US7194249B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods, systems and apparatus for providing urgent public information
Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc
•
Filing: 2003-09-30
•
Granted: 2007-03-20
•
Expires: 2023-09-30
Abstract
Abstract Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for distributing urgent public information. For example, one exemplary of the invention provides a method for providing an alert to a subscriber. The exemplary method comprises receiving an alert message from at least one alert source. The alert message often will be pertinent to at least one of the subscribers. The alert message can comprise an alert and associated alert information. The alert information can provide information about the alert such that the information can be analyzed determine whether a particular subscriber likely should receive the alert. Other embodiments provide systems, which can be used to perform the methods of the invention.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce A. Phillips
- 👤 Steven M. Casey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:31
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L63/00; H04L63/02; G; G08; G08B; G08B27/00; G08B27/005; G08B27/006; G08B27/008; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/005; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/23; H04N21/234; H04N21/2343; H04N21/234363; H04N21/235; H04N21/40; H04N21/41; H04N21/4104; H04N21/4122; H04N21/422; H04N21/4223; H04N21/43; H04N21/431; H04N21/4312; H04N21/4316; H04N21/435; H04N21/436; H04N21/4363; H04N21/43632; H04N21/45; H04N21/462; H04N21/4622; H04N21/47; H04N21/478; H04N21/4782; H04N21/488; H04N21/4886; H04N21/60; H04N21/63; H04N21/637; H04N21/6377; H04N21/65; H04N21/658; H04N21/6587; H04N5/00; H04N5/44; H04N5/445; H04N5/45; H04N7/00; H04N7/14; H04N7/141; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N2007/1739; H04N7/10; H04N7/106; H04N7/108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 99
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, a system for providing an alert to a subscriber, the system comprising: an alert receiver configured to receive an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert, such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; an alert distribution device in communication with the alert receiver and further in communication with a communication network, wherein the alert distribution device is configured to: store a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determine, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and transmit the alert to the determined set of distribution addresses via the communication network; and an alert gateway at a subscriber location in communication with the communication network, wherein the alert gateway is: associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses; adapted to receive the alert from the alert distribution device; and configured to take at least one specific action with respect to the alert.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
229 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, a system for providing an alert to a subscriber, the system comprising: an alert receiver configured to receive an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert, such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; an alert distribution device in communication with the alert receiver and further in communication with a communication network, wherein the alert distribution device is configured to: store a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determine, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and transmit the alert to the determined set of distribution addresses via the communication network; and an alert gateway at a subscriber location in communication with the communication network, wherein the alert gateway is: associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses; adapted to receive the alert from the alert distribution device; and configured to take at least one specific action with respect to the alert.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert comprises urgent public information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 2 , wherein the urgent public information is selected from a group consisting of an Emergency Alert System transmission, an Amber Alert, a severe weather notification, and a Homeland Security Advisory notification.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert gateway is incorporated within a network interface device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert gateway is in communication with a network interface device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert information is incorporated within the alert.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert information is additional to the alert.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert distribution device is further configured to extract the alert information from the alert message.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 8 , wherein the alert distribution device is further configured to analyze the alert information to determine the set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the communication network is selected from a group consisting of a radio-frequency transmission, a telephone network, a cable television distribution network, the Internet, a fiber-optic network, a high-speed data network, a wireless network, and a microwave network.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the communication network is a plurality of communication networks and wherein, for a particular distribution address, the alert distribution device is configured to select the most appropriate communication network via which to transmit the alert information to the particular distribution address.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one specific action comprises transmitting a confirmation message to the alert distribution device, wherein the confirmation message indicates that the alert was received by the alert gateway.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 12 , wherein the alert gateway is configured to transmit the confirmation message via the communication network.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 12 , wherein the alert distribution device is configured to retransmit the alert to the distribution address associated with the alert gateway in the event that a confirmation message has not been received from the alert gateway within a certain period of time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 14 , wherein: the communication network is a first communication network; the alert distribution device is further in communication with a second communication network, which is also in communication with the alert gateway; and the alert distribution device is configured to select the second communication network for retransmission of the alert.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 , further comprising an alert processing device in communication with at least one of the alert distribution device and the alert gateway, wherein the alert processing device is configured to process the alert.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert receiver incorporates the functionality of the alert processing device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert gateway incorporates the functionality of the alert processing device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert distribution device incorporates the functionality of the alert processing device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert comprises audio information, and processing the alert comprises translating the audio information into textual information.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein translating the audio information comprises extracting closed-captioning information from a video signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein translating the audio information comprises converting a speech portion of the audio information to text.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert comprises text, and wherein processing the alert comprises converting the text to audio information.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the alert is encoded, and wherein processing the alert comprises decoding the alert.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 24 , where the alert is encoded with event and location information conforming to the Emergency Alert System standards, and wherein processing the alert comprises interpreting the event and location information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein processing the alert further comprises determining, based on the event and location information, the set of one or more distribution addresses.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises an alert notification device coupled to the alert gateway, and wherein the at least one specific action comprises activating the alert notification device to inform a subscriber about the alert.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 27 , wherein informing a subscriber about the alert comprises playing an audible signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the audible signal comprises at least one alert tone.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the audible signal comprises an audio signal associated with the alert.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 27 , wherein informing a subscriber about the alert comprises displaying a visual alert signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises at least one indicator light.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises a video signal associated with the alert.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises a text message associated with the alert.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one specific action comprises transmitting the alert to at least one subscriber device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 35 , wherein the at least one subscriber device includes a set of features associated with the at least one subscriber device, the alert gateway being configured to process the alert according to the set of features associated with the at least one subscriber device prior to sending the alert to the at least one subscriber device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 35 , wherein the at least one subscriber device is a plurality of subscriber devices.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 37 , wherein each of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a set of features associated with that subscriber device, the alert gateway being configured to process the alert according to the set of features associated with each particular subscriber device prior to sending the alert to that particular subscriber device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 35 , wherein the subscriber device is selected from the group consisting of a wireless telephone, a POTS telephone, an IP telephone, a personal computer, laptop computer, a handheld computer, a webpad, a television, a set-top box, and a pager.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 35 , wherein the at least one specific action further comprises anticipating a confirmation message from the at least one subscriber device indicating that the alert was received.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 40 , wherein, if no confirmation message is received from the subscriber device within a certain time interval, the at least one specific action further comprises retransmitting the alert.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 41 , wherein the alert is retransmitted to the subscriber device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 41 , wherein the alert is retransmitted to a second subscriber device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 40 , wherein, if no notification is received from the subscriber device within a certain time interval, the at least one specific action further comprises transmitting a failure message to the alert distribution device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
73 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the alert distribution device is in communication with a storage medium, the storage medium being configured to store selection criteria associated with each of a plurality of distribution addresses, the alert distribution device being configured to select at least one distribution address to which the alert applies based on a correlation between the alert information and a selection criterion for the at least one distribution address.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 45 , wherein the selection criterion is selected from the group consisting of a subscriber's geographic location, a subscriber's personal information, a subscriber's entertainment preferences, a subscriber's school location, and a subscriber's financial information.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, a method for providing an alert to a subscriber, the method comprising: receiving an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert, such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; storing a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determining, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert pertains; and transmitting the alert to a set of alert gateways, wherein each of the alert gateways is located at a subscriber location and is associated with one of the set of distribution addresses.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, a method for providing an alert to a subscriber, the method comprising: receiving an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert, such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; storing a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determining, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert pertains; and transmitting the alert to a set of alert gateways, wherein each of the alert gateways is located at a subscriber location and is associated with one of the set of distribution addresses.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein the alert comprises urgent public information.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 48 , wherein the urgent public information is selected from a group consisting of an Emergency Alert System transmission, an Amber Alert, a severe weather notification, and a Homeland Security Advisory notification.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein the alert information is incorporated within the alert.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein the alert information is additional to the alert.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising extracting the alert information from the alert message.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein transmitting the alert to the set of alert gateways comprises transmitting the alert message to the set of alert gateways.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: anticipating a confirmation message from at least one alert gateway; and if no confirmation message is received within a certain time interval, retransmitting the alert to the at least one alert gateway.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein: transmitting the alert comprises transmitting the alert via a first path; and retransmitting the alert comprises transmitting the alert via a second path.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein: transmitting the alert comprises transmitting the alert via a specific path; and retransmitting the alert comprises transmitting the alert a second time via the same path.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising processing the alert.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the alert comprises audio information, and processing the alert comprises translating the audio information into textual information.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein translating the audio information comprises extracting closed-captioning information from a video signal.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the alert comprises text, and wherein processing the alert comprises converting the text to audio information.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein the alert is encoded, and wherein processing the alert comprises decoding the alert.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 61 , where the alert is encoded with event and location information conforming to the Emergency Alert System standards, and wherein processing the alert comprises interpreting the event and location information.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: receiving the alert with at least one alert gateway; and taking a specific action in response to the alert.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein taking a specific action comprises informing the subscriber about the alert.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 64 , wherein informing the subscriber about the alert comprises playing an audible signal.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 65 , wherein the audible signal comprises at least one alert tone.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 65 , wherein the audible signal comprises at an audio signal associated with the alert.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 64 , wherein informing the subscriber about the alert comprises displaying a visual alert signal.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 68 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises at least one indicator light.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 68 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises a video signal associated with the alert.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 68 , wherein the visual alert signal comprises a text message associated with the alert.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein taking a specific action comprises transmitting the alert to at least one subscriber device.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein the at least one subscriber device includes a set of features associated with the at least one subscriber device, the method further comprising processing the alert according to the set of features associated with the at least one subscriber device prior to sending the alert to the at least one subscriber device.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein the at least one subscriber device comprises a plurality of subscriber devices.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 74 , wherein each of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a set of features associated with that subscriber device, the method further comprising processing the alert according to the set of features associated with each particular subscriber device prior to sending the alert to that particular subscriber device.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein the subscriber device is selected from the group consisting of a wireless telephone, a POTS telephone, an IP telephone, a personal computer, a handheld computer, a television, a set-top box, and a pager.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein the at least one specific action further comprises anticipating a confirmation message from the at least one subscriber device.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein, if no confirmation message is received from the at least one subscriber device within a certain time interval, the method further comprises retransmitting the alert.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein retransmitting the alert comprises retransmitting the alert to the at least one subscriber device.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein retransmitting the alert comprises transmitting the information to at least one additional subscriber device.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein, if no confirmation message is received from the at least one subscriber device within a certain time interval, the method further comprises transmitting a failure message to the alert distribution device.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for providing an alert to a subscriber, the system comprising: means for receiving an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; means for storing a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; means for determining, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and means for transmitting the alert to the set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert pertains, each distribution address being associated with an alert gateway at a subscriber location and associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for providing an alert to a subscriber, the system comprising: means for receiving an alert message from at least one alert source, the alert message being pertinent to at least one of the subscribers and comprising an alert and associated alert information, the alert information providing information about the alert such that the alert information can be analyzed to determine whether a particular subscriber should receive the alert; means for storing a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; means for determining, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and means for transmitting the alert to the set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert pertains, each distribution address being associated with an alert gateway at a subscriber location and associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the alert comprises urgent public information.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 83 , wherein the urgent public information is selected from a group consisting of an Emergency Alert System transmission, an Amber Alert, a severe weather notification, and a Homeland Security Advisory notification.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the alert information is incorporated within the alert.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the alert information is additional to the alert.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 82 , further comprising means for extracting the alert information from the alert message.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the means for transmitting the alert is configured to transmit the alert message.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein each of the set of distribution addresses is associated with an alert gateway.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 82 , further comprising means for anticipating a confirmation message associated with each of the distribution addresses, the confirmation message associated with a particular distribution address serving to indicate that the alert was received by a device associated with that particular distribution address.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 90 , further comprising means for retransmitting the alert to a distribution address in the event that a confirmation message associated with that distribution address has not been received within a certain period of time.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 82 , further comprising: means for receiving the alert, and, in response to the alert, taking at least one specific action.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 92 , further comprising means for processing the alert, the means for processing the alert being in communication with the means for receiving the alert.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 82 , further comprising: means for processing the alert, the means for processing the alert being in communication with at least one of the means for selecting a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert pertains and the means for transmitting the alert.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
184 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, an alert distribution device for providing an alert to a subscriber, the device comprising: means for receiving an alert message, the alert message comprising an alert and associated alert information; a processor in communication with the means for receiving an alert message; means for transmitting an alert to an alert gateway; and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to: store on the computer-readable storage medium a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determine, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and using the means for transmitting an alert to an alert gateway, transmit the alert to a set of alert gateways, wherein each of the alert gateways is located at a subscriber location and is associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
184 words
In a relationship between an information provider and a plurality of subscribers, each of the subscribers being associated with an alert gateway and a corresponding distribution address, an alert distribution device for providing an alert to a subscriber, the device comprising: means for receiving an alert message, the alert message comprising an alert and associated alert information; a processor in communication with the means for receiving an alert message; means for transmitting an alert to an alert gateway; and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to: store on the computer-readable storage medium a directory of alert gateways, each alert gateway being associated with a distribution address; determine, based on the alert information, a set of one or more distribution addresses to which the alert applies; and using the means for transmitting an alert to an alert gateway, transmit the alert to a set of alert gateways, wherein each of the alert gateways is located at a subscriber location and is associated with a member of the determined set of distribution addresses.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-03-19 | 2010-09-18 | 2011-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-03-19 | 2014-09-18 | 2015-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-03-19 | 2018-09-18 | 2019-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |