114,
severity control 1116, truth control 1117, and category control
1118. Location control 1112 can be used to select locations of
interest to an entity. Distance control 1113 can be used to select
a distance from (e.g., a radius or other shape around) a selected
location or define an area that is of interest to the entity.
Location control 1112 and distance control 1113 can be utilized in
tandem to indicate any of: a distance from a fixed location, a geo
fenced area, or specific types of locations contained in a geo
fenced area.
[0250] Category control 1118 can be used to select event categories
(i.e., context) of interest to an entity. Time control 1114 can be
used to indicate a time frame (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes)
in which an entity wishes to be notified of events after event
detection. The time frame can be defined as an event age after
which there is no longer interest in being notified of events that
otherwise satisfy entity notification preferences. In one aspect,
time control 1114 is used to indicate an interest in being notified
of events in "live time" or essentially at "moment zero". In
another aspect, time control 1114 is used to indicate an interest
in being notified of events within 60 minutes of detection.
Severity control 1116 can be used to indicate event severities of
interest to the user. Truth control 1117 can be used to indicate
event truthfulness of interest to the user.
[0251] Other times settings can be configured to indicate when the
user desires to be notified. For example, a user may be interested
in events that are detected in "live time" or essentially at
"moment zero" but wants to be notified on the hour, once a day,
etc.
[0252] User interface 1111 can also include controls for
identifying entities to be notified when event notification
preferences are satisfied. For example, an entity selecting event
notification preferences can select a preference to notify
themselves and/or others of relevant events. User interface 1111
can also include controls enabling an entity to select notification
mechanisms, such as, text message, email, data file, etc. per
entity that is to be notified.
[0253] The depicted controls as well as other indicated controls of
user interface 1111 can be graphical user interface controls
including any of: check boxes, radio buttons, dials, sliders, text
entry fields, etc.
[0254] Entity 1121 can enter entity input 1149 at user interface
1111 to formulate preferences 1126. Entity 1121 can select, adjust,
manipulate, etc. one or more of location control 1112, distance
control 1113, time control 1114, severity control 1116, truth
control 117, and category control 1118 to formulate preferences
1126. Entity 1121 can also select one or more notification
mechanisms at user interface 1111. When entity 1121 completes
preference selection, user interface 1111 can store preferences
1126 as preference set 1127 in event preferences database 1109.
[0255] As depicted, preference set 1127 includes entity ID 1141 (of
entity 1121), location preferences 1142 (e.g., indicating a
location of interest or an area of interest), distance preferences
1143, category preferences 1144, severity preferences 1146, truth
preferences 1147, and time preferences 1148. For example,
preference set 1127 can indicate that entity 1121 is interested in
police presence events (category) within one mile of a high school
(location and distance) within 5 minutes of detection (time
preference), that have at least a specified severity, that have a
50% or greater probability of being true.
[0256] Time preferences 1148 can indicate interest in events less
than or equal to a maximum age (and that otherwise meet entity
notification requirements). In one aspect, time preferences 1148
indicate that entity 1121 desires to be notified of relevant events
detected in "live time" or essentially at "moment zero" (and that
otherwise satisfied entity notification preferences). In another
aspect, time preferences 1148 indicate that entity 1121 desires to
also be notified of relevant events detected within some amount
time after moment zero, for example, in range between 1 and 60
minutes (and that otherwise satisfied entity notification
preferences).
[0257] For example, an entity may register to be notified of events
that are less than 30 minutes old and have truthfulness (e.g.,
confidence level) threshold of at least 75%. At "moment zero" can
event may be detected and have an associated truthfulness
(confidence level) of 40%. The entity is not notified of the event
because the truthfulness does not satisfy the truthfulness
threshold. 35 minutes later another signal is received raising the
associated truthfulness (confidence level) to 80%. However, the
entity is still not notified of the event because the entity is not
interested in events that are older than 30 minutes,
[0258] In one aspect, an application is installed on a mobile phone
used by entity 1121. User interface 1111 is included in the
application. In another aspect, user interface 1111 is a web-based
interface access by entity 1121 using a browser.
[0259] Entity 1121 can utilize user interface 1111 to formulate
other preference sets. Other users can also utilize user interface
1111 or other similar user interfaces to formulate additional
preference sets (e.g., at their mobile phones).
[0260] From time to time, or on an ongoing basis, event
identification module 118 can access entity preference sets 1128,
including preference set 1127, from event preferences database
1109. As event identification module 118 receives events,
identification module 118 filters event feed 1101 to identify
events that entities have defined as relevant in preference sets.
Event identification module 118 compares characteristics of
received events to entity preference sets 1128 to determine if
events satisfy any event preference sets.
[0261] FIG. 12A illustrates a flow chart of an example method 1200
for identifying relevant events and notifying entities of relevant
events. Method 1200 will be described with respect to the
components and data depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0262] Method 1200 includes receiving an event feed containing a
plurality of events, each event detected from one or more
normalized signals, each event including an event location, an
event category, an event an event truthfulness, an event severity,
and an event time (1201). For example, event notification 116 can
receive event feed 1101, including events 1101A, 1101B, etc.
[0263] Method 1200 includes accessing entity notification
preferences defining events relevant to an entity, the entity
notification preferences including category preferences, location
preferences, distance preferences, truth preferences, severity
preferences, and time preferences, the location preferences and
distance preferences collectively defining that the entity is
interested in events within a specified distance of one or more
locations, the time preferences defining that the entity desires
event notification at least within a specified time period of event
detection (1202). For example, from time to time, or on an ongoing
basis event identification module 118 can access entity preference
sets 1128, including preference set 1127, from event preferences
database 1109.
[0264] Method 1200 includes for an event in the event feed,
comparing characteristics of the event to the entity notification
preferences (1203). For example, as event notification 116 receives
event feed 1011, identification module 118 filters event feed 1101
to identify events that entities have defined as relevant in
preference sets. Event identification module 118 compares
characteristics of received events to entity preference sets 1128
to determine if events satisfy any event preference sets. For
example, event identification module 118 can compare the
characteristics of event 1101A to preference set 1127.
[0265] More specifically, method 1200 includes comparing the event
location to the location preferences in view of the distance
preferences (1204), comparing the event category to the category
preferences (1205), comparing the event truthfulness to the truth
preferences (1206), and comparing the event severity to the
severity preferences (1207). For example, event identification
module 118 can compare location 1104A to location preferences 1142
in view of distance preferences 1143, can compare category (or
categories) 1106A to category preferences 1144, can compare
truthfulness 1107A to truth preferences 1147, and can compare
severity 1108A to severity preferences 1148.
[0266] Method 1200 includes determining that the event satisfies
the entity notification preferences based on the comparisons
(1208). For example, event identification module 118 can determine
that event 1101A satisfies preference set 1127. Method 1200
includes notifying an electronic device of the event in compliance
with the time preferences (1209). For example, event notification
116 can send notification 1171 (of event 1101A) to an electronic
device (e.g., a mobile phone) associated with entity 1121 in
compliance with time preferences 1148. Event notification 116 can
also store notification 1171 at storage 1192. In one aspect,
notification 1171 is sent essentially at "moment zero" or in
"live-time". In another aspect, notification 1171 is sent after a
configured delay, for example, between zero and 60 minutes.
[0267] In one aspect, notification 1171 includes at least some
content from event 1101A, such as, for example, time 1103A,
location 1104A, description 1105A, and category (or categories)
106A. Entity 1121 may use storage 1192 to store relevant events
over a period of time and subsequently use the stored events in
other data processing operations.
[0268] If event identification module 118 determines that event
1101A satisfies other additional preference sets, notifications can
be set to entities corresponding to those preferences sets. Event
notification module 116 can notify other entities in accordance
with their notification preferences.
[0269] Event identification module 1118 through interoperation with
event detection infrastructure 103, event preferences database
1109, and event notification 116, essentially functions as a
controller of live data. Accordingly, aspects of the invention
allow entities to tailor event notifications to their specific
needs and desires and receive event notifications for events they
deem relevant (without being bombarded with irrelevant events) in a
timely manner.
[0270] In other scenarios, an entity and/or their associates,
related entities, such as, security personnel, etc. may be
interested in events at or around the entity's current location
and/or events at or around locations the entity may visit in the
near future. The entity and/or their associates, related entities,
etc. may interested in events on an ongoing basis, including
updates as the entity moves between different locations. For
example, a person travelling may be interested in events ahead of
them on the highway that might slow down their travel. Government
officials/corporate executives and/or their security personnel may
be interested in events posing a threat of physical injury to the
government officials/corporate executive at a location or in
transit between locations. First responders may be interested in
medical, fire, or law enforcement related events near their
location to more quickly provide relevant services. An air traveler
may be interested in events at their destination.
[0271] Aspects of the invention identify relevant events and notify
entities (or their associates, related entities, etc.) of relevant
events based on current location or predicted future location of an
entity, for example, to provide situational awareness about the
entity's current or future surroundings. Current entity location as
well as probable future entity locations can be considered when
determining event relevancy. Current location and probable future
location can be derived from entity location information. Entity
location information can be expressly defined and/or inferred from
other information about the entity.
[0272] In one aspect, a current location of an entity is determined
from expressly defined and/or inferred entity location information.
The entity (or their associates, related entities, etc.) is sent
event notifications to notify the entity (or their associates,
related entities, etc.) of relevant events at or near the entity's
current location. The entity's current location can be determined,
and event notifications sent to the entity (or their associates,
related entities, etc.) on an ongoing basis to update the entity
(or their associates, related entities, etc.) as the entity moves
between locations.
[0273] In another aspect, expressly defined and/or inferred entity
location information is used to predict, derive, etc., the entity's
possible/probable future location(s). The entity (or their
associates, related entities, etc.) is sent event notifications to
notify the entity (or their associates, related entities, etc.)
about relevant events at or near the entity's possible/probable
future location(s). Changes to an entity's possible/probable future
location(s) can be predicted, derived, etc., on an ongoing basis as
expressly defined location information and/or inferred location
information for an entity changes. As possible/probable future
location(s) change, the entity (or their associates, related
entities, etc.) is sent event notifications to update the entity
(or their associates, related entities, etc.) about relevant events
at or near the changed future location(s).
[0274] As described, entities can indicate event notification
preferences to an event notification service. An event detection
infrastructure detects events based on received signals. The
notification service monitors detected events. For each detected
event, the notification service compares characteristics of the
detected event to event notification preferences for one or more
entities. Based on the comparisons, the event notification service
determines if an event satisfies event notification preferences for
any entities. The event notification service notifies entities
having satisfied event notification preferences about the
event.
[0275] Location control 1112 and distance control 1113 can be
utilized in tandem to indicate preferences for being notified of
events at an entity's current location and/or for being notified of
events at an entity's probably future location(s). Also as
described, user interface 1111 can include controls for identifying
entities to be notified when event notification preferences are
satisfied. For example, an entity selecting event notification
preferences can select a preference to notify themselves and/or
others of relevant events.
[0276] In one aspect, an entity registers event notification
preferences indicating a desire to be notified of events at or near
the entity's current location and/or to be notified of events at or
near the entity's predicted future locations. Alternatively, and/or
in combination, an entity (e.g., a protectee) registers event
notification preferences indicating a desire that another entity
(e.g., the protectee's security personnel) be notified of events at
or near the entity's current location and/or to be notified of
events at or near the entity's predicted future locations. In a
further aspect, an entity (e.g., a protectee's security personnel)
registers notification preferences indicating a desire to be
notified of events at or near another entity's (e.g., the
protectee) current location and/or to be notified of events at or
near the other entity's predicted future locations. User interface
controls associated with location and distance preferences can be
used to define an interest in events at or within a specified
distance of an entity's current location and/or at or within a
specified distance of the entity's probably future location(s). The
event notification service can then notify an appropriate entity or
entities of relevant events at or near an entity's current location
and/or at or near the entity's possible/probable future location(s)
as appropriate.
[0277] For example, an entity may be interested in accidents (event
category preference), within one mile of their current location as
they are driving (location and distance range preference), having
at least an 75% probability to be true (truthfulness preference),
of any severity (severity preference), and desires event
notification of accident that occurred within the last hour (time
preference). In another example, an entity on an airplane may be
interested in demonstrations (event category preference) in a city
where they will be landing within the next hour (location and time
preference), having at least a 70% probability to be true (truth
preference), and having moderate severity (severity preference). As
a further example, a police officer in his/her patrol car may be
interested in any crime related events (event category preference)
within a half-mile of his/her current location on an ongoing basis
as he/she patrols (location and distance range preference), having
at least a 60% probability to be true (truth preference), having
high severity (e.g., crimes against person) (severity preference),
and desires event notification of events that occurred in the last
5 minutes (or in "live time")(time preference).
[0278] If there is an interest in events within a specified
distance of an entity's current location, a location awareness
module can access location data and/or other location related data
corresponding to and/or shared by the entity. The location
awareness module uses the location data and/or the other location
related data to determine (or at least estimate) the entity's
current location. In some aspects, location data (e.g., coordinates
of a mobile phone, coordinates of a connected vehicle, location
data from a location service, etc.) expressly defines the entity's
current location. The location awareness module calculates the
entity's location from the location data.
[0279] In other aspects, other location related data, such as, for
example, navigation maps, map routing data, navigational data,
calendar data, travel itineraries, social media data, indirectly
indicate an entity's location. The location awareness module infers
the entity's current location from the other location related data.
In one aspect, artificial intelligence and/or machine learning is
used to infer an entity's current location from other location
related data.
[0280] In general, an event identification module can compare an
event location to an entity's current location to determine if an
event is relevant to the entity (e.g., in accordance with distance
preferences). In one aspect, artificial intelligence and/or machine
learning is used to determine if an event is relevant to an entity
based on current location.
[0281] If there is an interest in events within a specified
distance of an entity's future location(s), the location awareness
module can access location data and/or other location related data
corresponding to and/or shared by the entity. The location
awareness module predicts probable future locations of the entity
from the location data and/or other location related data. In one
aspect, artificial intelligence and/or machine learning is used to
infer an entity's probable future location(s) from the location
data and/or other location related data. For example, from a flight
itinerary, the location awareness module can infer that an entity
is to land at a destination in a specified period of time. In
another example, from a current location on a highway, vehicle
speed, and a map route, the location awareness module can infer
that an entity is to arrive in a particular town in a specified
period of time.
[0282] The event identification module can compare an event
location to an entity's probably future location(s) to determine if
an event is relevant to the entity (e.g., in accordance with
distance preferences). In one aspect, artificial intelligence
and/or machine learning is used to determine if an event is
relevant to the entity based on probable future location(s).
[0283] An event notification module refers to notification
preferences, to determine how to notify an entity (either about
events relevant to them or events relevant to another entity). An
entity can be notified via email, via text message, through other
messaging infrastructures, by storing an event in durable storage,
etc. An event can be formatted for compatibility with entity
systems. For example, an event can be stored in a data format
requested by an entity.
[0284] FIG. 11B illustrates a computer architecture that
facilitates identifying relevant events and notifying entities of
relevant events. As depicted in FIG. 11B, event identification
module 1118 includes location awareness module 1179. In general,
location awareness module 1179 can access location data and/or
other (location related) data for an entity. Location awareness
module 1179 can (possibly using artificial intelligence and/or
machine learning) determine (or at least estimate) a current
location of the entity from the location data and/or other
(location related) data. Location awareness module 1179 can also
(possibly using artificial intelligence and/or machine learning)
predict (or at least estimate) probable future location(s) of the
entity from the location data and/or other (location related)
data
[0285] As described, user interface 1111 includes location control
1112, distance control 1113, time control 1114, severity control
1116, truth control 1117, and category control 1118. The various
controls can be manipulated by an entity to enter event
notification preferences. Also as described, user interface 1111
can include controls enabling an entity to select notification
mechanisms, such as, text message, email, data file, etc.
[0286] Entity 1122 can enter entity input 1151 at user interface
1111 to formulate preferences 1136. Entity 1122 can select, adjust,
manipulate, etc. one or more of location control 1112, distance
control 1113, time control 1114, severity control 1116, truth
control 117, and category control 1118 to formulate preferences
1126. Entity 1122 can also select one or more notification
mechanisms at user interface 1111. When entity 1122 completes
preference selection, user interface 1111 can store preferences
1136 as preference set 1137 in event preferences database 1109.
[0287] Time preferences 1168 can indicate a time delay after which
a notification for a relevant event can be sent. In one aspect,
time preferences 1168 indicate that entity 1121 desires to be
notified of relevant events in "live time" or essentially at
"moment zero". In another aspect, time preferences 1168 indicate
that entity 1122 desires to be notified of relevant events after a
time delay of between zero and 60 minutes.
[0288] As depicted, preference set 1137 includes entity ID 1161 (of
entity 1121), location preferences 1162 (e.g., indicating interest
in events at entity 1122's current and/or probable future
locations), distance preferences 1163, category preferences 1164,
severity preferences 1166, truth preferences 1167, and time
preferences 1168. For example, preference set 1137 can indicate
that entity 1122 is interested in police presence events (category)
within a specified distance of his or her location (location
preference) within 3 minutes of detection (time preference), that
have at least a specified severity, that have a 50% or greater
probability of being true.
[0289] In one aspect, an application is installed on a mobile phone
used by entity 11221. User interface 1111 is included in the
application. In another aspect, user interface 1111 is a web-based
interface access by entity 1122 using a browser.
[0290] Entity 1122 can utilize user interface 1111 to formulate
other preference sets. Other users can also utilize user interface
1111 or other similar user interfaces to formulate additional
preference sets (e.g., at their mobile phones).
[0291] From time to time, or on an ongoing basis, event
identification module 118 can access entity preference sets 1138,
including preference set 1137, from event preferences database
1109. As event identification module 118 receives events,
identification module 118 filters event feed 1101 to identify
events that entities have defined as relevant in preference sets.
Event identification module 118 compares characteristics of
received events to entity preference sets 1138 to determine if
events satisfy any event preference sets.
[0292] FIG. 12B illustrates a flow chart of an example method 1250
for identifying relevant events and notifying entities of relevant
events. Method 1250 will be described with respect to the
components and data depicted in FIG. 11B.
[0293] Method 1250 includes receiving an event feed containing a
plurality of events, each event detected from one or more signals,
each event including an event location, an event category, an event
truthfulness, an event severity, and an event time (1251). For
example, event notification 116 can receive event feed 101,
including event 1101C.
[0294] Method 1250 includes accessing entity notification
preferences defining events relevant to an entity, the entity
notification preferences including category preferences, location
preferences, distance preferences, truth preferences, severity
preferences, and time preferences, the location preferences and
distance preferences collectively indicating that the entity is
interested in events within a specified distance of at least one
of: the entity's current location or the entity's probable future
location, the time preferences defining that the entity desires
event notification at least within a specified time period of event
detection (1252). For example, from time to time, or on an ongoing
basis event identification module 118 can access entity preference
sets 1138, including preference set 1137, from event preferences
database 1109.
[0295] For an event in the event feed, method 1250 includes
comparing characteristics of the event to the entity notification
preferences (1253). For example, as event notification 116 receives
event feed 1011, identification module 118 filters event feed 1101
to identify events that entities have defined as relevant in
preference sets. Event identification module 118 compares
characteristics of received events to entity preference sets 1128
to determine if events satisfy any event preference sets. For
example, event identification module 118 can compare the
characteristics of event 1101C to preference set 1137.
[0296] More specifically, method 1250 includes accessing one or
more of: location data corresponding to the entity or other
location related data corresponding to the entity (1254). Method
1250 includes determining the at least one of: the entity's current
location or the entity's probable future location from the one or
more of: the location data and the other location related data
(1255). Method 1250 includes comparing the event location to the at
least one of: the entity's current location or the entity's
probable future location (1256).
[0297] For example, in one aspect, location preferences 1162 and
distance preferences 1163 collective indicate that entity 1122 is
interested in events within a specified distance of their current
location. In response, location awareness module 1179 accesses
location data 1131 and/or other (location related) data 1132.
Location awareness module 179 (possibly using artificial
intelligence and/or machine learning) determines (or at least
estimates) a current location of entity 1122. Event identification
module 118 can (possibly using artificial intelligence and/or
machine learning) determine if a location indicated in event 1101C
is within the specified distance (defined in distance preferences
143) of entity 1122's current location.
[0298] In another aspect, location preferences 1162 and distance
preferences 1163 collective indicate that entity 1122 is interested
in events within a specified distance of their probable future
location(s). In response, location awareness module 1179 access
location data 1131 and/or other (location related) data 1132.
Location awareness module 1179 (possibly using artificial
intelligence and/or machine learning) predicts (or at least
estimates) probable future location(s) of entity 1122. Event
identification module 118 can (possibly using artificial
intelligence and/or machine learning) determine if a location
indicated in event 1011C is within the specified distance (defined
in distance preferences 1163) of entity 1122's probable future
location(s).
[0299] Method includes comparing the event category to the category
preferences (1257), comparing the event truthfulness to the truth
preferences (1258), and comparing the event severity to the
severity preferences (1259). For example, event identification
module 118 can compare a category (or categories) indicated in
event 1101C to category preferences 1164, can compare a
truthfulness indicated in event 1101C to truth preferences 1167,
and can compare a severity indicated in event 1101C to severity
preferences 1168.
[0300] Method 1250 includes determining that the event satisfies
the entity notification preferences based on the comparisons
(1261). For example, event identification module 118 can determine
that event 1101C satisfies preference set 1137. Method 1200
includes notifying the entity of the event in compliance with the
time preferences (1262). For example, event notification 116 can
send notification 1172 (of event 1101C) to an electronic device
(e.g., a mobile phone) associated with entity 1122 in compliance
with time preferences 1168. Event notification 116 can also store
notification 1172 in durable storage. In one aspect, time
preferences 1168 indicate that notifications are to be sent
essentially at "moment zero". As such, event notification 116 can
send be configured to send a live-feed of situational awareness
regarding entity 1122.
[0301] In one aspect, notification 1172 includes at least some
content from event 1101C, such as, for example, a time, a location,
a description, and a category (or categories). Entity 1122 may use
durable storage to store relevant events over a period of time and
subsequently use the stored events in other data processing
operations.
[0302] If event identification module 118 determines that event
1101C satisfies other additional preference sets, notifications can
be set to entities corresponding to those preferences sets. Event
notification module 116 can notify other entities in accordance
with their notification preferences.
[0303] Event identification module 1118 and location awareness
module 1179 through interoperation with event detection
infrastructure 103, event preferences database 1109, and event
notification 116, essentially functions as a controller of live
data. Accordingly, aspects of the invention allow entities to
tailor event notifications to their specific needs and desires and
receive event notifications for events they deem relevant (without
being bombarded with irrelevant events) in a timely manner
[0304] FIG. 13 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
notifying of an event at or near the current location of an entity.
Entity 1321 can indicate in preferences 1326 (e.g., entered through
user interface 1111, 1500, or another similar user interface) a
desire to be notified of events within distance range 1343 of
entity 1321's current location. Alternately or in combination,
entity 1321 can indicate in preferences 1326 a desire to notify
entity 1322 of events within distance range 1343 of entity 1321's
currently location. In another aspect, entity 1322 indicates in
preferences 1326 a desire to be notified of events within distance
range 1343 of entity 1321's current location.
[0305] From raw signals 121, including raw signals originating in
area 1344, data ingestion 101 and event detection 103 can
interoperate to detect event 1324. Location awareness module 1179
can access location information 1331 for entity 1321 (e.g., a
mobile phone location, travel itinerary, etc.). Location awareness
module 1379 can (possibly using artificial intelligence and/or
machine learning) derive a current location of entity 1321.
[0306] Event identification module 1118 can access preferences
1326. Event identification module 1118 can (possibly using
artificial intelligence and/or machine learning) determine that
event 1324 is within distance range 1343 of entity 1321 (and
otherwise satisfies preferences 1326). Event notification module
116 can send notification 1371 to entity 1321 to notify entity 1321
of event 1324. Alternately or in combination, event notification
module 116 can also send notification 1371 (or a different
notification) to entity 1322 to notify entity 1322 of event 1324.
Notification 1371 can be an electronic message sent to one or more
mobile phones.
[0307] FIG. 14 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
notifying of an event at or near a predicted future location of an
entity. Entity 1421 can indicate in preferences 1426 (e.g., entered
through user interface 1111, 1500, or another similar user
interface) a desire to be notified of events within a specified
distance range of entity 1421's probably future locations.
Alternately or in combination, entity 1421 can indicate in
preferences 1426 a desire to notify entity 1422 of events within
distance range 1443 of entity 1421's currently location. In another
aspect, entity 1422 indicates in preferences 1426 a desire to be
notified of events within distance range 1443 of entity 1421's
current location.
[0308] From raw signals 121, including raw signals originating in
area 1444, data ingestion 101 and event detection 103 can
interoperate to detect event 1424. Location awareness module 1179
can access location information 1431 for entity 421 (e.g., a speed
and direction of travel). Location awareness module 1179 can
(possibly using artificial intelligence and/or machine learning)
can predict movement of entity 1421 into area 1444 in the future
(e.g., in the next 1-3 minutes).
[0309] Event identification module 1118 can access preferences
1426. Event identification module 1118 can (possibly using
artificial intelligence and/or machine learning) determine that
event 1424 is occurring in area 1444 (and otherwise satisfies
preferences 1426). Event notification module 116 can send
notification 1471 to entity 1421 to notify entity 1421 of event
1424. Alternately or in combination, event notification module 116
can also send notification 1471 (or a different notification) to
entity 1422 to notify entity 1422 of event 1424. Notification 1471
can be an electronic message sent to one or more mobile phones.
[0310] Accordingly, aspects of the invention can notify an entity
about events potentially impacting places and/or people. In one
aspect, appropriate parties are notified of events occurring in an
entity's current or probable future locations to increase
situational awareness.
[0311] FIG. 15 depicts an example user interface 1500 that
facilitates selecting event notification preferences. User
interface 1500 is one possible representation of user interface
1111. As depicted, user interface 1500 includes category controls
1501, locations controls 1502, time control 1503, truth control
1504, and severity control 1505. In general, an entity can
manipulate controls in user interface 1500 to indicate event
notification preferences. An entity can manipulate controls
category controls 1501 to indicate a preference for being notified
of different categories of events. An entity can manipulate
location controls 1502 to indicate a preference for being notified
of events at specified locations. As depicted an entity has
indicated interest in various buildings in the Salt Lake City, Utah
area.
[0312] An entity can manipulate time control 1503 to indicate a
preference for being notified of events within a specified time
frame after event occurrence, including "live time" or essentially
at "moment zero". An entity can manipulate truth control 1504 to
indicate a preference for being notified of events with at least a
requisite truthfulness ranging from any truthfulness to 100%
truthfulness. An entity can manipulate severity control 1505 to
indicate a preference for being notified of events with at least a
requisite severity ranging from severity 1 (less severe) to
severity 5 (more severe).
[0313] Preferences selected through user interface 1500 can be
stored in an event preferences database, such as, for example,
event preferences database 1109. Further, when a entity is notified
of an event, the entity may take some action in response to the
notification, such as, dismissing the event, following further
evolution of the event, etc. Entity action can be used as feedback
to provide suggestions to the entity. For example, if an entity
repeatedly dismisses accident events, the system may suggest that
the entity remove "accident" as an event notification category.
[0314] Event Impact
[0315] In one aspect, components facilitating impact prediction and
relevant entity notification are integrated with data ingestion
modules 101 and an event detection infrastructure 103. An impact
prediction module can predict impacts (e.g., disruptions) likely to
be caused by an event. The impact prediction module can maintain an
event history database of prior events and corresponding impacts.
As new events are detected, the impact prediction module can refer
to the event history database and compare the new events to prior
events.
[0316] The impact prediction module can formulate predicted impacts
of new events based on impacts of prior similar events. Predicted
impacts can be on specified types of entities in an impacted area.
Specified entities can include hospitals, blood banks, delivery
services, etc. Impacted areas can include a geographic region
within a specified distance of an event, a direction of travel on a
roadway, a specific entity (e.g,. a specialty medical facility),
etc.
[0317] The impact prediction module can send predicted impacts,
including impact types and areas, to an impact notification module.
The impact notification module can refer to an entity database that
stores entity types and entity locations. The impact notification
module can compare impact types and impact areas to entity types
and entity locations to identify entities likely to be affected by
one or more predicted impacts of an event. The impact notification
module can notify the identified entities that they are likely to
be affected by one or more predicted impacts of an event.
[0318] Entities notified of an event may or may not be notified of
a likely impact of the event. Similarly, entities notified of a
likely impact of an event may or may not be notified of the event.
For example, a news station may be notified of accident but not
notified of potential traffic congestion caused by the accident. On
the other hand, a hospital may not be notified of a shooting event
but may be notified to expect multiple victims injured during the
shooting.
[0319] FIG. 16 illustrates a computer architecture that facilitates
predicting event impact and notifying relevant entities. As
depicted, event detection infrastructure 103 generates event feed
1601, including events 1601A, 1601B, etc. Each event can include an
event ID, a time, a location, a description, a category or
categories (context), a severity, and a truthfulness
[0320] As described, detected events can be of interest (or
relevant) to entities, such as, for example, first responders,
hospitals, blood banks, delivery services, media outlets,
government entities, government agencies, etc. based on one or more
of an event ID, an event time, an event location, an event
category, an event severity, and an event description. Event
detection infrastructure 103 can sent event feed 1601 to event
notification 116 and to impact prediction module 1606. Event
notification 116 can notify one or more entities 1661 of relevant
events in event feed 1601 using described mechanisms.
[0321] Impact prediction module 1606 is configured to predict
disruptions likely to be caused by an event. Impact prediction
module 1606 can maintain event history database 1607 of prior
events and corresponding impacts. Per event, for example, prior
events 1626A and 1626B, event history database 1607 can store event
category, event time, event location, event description, event
severity, and impact(s).
[0322] As new events are detected, impact prediction module 1606
can refer to event history database 1607 and compare
characteristics of the new events to characteristics of prior
events. Impact prediction module 1606 can formulate predicted
impacts of new events based on impacts of prior similar events.
Predicted impacts can be on specified types of entities in an
impacted area. Specified entities can include hospitals, blood
banks, delivery services, etc. Impacted areas can include a
geographic region within a specified distance of an event, a
direction of travel on a roadway, a specific entity (e.g., a
specialty medical facility), etc. Geographic features of a location
such as, is the location in a flood plane, is the location
historically subject to wildfires, is the location on a fault line,
etc. can also be considered.
[0323] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 1700
for predicting event impact and notifying relevant entities. Method
1700 will be described with respect to the components and data
depicted in FIG. 15.
[0324] Method 1700 includes receiving an event feed containing a
plurality of events, each event detected from one or more
normalized signals, each event including an event category, an
event time, an event location, an event description, and an event
severity (1701). For example, impact prediction module 1606 can
receive event feed 1601. Method 1700 includes selecting an event
from among the plurality of events (1702). For example, impact
prediction module 1606 can select event 1601A from event fees
1601.
[0325] Method 1700 includes comparing characteristics of the event
to characteristics of a plurality of prior events, including
comparing one or more of: the event category, the event time, the
event location, the event description, and the event severity to a
corresponding one or more of: an event category, an event time, an
event location, an event description, and an event severity of each
of the prior events (1703). For example, impact prediction module
1606 can compare characteristics of event 1601A to characteristics
of prior events 1626A, 1626B, etc. More specifically, impact
prediction module 1606 can compare time, category or categories,
location, description, and severity included in event 1601A to
time, category or categories, location, description, and severity
included in prior events 1606A, 1606B, etc.
[0326] Method 1700 includes identifying sufficient similarity
between the event and one or more prior events based on the
comparisons (1704). For example, impact prediction module 1606 can
identify sufficient similarity between characteristics of event
1601A and characteristics of prior event 1626B.
[0327] Method 1700 includes predicting one or more impacts of the
event on one more entities based on known impacts associated with
the one or more prior events and in view of the identified
sufficient similarity (1705). For example, impact prediction module
1606 can predict that event 1601A is likely to cause impacts
similar to prior event 1626B. The prediction can be based on known
impacts associated with prior event 1626B and in view of the
similarities between characteristics of event 1601A and
characteristics of prior event 1626B. For example, a multi car
accident with multiple injuries and multiple fatalities at a
particular mile marker on a highway during rush hour is likely to
cause impacts similar to impacts caused by prior multi car
accidents with multiple injuries and multiple fatalities near the
same mile marker on the highway during rush hour.
[0328] A predicted impact can be of a specified impact type and can
impact a specified location or area. For example, impact prediction
module 1606 can formulate predicted impacts 1631 of event 1601A,
including impact type 1641/impact area 1642, impact type
1643/impact area 1644, etc. An event can cause multiple impact
types in multiple impact areas. For example, mass shooting can
impact one or more hospitals and one more blood banks. The one or
more hospitals and one or more blood banks may be in different
locations.
[0329] In one aspect, time adjustments or location adjustments are
made to event data from event 1601A relative to event data from
prior events 1626A, 1662B, etc. Impact prediction module 1606
extrapolates, predicts, or accesses any uncertainty in event data
from prior events 1626A, 1662B, etc. relative to event data in
event 1601A. Impact prediction module 1606 extrapolates predicted
impacts 1631 based on the uncertainty. Accounting for uncertainty,
impact prediction module 1606 can compensate for differences in
event data.
[0330] For example, if event 1601A is similar to event 1626A but
the locations of event 1601A and 1662A different by half a mile,
impact prediction module 1606 can consider the difference in
location when deriving predicted impacts 1631. Similarly, if event
1601A is similar to event 1626B but happened an hour earlier (or
later) in the day, impact prediction module 1606 can consider the
difference time of day when deriving predicted impacts 1631. Impact
prediction module 1606 can give similar consideration to day of
week, holidays, etc. For example, an event that happens on a
weekend or holiday can have a different impact than a prior event
that happened on a weekday or vice versa.
[0331] Method 1700 includes notifying each of the one or more
entities of at least one predicted impact (1706). For example,
impact prediction module 1606 can send predicted impacts 1631 to
impact notification module 1608. Impact notification module 1608
can formulate impact notification(s) 1633. Impact notification
module 1608 can send impact notification(s) 1633 to entities 1661B
and 1661C. Impact notification 1633 can notify entities 1661B and
1661C of predicted impacts 1631, including impact type 1641/impact
area 1642, impact type 1643/impact area 1644, etc.
[0332] Entity database 1609 stores entity type and entity location
per entity. For example, entity database 1609 stores type 1662A and
location 1663A for entity 1661A, stores type 1662B and location
1663B for entity 1661B, etc. Entity location may be dynamic if an
entity is mobile, such as, for example, a delivery truck.
[0333] Impact notification module 1608 can refer to an entity
database 1609. Impact notification module 1608 can compare impact
types and impact areas to entity types and entity locations to
identify entities likely to be affected by one or more predicted
impacts of an event. For example, impact notification module can
compare impact type 1641/area 1642 to type 1662A/location 1662B, to
type 1662B/location 1663B, etc. Similarly, impact notification
module 1608 can compare impact type 1643/area 1644 to type
1662A/location 1662B, to type 1662B/location 1663B, etc. Based on
the comparisons, impact notification module 1608 can identify
entities 1661B and 1661C as being impacted by event 1601A.
[0334] Concurrently, event notification 116 can send event
notification 1632 to entities 1661A and 1661B to notify entities
1661A and 1461B of event 1601A. As such, entity 1661A is notified
of event 1601A but not predicted impacts of event 1601A. Entity
1661B is notified of both event 1401A and predicted impacts of
event 1401A. Entity 1661C is notified of event 1601A but is
notified of predicted impacts of event 1601A.
[0335] In one aspect, entities register to receive predicted
impacts. Predicted impacts can be included in a user interface
similar to user interface 1111 or 1500. Preferences for predicted
impact notifications can be stored in preferences database 1109 or
another similar database. Impact identification module 1606 and/or
impact notification module 1608 can filter predicted impacts based
on entity preferences (similar to event identification module 1118
filtering events based on entity preferences). In some aspects, the
functionality of impact prediction module 1606 and/or impact
notification module 1608 are integrated into event notification 116
or vice versa.
[0336] Event 1601A can also be stored as a prior event in event
history database 1607 along with predicted impacts 1631. Impact
prediction module 1606 can use event 1601A and predicted impacts
163 when predicting impacts of other events detected after event
1601A.
[0337] Aspects of the invention predict impacts (e.g., disruptions)
caused by events and notify relevant entities of predicted impacts
(e.g., entities likely to be disrupted by predicted impacts).
Timely notification of predicted impacts allows entities to better
prepare for and/or take measures to address the predicted impacts
so that the entities can respond to an event more efficiently and
effectively.
[0338] The present described aspects may be implemented in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described aspects are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
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