Optimised control of traffic load on switches in a communication network

<img file="NO320554B1_D0001.tif" />

NORWAY (12) PATENT (19) NO (51) IntCl⁷ (11) 320554 H 04 Q 7/30 (13) BI

NIPO

<td> (21)</td><td>Appln</td>

<td> (22)</td><td>Inng.dag</td>

<td> (24)</td><td>Løpedag</td>

<td> (41)</td><td>Alm.tilgj</td>

<td> (45)</td><td>communicated</td>

<td> (73)</td><td>proprietor</td>

<td> (72)</td><td>Inventor</td>

<td> (74)</td><td>Fullmektig</td>

<td> (54)</td><td>Designation</td>

<td> (56)</td><td>cited publications</td>

<td> (57)</td><td>Summary</td>

<td> 20043740</td><td> (86)</td><td>Entrance date and application no</td>

<td> 2004.09.07</td><td> (85)</td><td>Videreføringsdag</td>

<td> 2004.09.07</td><td> (30)</td><td>Priority None</td>

2005.12.19

2005.12.19

Unified Messaging Systems AS, PO Box 4368 Torshov, 0402 OSLO, NO Nils Haga, Kappveien 5,1415 OPPEGÅRD, NO Kjell Heen, Bekkevollveien 1 IE, 1087 OSLO, NO Onsagers AS, PO Box 6963 St Olavs Plass, 0130 OSLO, NO

Optimized traffic load control on switches in a communication network

EP 1220522 A2

The invention relates to a method and a system for optimized resource use of one to several selected switches in a communication network for alerting the population in the event of an undesirable event in a specific geographical area by means of messages sent over the switches. The switches may form part of a fixed line network and / or a mobile telephone network.

<img file="NO320554B1_D0002.tif" />

Back

Technical field

The present invention describes a method and system for performing effective population warning in a specific geographical area. More specifically, a method and a system for optimizing traffic load management in the form of connected messages on one or more switches in a fixed telephone and / or mobile telephone communication network are described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disasters and accidents are issues that are gaining ground and increasing public awareness. Much of this is related to how society has evolved to become a communications community. Media grabber engage in such incidents, which helps inform a population that a disaster and accident has occurred. Moreover, society has become much more complex, where in most cases people are directly or indirectly affected or affected by a disaster or accident. People may experience disasters or accidents in their homes, at their workplace, during travel or other forms of transport. Situations can also occur in cities, in urban areas, on roads, in transport systems as well as in buildings, in factory facilities, etc. Transport of goods, use of aircraft, buses and trains can also cause undesirable incidents. Weather conditions such as tornadoes, floods, rain, lightning, pollution, etc., are also a cause of disasters and accidents. In addition, there may be epidemics or other illnesses affecting one or more persons. All of these situations provide a basis for providing timely and necessary information to affected parties, be they individuals in the midst of the disaster or accident, the emergency services on their way to a situation or staying on site or in the area of ​​accident or disaster , or individuals or groups such as family, business, organization, etc. who want or need information. There may also be situations that are of the type of exercises or that, for social reasons, you must make the necessary planning ahead of an anticipated disaster or accident, where there is a need to control and manage the flow of information.

What characterizes disasters and accidents is being able to secure and attend to the need for information by means of telecommunications. By telecommunications here is meant fixed telephony and communication using terminals such as mobile telephony and / or PDAs. When a disaster or accident undergoes its cycle from start to finish, there is a great need for information to and between interested parties, as well as inbound and outbound communication.

In addition, communication infrastructure problems often arise, such as switching out of communications centers and switches, or literally bursting out of the fast and uncontrolled build-up of requests for new network connections of data communication and / or calls, as well as conducting already ongoing data exchanges and calls. There is a need to control and optimize message exchange over. one to several switches in a network, under conditions of undesirable events, as described above.

There are patents that touch on different aspects of communication control and management, during an event such as an accident or disaster, where one wants to control and control the communication over a switch.

US-6,169,894 describes how to communicate geographically contingent information to a mobile phone. The patent describes an broadcast method '' outbound broadcasting '', where one can maximize the capacity of the network. The method can temporarily override the mobile phone, provided the mobile (user) has been open to the service.

US-6,694,132 describes a method for '' outbound broadcasting '' which is geographically contingent where one communicates over fixed and mobile telephony networks. Databases, graphical information and text / speech messages form the basis for actions. The telecom operator performs the broadcast. Broadcasting is primarily driven by the area code (ie fixed telephony focused).

Each of the patents and their articles discussed above is hereby included in this patent application as references.

A major disadvantage of these patents is that they do not facilitate an optimal message exchange over one to several switches, by controlling and optimizing the communication load over the selected switches.

The problem with today's solutions is that, due to the development or scale of the disaster or accident, problems may arise in notifying the selected population over fixed and / or mobile telephony networks, within the geographical areas affected by the situation.

The telephony infrastructure in the various countries, such as Norway and internationally, is capacity-based in relation to population density and expected communication needs. For example, it is worth mentioning that a smaller municipality with a population of 5-6,000 inhabitants rarely has the capacity to handle more than 2,300 simultaneous calls. An alert that does not handle scaling in relation to reception capacity can thus completely overload the network and thus provide unpredictable consequences, such as vital outbound telephony traffic.

There is thus a very specific and obvious need to attend to, manage and optimize communication over a switch related to a disaster or accident.

The present invention provides for this function.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention describes a method, system and computer program for optimized traffic load management in the form of connected messages on one or more switches in a fixed telephone and / or mobile telephone communication network for maximum utilization of the switching capacity in an undesirable event in a particular geographical area. area.

The method is characterized by comprising the steps of:

- establishing information about who is within the geographical area in question;

- obtaining the load status of the current switch (s) in the geographical area in question;

- clarifying content to be broadcast and broadcasting;

- monitoring the load on the switches (s);

- changing the number of message exchanges, as a result of uncovered load status 15 on switch one (s).

Further features describing the process are set forth in the dependent claims in the appended claims set.

The system of the present invention comprises switch (s),. processing devices, and known devices required in a landline and / or, cellular telephone network, and characterized in that the system is arranged to perform the method described above.

The computer program according to the invention resides on a storage medium or in a data memory, or produced on a propagation signal, for executing a processing device connected to a switch in a communication network, and characterized in that the program comprises a set of instructions arranged to to perform the method described above by executing the processing direction.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows the time in process control of an undesirable event;

Figure 2 shows a flow chart illustrating the process being performed;

Figure 3 shows a flowchart elaborating step 200 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a flowchart elaborating step 300 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a flowchart elaborating step 400 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 shows a flow chart detailing step 500 of Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows a flowchart elaborating step 600 in Figure 2;

Figure 8 shows the progress of an alert.

The method according to the invention consists of main elements which will now be described in more detail. The main elements form part of a continuous process that will continue as long as it is considered advisable for an adverse event such as a disaster, accident or exercise.

Figure 1 indicates how modules are assembled into one process, which consists of a multi-step method, as well as a system for performing the method.

The first module in Figure 1 is described by '' Overview and planning ', which is characterized by a method for establishing overview and planning measures.

This can contain a database of, for example, telephone numbers, names and addresses, which are combined with, for example, a GIS (Geographical Information System) system.

A second module is described by '' Ongoing communication test '' and is characterized by a method for detecting the load over fixed and / or mobile networks connected to the geographical area. This is done by sending out a representative number of messages, to reveal the resulting load, as a test.

A third module is described by '' Communication planning '' and is characterized by a method of arranging communication.

A fourth module is described by '' Implementation '' and is characterized by a method for delivering messages or delivering messages where one expects answers.

The fifth and final module is described by '' Control '' and is characterized by a method for detecting the degree of communication density based on measures.

All the modules shown in Figure 1 together create a total solution for controlling and optimizing message exchange over one to several switches in the event of an undesirable event. The present invention is based on the process, methods and selected systems that together create a whole.

The module '' Overview and planning 'is based on existing systems such as. can provide geographic and demographic information, as well as lists of people with data such as phone numbers. The module should be able to provide information about individuals, based on their role or tasks in the event of a disaster or accident, ie there are help or support crews, people who handle critical social tasks such as electricity supply, water supply, traffic winding down, etc. as well as information on residents per household, workers at various workplaces, permanent or temporary attendants, such as visitors, workers, etc. who are located within a given geographical area. The module should, by various techniques, compile qualified lists that form the basis for prioritizing communication, for example in the form of message broadcasts to message broadcasts where you want a specific feedback.

The module "Test of ongoing communication", is characterized by a method of detecting as early as possible the extent to which a switch or a network of switches is communicatively charged. Based on this, any further measures can be taken, such as terminating calls and / or establishing priority lists on who can be allowed to send out messages and thus establish conversations. By reading the status of the RSO (Remote Switch Overload) you get an overview of the load on switches within a selected geographical area. During the development of an unwanted event, victims of communication may grow uncontrolled. For this reason, it is very important that you quickly establish control over the present situation, as a basis for planning and implementing the further activities and measures.

The module "Communication Planning" is characterized by a method for assigning destination addresses for a notification order. By pre-grouping telephone numbers evenly distributed over available switches within the geographic range, you can reduce the possibility of network overload.

The module "Implementation" is characterized by a method for starting up the real message transmission for a geographical area, divided into one or more selected switches. The method contains elements of control and optimization of message exchange over one or more switches, by starting to send out a number of simultaneous messages defined as, for example, the initial number. The number of messages sent can be adjusted up or down depending on the load on the switches concerned.

The module '' Control '' provides an opportunity to monitor the load of communication using RSO. Based on the uncovered load, you can optimize the message exchange by increasing or decreasing the number of simultaneous messages. This will be an iterative process, as long as there is a need to inform selected groups of the population.

Figure 2 shows a flow chart illustrating the process carried out in accordance with the invention, in which a systematic way is created for controlling and optimizing the message exchange over one to several switches in a network, within a geographical area. The figure represents the process described in figure 1.

The process starts in step 100 with activation and initiation. In step 200, the status of relevant switches is established by, for example, a test in which a number of messages are simultaneously sent. The load within the geographical area is thus clarified by reading the Remote Switch Overload (RSO) from the area switches. The status can be presented together with other relevant data in a GIS (Geographical Information System) system. For example, important information such as buildings, roads, etc. can be included in a GIS system, which can provide a quick and comprehensive overview of the selected geographical area. The GIS system will form the basis of a decision support tool during the unwanted event or exercise.

In step 300, a qualified fist with names, telephone numbers, is established to provide messages using broadcast technology. The list is developed using access to various databases, which may contain demographic data, for example.

In step 400, a message exchange is being prepared for selected telephone numbers. Depending on the expected or actual uncovered load on network switches, a fist over the sender's telephone number can be defined which will be given the highest priority during the call over selected switch (s). These priority phone numbers are called the premium numbers. In total, the price numbers will constitute a price list. The Pri list must be sent to one or more selected network operators, who implement the pric list on the switches within the selected geographical area. An alternative or complimenting measure may be that operators go in and terminate all or selected connections.

The content of the message to be broadcast is compiled. The message can be of the type of information or you can expect a response in the form of, for example, a keystroke on the phone or an oral confirmation.

In step 500, the scheduled broadcast is performed over fixed and / or mobile switches. This is done by making calls simultaneously to an initially defined number of telephone numbers. This intial number is based on a set of rules. Calling and broadcasting of messages is ongoing. The number of simultaneous calls is adjusted as the degree of load on the switches affected is revealed. This optimizes the number of calls at all times so that the largest possible number of messages can reach the designated list of telephone numbers as quickly as possible through the network.

In step 600, the status of ongoing message exchange is displayed, controlled and optimized. The degree of load on one or more switches is detected by. data is retrieved from the RSO. Based on the uncovered load, the number of simultaneous message exchanges is adjusted up or down. These changes are made based on a set of rules. Based on the new figure for the total number of simultaneous message transmissions, message exchange as specified in step 500 continues until the system has worked its way through the selected list of telephone numbers.

Figure 3 elaborates on step 200 which starts up a process 210, in which a specific geographical area with associated switches is selected, where an undesirable event or exercise is expected to occur or has occurred. For example, a GIS system is used to provide information on the location of switches, infrastructure, population conditions, etc. In step 220, a test is performed where the purpose is to detect the load on any switches in a specified geographical area. The test is done by sending a simultaneous number of messages based on one set of rules. Based on this, the communication status of the selected switch (s) is derived by reading the issued RSO messages. In the next step 230, any risk of loss of one or more switches is clarified based on the extent and evolution of the undesirable event. There may be a need to compliment or replace switches with, for example, a portable switch within the current geographical area. In step 240, the process proceeds to step 300 as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

Figure 4 elaborates on step 300.1 in step 310, data consisting of telephone numbers, subscribers, etc. is extracted based on various external and / or internal databases. A list is developed, which can be dynamic or static, where you get an overview of which telephone numbers (fixed and mobile) to be contacted and, if applicable, the name of the subscriber, the number and names of persons associated with the telephone number, address, gender, age, etc. In step 320, a total list of, for example, telephone numbers, names and addresses is established. Said list represents everyone with whom it is to be communicated specifically, and the list forms a total overview from which to start a step-by-step exchange of communication, selecting the most vulnerable, etc. In step 330, a selection and structuring of the list of telephone numbers is made based on a ruleset.

An example of a strategy is to utilize the fixed telephone numbers identification of switch, ie that part of a fixed telephone number indicates a switch assigned to a regional area. In other words, the landline numbers are grouped according to the location of the switch number with a regional location.

There will usually be a network of mobile transmitters in a geographical area. Mobile transmitters are very prone to disasters during disasters, accidents and. exercises. With message dissemination, you have the opportunity to collaborate with network operators and influence or manage messages up to selected mobile transmitters, so that you optimize the message transmission and utilization of network capacity.

In step 340, the process proceeds to step 400 as shown in Figures 2 and 5.

Figure 5, in step 410, describes how to prepare for sending a message by defining a list of priority sender phone numbers. Each such priority sender's phone number is called a premium number. A premium number is a number that always takes priority when calling over a specific switch. Said pricelist is transmitted to the network operator (s) who implement the pricelist on one to several selected switches.

In order to free up the capacity of one or more switches, both fixed and mobile, ongoing calls can be terminated in collaboration with network operators. This allows one to free up any capacity for a targeted message exchange.

In step 420, the number of simultaneous messages to be broadcast is defined. This number is based on the test possibly taken in step 220. An initial number of calls is usually started, which is based on a set of rules. The set of rules can be based on experience, type of switch and network, population size, etc.

In step 430, the process proceeds to step 500 as shown in Figures 2 and 6.

Figure 6 describes with step 510 how to prepare the content of the message such as speech, text and / or picture, as well as with a possible expected response. The message and its contents must be adapted to the recipient's terminal, such as a mobile phone or landline. 1 step 520 provides a system for logging and storing responses from recipient to received messages, the pen response can be exported for further processing or it can be matched against the original list, so that one can quality assure who one has established contact with and their specific responses. Examples of the type of response may be that the recipient is asked to press key 1 to hear the message again, key 2 for medical assistance, etc. 1 In step 530, the simultaneous message exchange is performed according to the plans that have been made. Broadcasting is done by sending message exchanges simultaneously to the extent that was initially defined. As the message is received and terminated by the individual recipient, new message exchanges are initiated continuously so that the defined number of simultaneous exchanges is maintained.

In step 540, the process proceeds to step 600 as shown in Figures 2 and 7,

Figure 7 describes how to detect the degree of switching load (s) in the selected geographic area as a result of the ongoing message exchange. Step 610 reads the RSO status for the individual switches, both fixed and / or mobile telephony. In step 620, it is clarified to what extent one should increase or decrease the number of simultaneous calls in progress as a consequence of the status of the load (congestion). This is a management and optimization of message exchange based on a set of rules. The purpose is to get information as quickly as possible distributed to the defined list of telephone numbers within a geographical area. As long as there are telephone numbers to be contacted, it is decided in step 630 whether further calling of telephone numbers should continue. If this is the case, the process will continue in step 530 as shown in Figure 6.

In step 640, the process as shown in step 700 of Figure 2 ends.

Figure 8 shows the progress of an alert. This may be, for example, during an exercise.

An alert of a population group in a selected geographical area shall be carried out over landline and / or mobile telephony based on the present invention.

A test is performed by sending out a number of simultaneous messages. The purpose is to uncover the load on the relevant switch. By reading the received RSO message, the ongoing communication load over the relevant switch is revealed. In this example, it is chosen to send out a number of messages, so-called initial value, which are based on experience and knowledge of the switch and the location. Alternatively, you can choose to send a lower or higher number of messages. By reading the RSO you discover the degree of load. For example, it may be necessary to perform several tests before initiating the actual message transmission.

Depending on the degree of load detected, you select the level of simultaneous number of messages to be broadcast. In this case, the initial number of messages, ie the initial value, is maintained.

The message broadcast takes place from defined priority chunks, ie, premium numbers. These numbers have priority over other numbers that might try to make a call over the designated switch.

As normal traffic is reduced by the end of calls, the corresponding number of messages sent at any time increases. The number increases up to the defined initial value of the number of broadcasts.

The degree of load (RSO) is read continuously. Depending on the changes or the level of the load, the number of messages sent at any time can be adjusted up or down. In this case, the number is adjusted down as it was revealed by RSO reading that the degree of load on the switch had increased.

The message transmission ends. A message transmission to a defined list of recipients has then been completed. Depending on the extent to which you have succeeded in getting in touch with all recipients, several calls may have been made to the numbers where you have not been able to establish contact. Finally, the status is summarized and, for example, the recipients that were unable to establish contact are transferred to. a new list for further processing.

The number of regular calls increases as the availability of the switch increases.

Depending on the development of the situation, the course of events described here can be carried out several times against the same recipients or against new recipients.

ΙΟ