System and method to notify a person of a traveler's estimated time of arrival
First Claim
1. A method for notifying a party of a traveler'"'"'s estimated time of arrival, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a navigation unit to the traveler, the navigation unit comprising an input, an output, a wireless communication device and a global positioning systems module;
b. providing a service center, the service center comprising a means for sending and receiving communications to and from the wireless communication device, a server capable of generating a preferred route of travel for the traveler, the preferred rout of travel comprising at least a plurality of points, and a traffic database capable of receiving current traffic information;
c. selecting a predetermined time and frequency of notifying the third party;
d. calculating an estimated time of arrival based upon a position of the traveler, a velocity of the traveler, a distance to be traveled, and a delay due to traffic; and
e. notifying a party of the estimated time of arrival.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method of calculating an estimated time of arrival for a traveler is provided, along with a notification of this estimated time that is sent to a third party. The traveler is equipped with a navigation unit having a global positioning sensor and a wireless communications device. The navigation unit communicates with a service center equipped with a server capable of generating a preferred navigational route for the traveler. The service center also includes a traffic database for maintaining current traffic information. Once the traveler has selected a predetermined time and frequency of notifications based upon a selected criterion, the navigation unit transmits the traveler'"'"'s position and velocity to the service center. The service center then calculates the estimated time of arrival based upon the traveler'"'"'s position, velocity, distance to be traveled and traffic and weather conditions. Once this time is calculated, the service center sends a notification to the third party.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for notifying a party of a traveler'"'"'s estimated time of arrival, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a navigation unit to the traveler, the navigation unit comprising an input, an output, a wireless communication device and a global positioning systems module;
b. providing a service center, the service center comprising a means for sending and receiving communications to and from the wireless communication device, a server capable of generating a preferred route of travel for the traveler, the preferred rout of travel comprising at least a plurality of points, and a traffic database capable of receiving current traffic information;
c. selecting a predetermined time and frequency of notifying the third party;
d. calculating an estimated time of arrival based upon a position of the traveler, a velocity of the traveler, a distance to be traveled, and a delay due to traffic; and
e. notifying a party of the estimated time of arrival. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6)
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3. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of generating a confirmation message, wherein the confirmation message indicates that the party has been notified.
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7. A system for notifying a party of a traveler'"'"'s estimated time of arrival comprising:
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a navigation unit, the navigation unit comprising;
i. a microcomputer;
ii. an input coupled to the microcomputer;
iii. an output coupled to the microcomputer;
iv. a wireless communication device coupled to the microcomputer; and
v. a global positioning systems module coupled to the microcomputer;
b. a service center, the service center comprising;
i. a means for sending and receiving communications to and from the wireless communication device coupled to the server;
ii. a server capable of generating a preferred route of travel for the traveler, the preferred route of travel comprising at least a plurality of points, and iii. a traffic database capable of receiving current traffic information;
wherein a traveler selects a predetermined time and frequency of notifying the party;
further wherein the server calculates an estimated time of arrival based upon a position of the traveler, a velocity of the traveler, a distance to be traveled, and a delay due to traffic; and
- View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification