System and method for an advance notification system for monitoring and reporting proximity of a vehicle

• US 20060206257A1
• Filed: 05/09/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shipping & Transit, LLC
• Original Assignee: Melvino Technologies Limited
• Inventors: Jones, Martin Kelly
• Granted Patent: US 7,400,970 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/201
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/14 specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2205/008 using a mobile telephone network
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0027 of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/123 indicating the position of vehicles, e.g. scheduled vehicles; Managing passenger vehicles circulating according to a fixed timetable, e.g. buses, trains, tramstransmission of navigation instructions to vehicles G08G1/0968
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/127 to a central station ; Indicators in a central station

Abstract

Generally, the present invention monitors and communicates travel data transmitted from vehicles being monitored by the system to users requesting travel information on a particular vehicle. A travel data storage unit receives and stores the travel data. When a user desires to view some or all of this travel data, the user submits a request to a data manager. In response, the data manager retrieves the appropriate information from the travel data stored in the travel data storage unit and transmits this information to the user. The data manager may communicate the information in a variety of mediums and preferably contact information is predefined that enables the data manager to determine which medium is preferable and how to establish communication once the medium is determined.

Claims

1. A computer based notification system, comprising:

means for enabling communication with a user;

means for presenting one or more selectable options to the user, the selectable options including at least an activation option for instigating monitoring of travel data;

means for requesting entry by the user of a package identification number or package delivery number, each pertaining to delivery of a package;

means for identifying a vehicle based upon the entry;

means for requesting entry by the user of contact information indicating one or more communication media to be used in connection with a notification communication;

means for monitoring the travel data; and

means for initiating the notification communication pertaining to the package via the one or more communication media, based upon the travel data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the presenting means further presents an option for instigating retrieval of travel data pertaining to a certain vehicle and an option for instigating modification of existing user defined preferences.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a means for prompting the user to enter travel data preferences pertaining to when the user wishes initiation of the notification communication in relation to the travel data.

4. A computer based notification system, comprising:

means for monitoring travel data associated with a plurality of mobile vehicles;

means for enabling communication with a user;

means for requesting entry of a vehicle identification number corresponding to a particular vehicle;

means for presenting one or more selectable options to the user, the selectable options including at least an option for requesting information pertaining to the particular vehicle, the information being a vehicle type, a number of vehicle stops that will be encountered while the vehicle is en route to a stop location, or both; and

means for initiating a notification communication pertaining to the vehicle, based upon the travel data.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a means for requesting entry by the user of contact information indicating one or more communication media to be used in connection with the notification communication.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the presenting means further presents an option for instigating retrieval of travel data pertaining to a certain vehicle and an option for instigating modification of existing user defined preferences.

7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a means for prompting the user to enter travel data preferences pertaining to when the user wishes initiation of the notification communication in relation to-the travel data.

8. A computer based notification system, comprising:

means for monitoring travel data associated with a plurality of mobile vehicles;

means for enabling communication with a user;

means for requesting entry of a stop identification number;

means for identifying a particular vehicle based upon the stop identification number;

means for presenting one or more selectable options to the user, the selectable options including at least an option for requesting information pertaining to the particular vehicle, the information being a vehicle type, a number of vehicle stops that will be encountered while the vehicle is en route to a stop location, or both; and

means for initiating a notification communication pertaining to the vehicle, based upon the travel data.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a means for requesting entry by the user of contact information indicating one or more communication media to be used in connection with the notification communication.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the presenting means further presents an option for instigating retrieval of travel data pertaining to a certain vehicle and an option for instigating modification of existing user defined preferences.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a means for prompting the user to enter travel data preferences pertaining to when the user wishes initiation of the notification communication in relation to the travel data.