WO2014062147A1

WO2014062147A1 - Disaster warning system

Info

Publication number: WO2014062147A1
Application number: PCT/UA2012/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zane Eaton
Original assignee: Echostar Ukraine L.L.C.
Priority date: 2012-10-19
Filing date: 2012-10-19
Publication date: 2014-04-24

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward providing a disaster warning system and methods that can provide personalized notifications and do not need to wait for entities to actively send the information. The techniques disclosed herein enable networked devices to actively search information sources and notifications such as disaster-related warnings and other safety information to users based on user preferences. Such notifications can be provided using any of a variety of user-selected communication channels, such as Short Message Service (SMS) (i.e., "text") messaging, email, telephone, television, and the like. Furthermore, notification settings may be created by a user using any of a variety of computing devices, such as mobile phones, personal computers, set-top boxes (and/or other receiving hardware), tablet computers, and the like.

Description

DISASTER WARNING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Mass notification systems enable authorities, such as police, health and safety officials, government agencies, and the like, to warn large populations of people of disasters and/or potential disasters that could impact the public. However, many of these notification systems are primitive and limited in functionality. For example, some systems (e.g., tornado warning systems) employ sirens, which virtually no information other than a general warning. Other systems, such as television alerts or reverse 91 1, can use modern communication channels to provide more information. But these systems require entities to actively send the information. Recipients of the information therefore have little say in what information is provided and when they receive the information.

SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward providing a disaster warning system and methods that can provide personalized notifications and do not need to wait for entities to actively send the information. The techniques disclosed herein enable networked devices to actively search information sources and notifications such as disaster-related warnings and other safety information to users based on user preferences. Such notifications can be provided using any of a variety of user-selected communication channels, such as Short Message Service (SMS) (i.e., "text") messaging, email, telephone, television, and the like. Furthermore, notification settings may be created by a user using any of a variety of computing devices, such as mobile phones, personal computers, set-top boxes (and/or other receiving hardware), tablet computers, and the like.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a method for providing information related to a disaster can include receiving a notification setting based on user input, where the notification setting relating to a user preference regarding disaster-related information. The method can further include storing the notification setting in a memory receiving data from at least one of a plurality of information sources, and comparing, with a processing unit, the data with the notification setting to determine whether to create a notification based on the data. The method can also include creating the notification based on the data, where the notification includes the information related to the disaster, and sending the notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels.

[0004] The embodiment of the method for providing information related to a disaster method can include one or more of the following features the notification setting can include location information. The method can include updating the notification setting based on new location information. The new location information can be based on Global Positioning System (GPS) information received from a mobile device associated with a user. The location information can include at least one of a location of a device, at least one location provided by a user, a plurality of locations related to a route, or an estimated location of a user. The method can include selecting the at least one of the plurality of information sources based on the user input. The at least one of the plurality of information sources can include at least one of: an emergency radio channel, a weather radio channel, a commercial website, or a government website. The at least one of the plurality of communication channels can include at least one of an interface displayed on at least one presentation device, an email, a text message, an audio telephone message, or a software application executed by a computing device. The method can also include associating the notification setting with a user account, and/or sending a command to a device, via a data communication network, based on the data. The notification can also include directions to a location of interest. The data from the at least one of a plurality of information sources can include information regarding the location of interest.

[0005] According to another embodiment, and apparatus for providing information related to a disaster can include a communication interface configured to communicate data via a communication network, a processing unit communicatively coupled with the communication interface, and a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by the processing unit. The memory can have stored therein computer-readable instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the apparatus to receive a notification setting based on user input, where the notification setting relates to a user preference disaster-related information, store the notification setting in the memory, and receive data from at least one of a plurality of information sources. The computer-readable instructions can also cause the apparatus to compare the data with the notification setting to determine whether to create a notification based on the data, create the notification based on the data, where the notification comprises the information related to the disaster; andsend the notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels.

[0006] The embodiment of the apparatus providing information related to a disaster of claim can include one or more of the following features. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, can further cause the apparatus to send the notification via the communication interface. The apparatus can also include a display interface configured to send display information to a presentation device. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, can further cause the apparatus to provide a user interface configured to receive the user input, and/or compare the data with the notification setting, at least in part, by comparing the data with location information of the notification setting. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, can further cause the apparatus to select the at least one of the plurality of information sources based on the user input. The apparatus can include an antenna for receiving at least a portion of the data via radio broadcast. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, can further cause the apparatus to send a command, using the communication interface, to a remote device. [0007] According to yet another embodiment, a method for providing information related to a disaster can comprise storing contact information for one or more contacts receiving data from at least one of a plurality of information sources, and automatically determining, with a processing unit, whether to create a first notification based on the data. The method can further comprise creating the first notification based on the data, where the first notification includes the information related to the disaster, sending the first notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels, and determining a user's condition based on a response, or lack of a response, to the first notification. Finally, the method can include sending a second notification to the one or more contacts indicative of the user's condition.

[0008] The embodiment of the method for providing information related to a disaster can include one or more of the following features. The first notification can include a prompt for a user response. Determining the user's state can be based on a lack of a response to the first notification within a certain amount of time. The method can include receiving a response to the first notification, where the second notification includes a predefined message based on the response to the first notification. The method can include a location of the user, wherein the second notification includes an indication of the location of the user.

[0009] Numerous benefits are achieved over conventional techniques. For example, notification can be personalized: created, viewed, and/or managed by any of a variety of devices. Notifications can be provided in a variety of forms to any of a variety of devices. Moreover, notifications can be based on any of a variety of information sources and are not limited to official warnings and alerts. This provides functionality and interaction far beyond traditional mass notification systems. These and other embodiments, along with many of its advantages and features, are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0011] FIGS. 1A and IB illustrates embodiments of a disaster warning system. [0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a notification provided via television. [0013] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate basic user interfaces by which notification settings can be created, edited, and/or managed, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 4 is a simplified flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for providing disaster warning information.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Mass notification systems enable authorities, such as police, health and safety officials, government agencies, and the like, to warn large populations of people of disasters and/or potential disasters that could impact the public. However, many of these notification systems are primitive and limited in functionality. For example, some systems (e.g., tornado warning systems) employ sirens, which virtually no information other than a general warning. Other systems, such as television alerts or reverse 911 , can use modern communication channels to provide more information. But these systems require entities to actively send the information. Recipients of the information therefore have little say in what information is provided and when they receive the information. Moreover, because of the wide range of disaster types (disease outbreak, weather disasters, fires, floods, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, etc.) people may not know where to turn to gather information regarding a specific disaster type.

[0017] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward providing a disaster warning system and methods that extend far beyond safety communication systems. The techniques disclosed herein enable networked devices to actively search information sources and provide disaster warnings and other safety notifications to users based on user preferences. Such warnings and notifications can be provided using any of a variety of user-selected communication channels, such as Short Message Service (SMS) (i.e., "text") messaging , email, telephone, television, and the like. Furthermore, notification settings may be created by a user using any of a variety of computing devices, such as mobile phones, personal computers, set-top boxes (and/or other receiving hardware), tablet computers, and the like.

[0018] It should be understood that while some embodiments detailed herein utilize televisions to create notification settings and display notifications, embodiments can include presentation devices other than televisions, such as computer monitors, mobile phones, media players, gaming systems, tablet computers, etc., to perform some or all of the functions described in relation to televsions.

[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment 100-1 of a disaster warning system. In this embodiment 100-1, the disaster warning system can include: a television 105 or other presentation device, receiver 1 15-1, television content delivery network 120, radio frequency (RF) broadcaster(s)125, Local Area Network (LAN) 150, computer 155, mobile data carrier network 165, mobile device 160, Internet 140, and Internet connected devices 145. Alternate embodiments of the disaster warning systemmay include fewer or greater numbers of components. While only one receiver 170, television 105, computer 155, and mobile device 160 (collectively referred to as "user equipment") are illustrated, it should be understood that multiple (tens, thousands, millions, etc.) instances of user equipment may receive television signals, RF broadcasts, mobile (e.g., cellular) connectivity, and/or Internet connectivity. It will be understood that other embodiments may replace or add to the mobile data carrier network 165, television content delivery network 120, LAN 150, and/or Internet with one or more other communication networks.

[0020] The television content delivery network 120 may be operated, in whole or in part, by a television service provider, which may provide feeds of one or more television channels to the television content delivery network 120. To distribute such television channels to users, the television content delivery network 130 may employ any of a variety of data communication technologies, such as RF, satellite, optical, cable, and the like. Moreover (although not shown in FIG. 1), the television content delivery network 120 may further include transmitting data over other communication networks, such as the Internet 140, private, public, local, and/or wide-area networks.

[0021] RF broadcasters) 125 can include radio and/or television stations, government agencies, and/or other entities that broadcast information (e.g., radio and/or television content) via RF signals 135 sent from a broadcast station 130 and/or other broadcasting means. Although broadcasts are generally 1-way communications, alternative embodiments may include 2-way RF or other wireless communications.

[0022] The receiver 115-1 may be a piece of user equipment that is used to receive signals from the television content delivery network 120. Additionally or alternatively, the receiver 1 15-1 may have an antenna 170 adapted to receive broadcasts from RF broadcaster(s) 125 via RF signals 135. The receiver 1 15-1 may be provided to a user for use on a subscription basis to receive television channels provided by the television service provider and/or television content delivery network 120. The receiver 115-1 may be configured to decode television channels on multiple frequencies and provide them for display on a presentation device, such as television 105. Furthermore, the receiver 1 15-1 may be incorporated as part of a television or may be part of a separate device, commonly referred to as a set-top box (STB). In some embodiments, the receiver may comprise and/or be integrated with a computer system, such as the computer system shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] The television 105 may be used to present video and/or audio decoded by the receiver 115-1. The receiver 115-1 may also output a display of one or more interfaces to the television 105, such as an electronic programming guide (EPG), setup menu, disaster notifications, and/or a settings menu for disaster notifications, as shown in FIGS. 2-3D. In some embodiments, a presentation device other than a television may be used.

[0024] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment 100-1 shown in FIG. 1 , components of the disaster warning system can be connected to the Internet 140. For a computerl55 (e.g., a personal computer (PC), notebook, tablet, media player, video game console, and the like), Internet connectivity may be provided via a LAN 150. For a mobile device 160, Internet connectivity may additionally or alternatively be provided by a mobile data carrier network 165. The receiver 115-1 also can be connected with the Internet 1 15-1 via the LAN 150. Other embodiments and/or configurations may enable these components to connect to the Internet using other methods. Additionally or alternatively, communication networks other than the Internet may be used. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many alterations, additions, and/or modifications to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Notification settings regarding disaster warnings can be created, managed, and/or stored locally by the receiver 1 15-1 and/or remotely. One or more monitoring device(s), such as the receiver 1 15-1 , can monitor data from one or more information sources to compare determine whether to create a notification to relay information related to a disaster or potential- disaster. As discussed in further detail below, information sources can include the government and commercial websites, government and commercial radio and/or television channels, and the like. In some embodiments, the receiver may be communicatively coupled with sensors (e.g., barometers, winds sensors, etc.) to gather information. The mobile device also can function as an information source to provide, among other things, location information (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates), thereby providing estimated location of the user. Where information sources are in a video and/or audio format (e.g., radio and/or television channels from RF broadcaster(s) 125), the monitoring device(s) can employ audio, text, and/or image recognition algorithms to determine whether content of the broadcast may be related to a disaster and/or include information on which a notification to a user can be based. Furthermore, the monitoring device(s) may be configured to record such broadcasts and/or content from other information sources (e.g., television, Internet, etc.) and include at least a portion of the recordings in notifications. The monitoring device(s) can then create and send the notification using any of a variety of communication channels, such as email, television, short message service (SMS) message, and the like.

[0026] Different notification types may require different processes to create them. For example, a television notification may require the receiver 1 15-1 (or other monitoring device) to cause the notification to appear on the television 105 (or other presentation device) via, for example, a display interface communicatively connecting the receiver 115-1 and the television 105. The creation of a short message service (SMS) message or email may require the monitoring device(s) to communicate the notification to a server that can send the SMS message and/or email to a corresponding computing device (e.g., smart phone, personal computer, etc.) via the Internet 140, mobile data carrier network 165, and/or other communication network. The creation of a voice message for automated phone calling may require an automated phone calling server connected with a telephone provider network. Additionally or alternatively, perhaps for an additional fee, a human operator may make a personal telephone call, in which case the human operator may be located at a call center having multiple telephone lines.

[0027] FIG. IBillustrates a second embodiment 100-2 of a disaster warning system. This embodiment 100-2 has many of the components of the embodiment 100-1 of FIG. 1. However, this embodiment further includes a centralized warning system 180. Here, the centralized warning system 180 can be a monitoring device, monitoring information sources and/or creating notifications. The centralized warning system 180 can comprise one or more computer servers) (such as the computer system shown in FIG. 5), which may be coupled with an antenna 170 to enable the centralized warning system 180 to capture radio and/or television broadcasts. One or more centralized warning system(s) 180 can be deployed in a region to cover regional events and manage notifications for users regarding that region. Moreover multiple centralized warning systems 180 may be networked together, and/or a centralized warning system 180 may be "cloud-based" (i.e., a system of networked devices), depending on desired functionality.

[0028] The centralized warning system 170 can perform some or all of the monitoring, setup, and other functions described in relation to the receiver 1 15-1 of FIG. 1 A above, or share some or all of these functions with the receiver 1 15-2 and/or other components of the disaster warning system. In some embodiments, the centralized warning system 180 can communicate with the receiver 1 15-2 to display information on the television 105. Other embodiments may include a device or equipment other than the receiver 1 15-2.

[0029] The centralized warning system 180 can be located at a location remote from the receiver 1 15-2 and may manage and apply notification settings for multiple users. As such, the centralized system can provide account-based functionality, wherein users may set up an account managed by the centralized warning system 180. In such embodiments, users can access, edit, and/or otherwise manage notification settings by providing identification information, such as a username and/or password. Embodiments may enable users to access notification settings with an Internet-connected computing device (e.g., mobile device 160, computing device 155, etc.), using a web browser and/or other software application.

[0030] Some embodiments can include a software application executed by a computing device, such as a mobile device 160 and/or computer 155. The software application can provide a user interface enabling the user to access, edit, and or otherwise manage notification settings. Depending on the configuration of the disaster warning system (e.g., whether notifications settings are maintained by a receiver 1 15, a centralized warning system 180, and/or other device) the software may cause the computing device to communicate with one or more devices to update and/or otherwise edit notification settings. The software application may be an additional communication channel— in addition or as an alternative to email, SMS message, television, telephone, and the like— through which notifications can be sent. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognized many omissions, additions, and/or other modifications.

[0031] FIG. 2illustrates an embodiment 200 of a notification provided via television. The television

205 of embodiment 200 may represent television 105 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a notification is provided on the display in a notification window 210 overlaid on the video content. In this embodiment

200, the notification window 210 provides a brief description of the notification, with buttons enabling a user to select (via a remote control and/or other input device) whether to "Clear" 220 (i.e., remove) the notification window, or provide "More Details" 230. If "More Details" 230 is selected, the notification window can provide further details regarding the notification, such as the source, a duration of the warning (if any), related safety procedures, and the like.

[0032] In some embodiments, the notification using a television or other presentation device may be different than as shown the embodiment 200 shown in FIG. 2. For example, some embodiments may include a smaller or larger notification window 210. Embodiments may display more or less information in the notification window 210, and/or may enable users to select an option with which the users can read, view, and/or hear content from the information source itself (e.g., broadcast, Internet, etc.). Embodiments can also provide for a siren, flashes, and/or other features to accompany the notification, which may be provided by the television 205 and/or equipment in communication therewith. In some embodiments, some or all of these features may be customizable, based on user preferences.

[0033] FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate basic user interfaces 300 by which notification settings can be created, edited, and/or managed, according to some embodiments. The user interface 300 of FIGS. 3A-3D is a non-limiting example, showing basic functionality of a contemplated notification settings user interface 300 shown on a television, according to some embodiments. A password may be required to access the user interface 300 and/or otherwise view, edit, and/or access notification settings. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize many additions, omissions, and/or other modifications.

[0034] Although the user interface 300 provided in FIGS. 3A-3D is shown on a television display, the user interface 300 (or other user interfaces with similar functionality) can be provided on any of a variety of computing devices, as discussed previously. For example, a similar user interface may be provided as a web page, accessible to a user via a range of Internet-connected devices. Additionally or alternatively, a user interface may be provided by an application executed by a computing device (e.g., personal computer, mobile device, etc.). A user may provide input to the user interface 300 using a remote control, touchscreen, mouse, and/or other input device, depending on the device with which the user interface 300 is displayed.

[0035] FIG. 3Aillustrates a first user interface 300-1 by which a user may select information sources for notification settings, according to one embodiment. The first user interface 300-1 can include checkboxes 310 and/or other means of selection, as well as "Options" 320, "Save" 330, and "Cancel" 340 buttons. Other embodiments may include additional information and/or other controls for enabling a user to select and/or modify information sources for notification settings.

[0036] The first user interface 300-1 enables users to select different information sources such as government weather websites, government emergency websites, commercial weather websites, emergency radio channels, weather radio channels, and weather television channels. Other options (e.g, websites, radio, and/or television channels having information regarding news, local interests, etc.) The "Options" button may evoke an additional user interface that enables a user to further configure the information sources, for example, by selecting specific websites and/or channels corresponding to each information source in first user interface 300-1. Depending on desired functionality, the disaster warning system may include a default list of specific sources corresponding to each information source listed in first user interface 300-1. By selecting the "Save" 330 or "Cancel" 340 buttons, a user can respectively save or ignore selections made via first user interface 300-1

[0037] FIG. 3Billustrates a second user interface 300-2 by which a user may select information types for notification settings, according to one embodiment. Similar to the first user interface 300-1, the second user interface 300-2 can include checkboxes 310 and/or other means of selection, as well as "Options" 320, "Save" 330, and "Cancel" 340 burtons. Other embodiments may include additional information and/or other controls for enabling a user to select and/or modify information types for notification settings.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second user interface 300-2 enables a user to specify the content of the notifications. In addition to disaster warnings, a user may choose to select news feeds, emergency numbers, emergency care information, disaster specific instructions, and the like. The "Options" button 320 can evoke a user interface that can allow the user to input further information regarding, for example, one or more location(s) of interest, warning sensitivity, disaster types to include and/or omit, etc.

[0039] Disaster warnings can include warnings from government entities (e.g., the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, etc.), commercial entities and more. Furthermore, depending on desired functionality, the information sources utilized, and other factors, textual, audio, and/or visual analysis may be used to determine content related to disasters and provide notifications even when official warnings are not provided. Moreover, in some embodiments, the "sensitivity" of these warnings may be adjusted. For example, a user may select a highly-sensitive option, in which notifications are sent when a disaster is merely mentioned by an information source. On the other hand, a less-sensitive option may include sending notifications only when a disaster is imminent and/or has struck. For certain disasters that are not easily predictable (e.g., earthquakes) settings may include sending notifications related to the disaster during and/or after the disaster has occurred.

[0040] News feeds can include news regarding particular disasters and/or disaster types (tornados, hurricanes, floods, disease outbreak, wild fires, terrorist attackes, etc.), particular locations, and the like. In one embodiment, for example, a user may be able to select to receive notifications of news feeds related to disasters that have struck and/or may strike several locations of interest. In another example, a user may select to receive news feeds that discuss only earthquakes that occur in a specific area. News feeds can be personalized in various other ways.

[0041] Emergency numbers can list various contact numbers that may be useful during an emergency. In addition to police, fire, and ambulance, emergency numbers can also include disaster-specific numbers obtained via one or more information sources. Such numbers can include numbers of government agencies and/or relief organizations providing disaster support.

[0042] Emergency care information can include useful information regarding emergency care for a particular location and/or disaster. For example, emergency care information can include instructions for prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of common injuries incurred during a disaster (e.g., shock, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.). Emergency care information can also include directions to hospitals and/or other medical facilities for treatment of injuries.

[0043] Disaster-specific instructions can include instructions for preparing for and/or dealing with a specific disaster and/or disaster type. It can include, for example, safety tips on what to do during a disaster, community gathering points, water stations, and the like. - Additionally or alternatively, the disaster-specific instructions can also include detailed directions (driving, walking, etc.) to the nearest shelter, hospital, or other location of interest,depending upon emergency type, the location of which may be obtained from an information source. For example, a person living in a trailer can use information regarding where to go to get underground during a tornado.As with other information types, disaster- specific instructions may include some information that are not obtained from an information source (e.g., generalized instructions, such as safety tips on preparing for a flood) but may be stored in a memory or obtained from another source not specified by the user. However, information from one or more user- specified information sources may also be provided.

[0044] The information types shown in the second user interface 300-2 in FIG. 3B are provided as an example. Other information types may be used in addition or as an alternative to those shown in FIG. 3B. Because the disaster warning settings can actively monitor various information sources for particular information types based on user input, embodiments of the disaster warning system can provide personalized warnings in a manner that traditional systems are unable to provide.

[0045] FIG. 3Cillustrates a third user interface 300-3 by which a user may select information channels for notification settings, according to one embodiment. Similar to the other user interfaces 300 described previously, the third user interface 300-3 can include checkboxes 310 and/or other means of selection, as well as "Options" 320, "Save" 330, and "Cancel" 340 buttons. Other embodiments may include additional information and/or other controls for enabling a user to select and/or modify information channels for notification settings.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3C, information channels can include television, email, SMS ("text") messaging, and/or telephone. Depending on desired functionality, other channels can be used, such as providing notifications via and application executed by a computing device. The third user interface 300- 3 may allow a user to specify telephone numbers, email addresses, and/or other contact information by selecting the "Options" button 320. Other options may include setting a priority for email messages, setting sound and/or visual alerts (e.g., for television notifications). Additionally, where hardware capabilities allow, notification settings may be adjusted to turn on a television (or other presentation device) in order to display a notification.

[0047] Some embodiments may further enable a user to send notifications to others using any of a variety of information channels. For example, the user may include contact information (email, SMS messaging, telephone, etc.) for one or more contacts using the third interface 300-3, Additionally or alternatively, notifications to others may include an indication of the user's condition during a disaster (e.g., whether the user needs help or not). These notifications could be sent in response (or lack of a response) to an initial notification sent to the user.

[0048] For example, an initial notification could be sent to the user as in previously-described embodiments, with an additional prompt for a user response (e.g., "Are you okay?"; "Do you need help?" etc.). Depending on the information channel, the response could be a return email or text, a selection of a "yes" or "no" button on a television menu or an application running on a mobile device or computer, verbal response to a telephone message, etc. Once the response is received, notifications could be sent out to others, indicating the user's condition.

[0049] Embodiments providing such notifications to others could include a variety of options. The user may select when to be prompted with an initial message (e.g., when a disaster is impending, during the disaster, and/or immediately after the disaster). The user may also select whether to send notifications to others. For example, the user may not want to send notifications to others in cases where help is not needed, but may want to send notifications in cases where help is needed. The disaster warning system could also be configured to automatically determine that a user needs help if the user does not respond to a prompt in an initial notification within a certain amount of time. The certain amount of time may be configurable by the user.

[0050] Some embodiments may allow a user to send notifications to others by sending a message, email, etc. to the disaster warning system. In these embodiments, the user can create a predetermined list of contacts to notify. The contact information can be stored in a memory on a server and/or on a device local to the user. The user can then send a message to the disaster warning system using a certain contact number, email, and/or format, etc. The message can then be sent to the predetermined list of contacts. Additionally or alternatively, the user may create one or more predefined messages, which may be specified in a message to the disaster warning system. For example, the user could sent a message to the disaster warning system such as "send message 'help,'" in which case the disaster warning system sends a predefined message corresponding to the title "help" to a list of contacts indicating the user needs help. The predefined message may be a default message of the disaster warning system or a message previously created by the user. Some embodiments may allow a user to share a location (e.g., name, GPS coordinates, map, etc.), which may be entered manually by a user and/or automatically determined by a mobile device. [0051] FIG. 3D illustrates how a pop-up window 350 may be utilized to gather information to specify additional information, according to one embodiment. In this example, the pop-up window 350 may be evoked if a user selects the "Options" button 320 and makes another selection to edit telephone numbers. The pop-up window 350, which is overlaid on the third user interface 300-3, lists one or more telephone numbers 360 to which notifications may be sent, and provides a button 365 next to each telephone number 360 to allow a user to remove the respective telephone number 360 from the list. The pop-up window 350 also includes a box 370 in which a user can insert a new telephone number to add to the list, which can be added by pressing a respective add button 375. The pop-up window 350 can also include "Save" 380 and "Cancel" 390 buttons, allowing a user to respectively save or cancel any changes made in the pop-up window 350, and closing the pop-up window 350.

[0052] It will be understood that the pop-up window 350 provided in FIG. 3D is provided as an example to illustrate how options may be customized by a user. Other embodiments may enable a user to provide input in a variety of other ways (e.g., checkboxes, drop-down selection boxes, radio buttons, etc.). A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize many substitutions, alterations, and modifications.

[0053] As stated above, the user interfaces 300 of FIGS. 3A-3D are provided as non-limiting examples to showing basic functionality of a contemplated user interface. Depending on desired functionality, embodiments may include additional or alternative functionality. For example, embodiments may enable a disaster warning system to communicate with one or more Internet connected device(s), such as Internet connected device(s) 145 of FIGS. 1A and IB. Such Internet connected device(s) can include a generator, power supply, surge protection unit, thermostat, sump pump, and the like. The disaster warning system may be configured to send a command (e.g., a status check, a "power on" or "power off command, status adjustment, etc.) based on a notification, information from an information source, user input, and the like.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 400 for providing disaster warning information. The method 400 may be performed using a receiver, centralized warning system, and/or other components of a disaster warning system, such as the disaster warning systems 100 of FIGS. lA and IB. Means for performing each step of method 400 can include hardware and/or software components, such as those detailed herein in regard to FIG. 5.

[0055] At block 405, a notification setting based on user input is received. The notification setting can be based on user input and relate to a user preference regarding disaster-related information. As provided herein, disaster-related information can include any information related to a disaster that a user may be used to create notifications before, during, and/or after a disaster. User preferences can be received via a user interface, such as the user interfaces 300 of FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0056] In some embodiments, for example, the notification setting can include location information. Moreover, new or updated location information can be provided to update the notification setting. For example, location information can be updated via a mobile device associated with a user and has GPS capabilities. In some embodiments, the location information can include the location of a device and/or at least one location provided by a use. Embodiments may also include location information for a plurality of locations, for example, related to a route provided by a navigating software application of a mobile device (e.g., a GPS unit, mobile phone, etc.). Some embodiments may estimate a location of a user based on user data (e.g., residential address, IP address, last known GPS coordinates of a mobile device, and/or other data).

[0057] The notification setting can be stored in a memory, at block 410. Depending on the embodiment, the memory may comprise a database on a^' server, where notification settings can be associated with particular users and/or user accounts. Additionally or alternatively, notification settings may be stored on a device local to the user (such as a receiver, computer, and/or other device).

[0058] At block 415, data is received from at least one of a plurality of information sources. As detailed previously, information sources can include Internet websites, television channels, radio channels, and the like. Moreover, the information source(s) from which data is received may be based on a user preference, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 A. Devices can extract data from information sources using textual, audio, and/or visual processing techniques, and, at block 420, compare the data with the notification setting to determine whether to create a notification based on the data. This determination can include whether the relevance and/or content of the data exceeds a certain threshold, which may be based on a user's selection of a "sensitivity" for notifications.

[0059] The comparison can include simple keyword searches to complex text processing to determine whether information of an information source may be relevant in view of the notification setting. As such, the comparison can search for particular disaster-related information of particular locations, as dictated by user preferences. Moreover, one or more monitoring device(s) can implement computer learning algorithms to refine language models, relational databases, and/or other mechanisms utilized for processing data from information sources. When it is determined that a notification based on the data should be made, in view of the notification settings, the notification based on the data is created, at block 425.

[0060] At block 430, the notification is sent. As discussed previously, the notification can be sent via any of a variety of communication channels, such as email, SMS messaging, computer application, telephone (e.g., computerized voice messaging), television, and the like.The disaster warning system can additionally or alternatively send commands to remote Internet-connected devices via the Internet (and/or another communication network) to control the devices, check a status, and/or perform other functions.

[0061] It should be appreciated that the specific steps illustrated in FIG. 4 provide an example method for providing information related to a disaster. Alternative embodiments may include alterations to the embodiments shown. Furthermore, additional features may be added or removed depending on the particular applications. For example, embodiments may include creating the notification setting additionally or alternatively based on the location of a variety of people and/or devices (e.g., mobile phones of all members of a family). One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives-

[0062] FIG. S illustrates an embodiment of a computer system. A computer system as illustrated in FIG. 5 may be incorporated as part of the previously-described computerized devices, such as receiver 1 15, centralized warning system 180, and/or other devices (e.g., mobile device 160 and computer 155) of FIG. 1 - For example, computer system 500 can represent some of the components of local and/or remote computer systems discussed in this application.

[0063] FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a computer system 500 that can perform the methods provided by various other embodiments. For example, the computer system 500 can be configured to perform and/or include instructions that, when executed, cause the computer system to perform the method of FIG- 4. It should be noted that FIG. 5 is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate. FIG. 5, therefore, broadly illustrates how individual system elements may be implemented in a relatively separated or relatively more integrated manner.

[0064] The computer system 500 is shown comprising hardware elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus 505 (or may otherwise be in communication, as appropriate). The hardware elements may include a processing unit with one or more processors 510, including without limitation one or more general-purpose processors and/or One or more special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processing chips, graphics acceleration processors, and/or the like); one or more input devices 515, which can include without limitation a remote control, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or the like; and one or more output devices 520, which can include without limitation a presentation device (e.g., television), a printer, and/or the like.

[0065] The computer system 500 may further include (and/or be in communication widi) one or more non-transitory storage devices 525, which can comprise, without limitation, local and/or network accessible storage, and/or can include, without limitation, a disk drive, a drive array, an optical storage device, a solid-state storage device, such as a random access memory ("RAM"), and/or a read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable, flash-updateable, and/or the like. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any appropriate data stores, including without limitation, various file systems, database structures, and/or the like.

[0066] The computer system 500 might also include a communications subsystem 530, which can include without limitation a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device, and/or a chipset (such as a Bluetooth™ device, an 802.1 1 device, a WiFi device, a WiMax device, cellular communication facilities, etc.), and/or the like. The communications subsystem 530 may permit data to be exchanged with a network (such as the network described below, to name one example), other computer systems, and/or any other devices described herein. In many embodiments, the computer system 500 will further comprise a working memory 535, which can include a RAM or ROM device, as described above.

[0067] The computer system 500 also can comprise software elements, shown as being currently located within the working memory 535, including an operating system 540, device drivers, executable libraries, and/or other code, such as one or more application programs 545, which may comprise computer programs provided by various embodiments, and/or may be designed to implement methods, and/or configure systems, provided by other embodiments, as described herein. Merely by way of example, one or more procedures described with respect to the method(s) discussed above, and/or system components might be implemented as code and/or instructions executable by a computer (and/or a processor within a computer); in an aspect, then, such code and/or instructions can be used to configure aiid or adapt a general purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations in accordance with the described methods.

[0068] A set of these instructions and/or code might be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device(s) 525 described above. In some cases, the storage medium might be incorporated within a computer system, such as computer system 500. In other embodiments, the storage medium might be separate from a computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as flash memory), and/or provided in an installation package, such that the storage medium can be used to program, configure, and/or adapt a general purpose computer with the instructions/code stored thereon. These instructions might take the form of executable code, which is executable by the computer system 500 and/or might take the form of source and/or installable code, which, upon compilation and/or installation on the computer system 500 (e.g., using any of a variety of generally available compilers, installation programs, compression/decompression utilities, etc.), then takes the form of executable code.

[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used, and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.), or both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as network input/output devices may be employed.

[0070] As mentioned above, in one aspect, some embodiments may employ a computer system (such as the computer system 500) to perform methods in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. According to a set of embodiments, some or all of the procedures of such methods are performed by the computer system 500 in response to processor 510 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions (which might be incorporated into the operating system 540 and/or other code, such as an application program 545) contained in the working memory 535. Such instructions may be read into the working memory 535 from another computer-readable medium, such as one or more of the storage device(s) 525. Merely by way of example, execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the working memory 535 might cause the processor(s) 510 to perform one or more procedures of the methods described herein.

[0071] The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium," as used herein, refer to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion. In an embodiment implemented using the computer system 500, various computer-readable media might be involved in providing instructions/code to processors) 510 for execution and/or might be used to store and/or carry such instructions/code. In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a physical and/or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take the form of a non-volatile media or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical and/or magnetic disks, such as the storage device(s) 525. Volatile media include, without limitation, dynamic memory, such as the working memory 535.

[0072] Common forms of physical and/or tangible computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punchcards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and/or code.

[0073] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor(s) 510 for execution. Merely by way of example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk and/or optical disc of a remote computer. A remote computer might load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions as signals over a transmission medium to be received and/or executed by the computer system 500.

[0074] The communications subsystem 530 (and/or components thereof) generally will receive signals, and the bus 505 then might carry the signals (and/or the data, instructions, etc. carried by the signals) to the working memory 535, from which the processor(s) 510 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the working memory 535 may optionally be stored on a non-transitory storage device 525 either before or after execution by the processor(s) 510.

[0075] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted,and or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0076] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However,configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

[0077] Also,configurations may be described as a process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition,the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure.Furthermore,examples of the methods may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a non- transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the described tasks.

[0078] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description does not bind the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

LA method for providing information related to a disaster, the method comprising:

receiving a notification setting based on user input, the notification setting relating to a user preference regarding disaster-related information;

storing the notification setting in a memory;

receiving data from at least one of a plurality of information sources;

comparing, with a processing unit, the data with the notification setting to determine whether to create a notification based on the data;

creatingthe notification based on the data, the notification comprising the information related to the disaster; and

sending the notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels.

2. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1 , wherein the notification setting includes location information.

3. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

2, further comprising updating the notification setting based on new location information.

4. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

3, wherein the new location information is based on Global Positioning System (GPS) information received from a mobile device associated with a user.

5. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

2, wherein the location information includes at least one of:

a location of a device,

at least one location provided by a user,

a plurality of locations related to a route, or

an estimated location of a user.

6. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim. 1, further comprising selecting the at least one of the plurality of information sources based on the user input.

7. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of information sources includes at least one of:

an emergency radio channel,

a weather radio channel,

a commercial website, or a government website.

8. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of communication channels includes at least one of:

an interface displayed on at least one presentation device,

an email,

a text message,

an audio telephone message, or

a software application executed by a computing device.

9. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1 , further comprising associating the notification setting with a user account.

10. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1, further comprising sending a command to a device, via a data communication network, based on the data.

11. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 1 , wherein the notification further comprises directions to a location of interest.

12. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim 11, wherein the data from the at least one of a plurality of information sources includes information regarding thelocation of interest.

13. An apparatus for providing information related to a disaster, the apparatus comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate data via a communication network;

a processing unit communicatively coupled with the communication interface; and

a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by the processing unit and having stored therein computer-readable instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the apparatus to:

receive a notification setting based on user input, the notification setting relating to a user preference disaster-related information;

store the notification setting in the memory;

receive data from at least one of a plurality of information sources;

compare the data with the notification setting to determine whether to create a notification based on the data;

create the notification based on the data, the notification comprising the information related to the disaster; and

send the notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels.

14. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, furthercause the apparatus to send the notification via the communication interface.

15. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, further comprising a display interface configured to send display information to a presentation device.

16. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim

15, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the apparatus to provide a user interface configured to receive the user input.

17. · The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit,cause the apparatus to compare the data with the notification setting, at least in part, by comparing the data with location informationof the notification setting.

18. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the apparatus to select the at least one of the plurality of information sources based on the user input.

19. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, further comprising an antenna for receiving at least a portion of the data via radio broadcast.

20. The apparatus providing information related to a disasterof claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the apparatus to send a command, using the communication interface, to aremote device.

21. A method for providing information related to a disaster, the method comprising:

storing contact information for one or more contacts;

receiving data from at least one of a plurality of information sources;

automatically determining, with a processing unit, whether to create a first notification based on the data;

creating the first notification based on the data, the first notification comprising the information related to the disaster;

sending the first notification via at least one of a plurality of communication channels;

determining a user's condition based on a response, or lack of a response, to the first notification; sending a second notification to the one or more contacts indicative of the user's condition.

22. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

21, wherein the first notification includes a prompt for a user response.

23. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

21, wherein determining the user's state is based on a lack of a response to the first notification within a certain amount of time.

24. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

21, further comprising receiving a response to the first notification, wherein the second notification includes a predefined message based on the response to the first notification.

25. The method for providing information related to a disaster of claim

21, further comprising determining a location of the user, wherein the second notification includes an indication of the location of the user.