Priority email alert system

• US 20070061403A1
• Filed: 09/15/2005
• Published: 03/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Stephen Seaburg
• Original Assignee: Stephen Seaburg
• Inventors: Seaburg, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US11/228,797
• Publication Number:
  US 20070061403A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/214 using selective forwarding
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/224 providing notification on incoming messages, e.g. pushed notifications of received messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/226 Delivery according to priorities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication

Abstract

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus for providing a priority email alert is presented. Email is received in a mail server. Using a priority method, the email is identified as a priority email. The email is then forwarded using a telephone line or a radio frequency interface to an end user. Using the radio frequency interface the email is forwarded to a television or a portable wireless device. The television and/or portable wireless device is then operated to generate a visual or audible alert. The alert notifies the end user that a priority email is available for viewing.

Claims

1. A method of processing priority messages comprising the steps of:

receiving an email in a computer;

identifying the email as a priority email;

transmitting via a first radio frequency interface connected to the computer;

receiving the email in an alerting device including a second radio frequency interface for receiving the email; and

alerting an end user in response to receiving the email in the alerting device.

2. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of identifying the email as a priority email is performed by identifying a senders address in the email.

3. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of identifying the email as a priority email is performed by identifying a priority code associated with the email.

4. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the alerting device is a television.

5. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the alerting device is a television remote.

6. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the alerting device is a portable wireless device.

7. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by illuminating an indicator on a television.

8. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying a message on a television.

9. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying an email on the television.

10. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by generating an audible sound with the television.

11. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by illuminating an indicator on a portable wireless device.

12. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying a message on a portable wireless device.

13. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying an email on a portable wireless device.

14. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying an email on a portable wireless device.

15. A method of processing priority messages as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of alerting is performed by displaying an email on a television remote.

16. A method of email alerting, comprising the steps of:

receiving an email;

identifying the email as a priority email;

identifying forwarding information by referencing a forwarding database; and

forwarding the email to the to an end user in response to identifying the forwarding information, the email causing a device to alert an end user.

17. A method of email alerting as set forth in claim 16 wherein the method is performed to alert a user of an email initiated in a different time zone.

18. A method of email alerting as set forth in claim 16 wherein the method is performed to alert a user of an event.

19. A method of email alerting as set forth in claim 16 wherein the method is initiated by an end user to alert the end user.

20. A method of email alerting comprising the steps of:

receiving a priority email through a radio frequency connection to a computer, the priority email generated by the computer configured to generate the priority email at a future time; and

alerting an end user in response to receiving the priority email.