Method for providing a proximity alert

• US 7,619,514 B1
• Filed: 01/19/2009
• Issued: 11/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard John Stone
• Original Assignee: Richard John Stone
• Inventors: Stone, Richard John
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Phung
• Application Number:
  US12/355,952
• Time in Patent Office: 302 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.13, 340/309.16, 340/686.6, 340/996, 340/988, 455/456.1, 455/457, 715/963
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3415 Dynamic re-routing, e.g. recalculating the route when the user deviates from calculated route or after detecting real-time traffic data or accidents
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3697 Output of additional, non-guidance related information, e.g. low fuel level G01C21/3679 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096827 where the route is computed onboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096844 where the complete route is dynamically recomputed based on new data

Abstract

A method for providing an alert when a user has entered a specified proximity to a desired location within a predetermined time window. The methods can include the steps of establishing a current location of a user, providing a time window for visiting a desired location, providing the name and coordinates of the desired location; and providing distance of notification, where an alert is issued once the user has entered the distance of notification from a desired location within the time wind established for that desired location.

Claims

1. A method for providing at least one alert to a user on proximity to a desired location within a time window, comprising the steps of:

a. establishing a current location of a user associated with a processor for tracking the location of the user;

b. providing at least one start time associated with at least one end time forming at least one time window; and

inputting the at least one time window into the processor;

c. entering coordinates of at least one desired location into the processor;

d. entering at least one name for each entered desired location into the processor;

e. entering at least one distance of notification into the processor of the user;

f. requesting an alert when the current location is within the distance of notification of the desired location using computer instructions in data storage associated with the processor for tracking the user; and

g. providing a response to the alert consisting of a member of the group, yes, no or cancel and when the response to the alert is “

no”

, providing an alert during subsequent time windows in chronology, when the desired location is within the distance of notification.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alerts are grouped by a topic, a category, a previously defined to do list, a previous used groups, or combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alerts are used for entertainment and the alert notifications are selected by a random selection generator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the alerts are grouped and the groups can be assigned different priority codes.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the priority codes are different audio decibel levels, different audio tunes, different flashing lights, different digital animations, or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the user forms a second time window that is either different from the first time window, or identical in duration to the first time window but for at least one different day, or identical in duration to the first time window but overlaps the first time window.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first time window is repeated at intervals defined by the user, at standardized intervals, or at intervals specified by a third party.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the alerts, the responses, or combinations thereof, are standardized messages.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein upon entry of the “

yes”

response, a route is planned using the processor, preprogrammed maps, and a global positioning system to the desired location'"'"'s coordinates and presented to the user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the user inputs a start location and an end location for the route, and alerts are provided along the route.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising a network, wherein the network comprises a satellite network, a cellular network, a local area network, a wide area network, a global communication network or combinations thereof.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the user subscribes to a customized alert system from specific vendors to provide private sales information.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is using a global positioning system for navigation.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein a third party offers alerts to a user when a facility of the third party is within the distance of notification.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the user subscribes to the third party offered alerts.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user receives compensation for subscribing to the third party offered alerts.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the third party offered alerts are advertising of a service or product.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the third party is a friend of the user and the alert enables friends to reconnect within the distance of notification.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein a wireless device of the user can be contacted by another digital device of the user, to provide alerts.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein a wireless device of the user is stationary, and then is contacted by a third party digital device and provides an alert when the third party moves into the distance of notification.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a hazard alert concerning a hazard from a third party digital notification system, and providing an alert to the user.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising using global positioning system to provide a detour route around the hazard indicated in the hazard alert.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the response is an audio response, a mechanical response, a visual response or combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a report of desired locations not visited.

25. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of entering a desired approaching direction so the alert will only issue if the approach to the desired location is from the desired approaching direction.